The introduction of the two-year Master’s in School Counseling program is driven by its potential to bring meaningful change to the educational system. Rather than relying on a reactive, position-specific approach, this program promotes a proactive, comprehensive model that integrates counseling throughout the entire school environment. It draws from Eastern wisdom and traditional practices, ensuring the methods are relevant and responsive to Nepal’s unique educational context.

The program is designed to empower counselors to develop and deliver inclusive services that support all members of the school community. It emphasizes the importance of socio-emotional well-being as a key component of both academic performance and career readiness. By addressing mental health and psychosocial challenges within the school setting, the program aims to enhance student achievement, build emotional resilience, and encourage positive contributions to society.

Key Features of the Program

The two-year Master’s in School Counseling is designed to prepare competent and contextually aware professionals. It incorporates several core elements to ensure graduates are well-equipped for real-life counseling roles.

This program follows a need-responsive framework, addressing the unique educational and emotional needs of diverse learners. It emphasizes hands-on, skill-oriented training, enabling students to gain practical experience essential for effective counseling. Through case-based learning, participants apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges, enhancing critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Recognizing Nepal’s rich cultural diversity, the curriculum is culturally adaptive and contextually grounded, preparing counselors to work sensitively across different communities. The program maintains a comprehensive focus on prevention, intervention, and development, enabling graduates to support students across all levels of need. Furthermore, by promoting reflective and contemplative practices, it encourages self-awareness, professional integrity, and continuous personal growth.

Structure of the Program

The two-year M Ed in school counseling program has four semesters. The program is of 54 credit hours (57 for non-general psychology background). There are 2 core courses of 6 Cr, 11/ 12 specialization courses of 33/36 Cr, 2 elective courses of 6 Cr and 3 practical courses of 9 Cr.

Entry requirements

For enrolment in two-year M Ed in School Counseling, the candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (B. Ed/BA/B. Sc and others) or any equivalent degree recognized by Kathmandu University with second division or CGPA 2.5/4 in aggregate.

(Note: B Ed/BA/B. Sc and others majoring Psychology is preferred. Those without 3 credit Bachelor’s course on general psychology needs to take an extra 3 credit course on it).

Courses

The taught courses have been divided mainly into three categories: Core courses, specialization and elective. Core courses are common to all M Ed students. Specialization courses have been designed to develop conceptual understanding of key domains (academic, career, and personal) in educational institutes with a view to develop professionalism among the graduates in the areas of school counseling. Internship and research projects are the practical courses. The details of the courses are given in the following table.

Core Courses (6 Credit Hours)

Specialization Courses (33/36 Credit Hours)

Elective Courses (Choose Any Two – 6 Credit Hours)

Practical Courses (9 Credit Hours)

* Students who do not possess a three-credit Bachelor's course in general psychology are required to enroll in an additional three-credit course focused on the subject. Conversely, those who have already completed a three-credit general psychology course are exempt from this requirement.