Building a more equitable education system requires educators who are specifically trained to understand and address the needs of underserved populations. In response, Loyola’s MEd in School Counseling program is preparing a new generation of students to become effective, equity-minded leaders in school counseling.

A values-based education

At the core of Loyola’s School Counseling program is a deep commitment to social justice. The curriculum focuses on preparing students to recognize and respond to structural inequities in education with inclusive solutions that foster lasting change.

For Loyola alumna Samantha Nieto (MEd ’18), this mission made all the difference. “Loyola stood out to me because of the equity piece and its emphasis on social justice. I was very pleasantly surprised that it showed up in every single class that I took,” says Nieto, who now serves as a professional school counselor at LaSalle Language Academy and as an adjunct instructor at Loyola.

The program’s emphasis on social justice is not just limited to the classroom––it’s a cornerstone of its identity and culture. “One of the things that I think is really wonderful about our program is that we have faculty who are leading scholars in anti-racism, in social justice advocacy, in culturally responsive career development,” says Loyola Professor and Program Co-Chair Matthew Miller. At the same time, “we bring in these amazing students who are really equity minded in a way that's grounded in the real world.”

Student-centered learning

Led by faculty with extensive experience in school counseling, the program offers a supportive learning environment that emphasizes real-world skills and mentored research opportunities. “One of the things I've appreciated most about this program is working with faculty who are student-centered. It’s more of a collaboration than a typical student-professor dynamic,” said program alumna Isabella Schaps (’23).

At the same time, the program’s flexible structure ensures that students are able to balance their education with other obligations. “I truly don't think other programs offer the same flexibility that I've experienced here. Not everyone can just go to school while balancing internships, jobs, and other responsibilities,” said Schaps. “Faculty and staff were really willing to meet me where I’m at.”

Gaining real-world experience

As part of their studies, students complete 700 hours in clinical training through an internship or practicum, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom in real-world settings. “The classes give you a foundation, but the real learning is happening during that internship year,” explains Miller.

Loyola’s strong partnerships with public and private schools across the Chicago area open doors for students to gain hands-on experience—and often lead to job offers. “When I was looking for an internship and putting my application out there, a lot of people responded because they saw I was with Loyola. They wanted me as their intern,” Nieto said.

Prepared to make an impact

Upon graduation, students are well positioned to not only build a successful career as a school counselor, but also to affect positive change in our educational systems. “Loyola gives you the tools and resources you need to be able to create meaningful change, not just in the program, but throughout your career,” says Schaps.

Miller agrees: “If you are looking for an experience that will prepare you to make a real-world impact and address some of the pressing social issues facing kids and families we see today, we offer that.

To learn more about Loyola’s MEd in School Counseling program, visit our website or contact Elizabeth Vera, Professor and Co-Program Chair for Counseling Psychology, with questions.