Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling - New Hybrid Learning Option

The Hybrid MEd in Counseling program is a new pathway designed to operate alongside our existing in-person MEd program. It provides the same high-quality preparation for aspiring Mental Health and School Counselors but offers greater flexibility, combining online learning with low-residency in-person components.

The Hybrid MEd program offers a flexible blend of online coursework and low-residency requirements. The Hybrid MEd program is an excellent option for students seeking a high-quality education in a flexible format, while still benefiting from the same resources, faculty, and accreditation as the on-campus program.

While both programs share the same rigorous curriculum and academic standards, the hybrid format provides:

• Flexible Learning Options: Complete most coursework online, allowing for greater adaptability to your schedule.
• Low-Residency Sessions: Participate in focused, low-residency on-campus sessions once each term to engage with peers and faculty in a collaborative environment.
• Accessibility: Ideal for students who cannot relocate or commute regularly to campus.

Both the Hybrid and in-person MEd programs share several key features:

• Same Cost: Tuition and fees are identical for both programs.
• Shared Faculty Expertise: Core faculty teach across both programs, ensuring consistent academic quality.
• Comprehensive Student Services: All students, regardless of program format, have access to the university’s library, counseling, health and wellness services, and career and employment support.
• CACREP Accreditation: Both programs are fully accredited by CACREP, reflecting their commitment to excellence in counselor education.
• Clinical Placement Support: Dedicated resources are available to assist students in securing clinical placements, a critical component of their training.

The Hybrid MEd program is best suited for students who:

• Require more scheduling flexibility due to work, family, or geographic constraints.
• Prefer a combination of self-paced and interactive online learning.
• Would find it challenging to attend a fully in-person program while pursuing graduate studies.

The hybrid model integrates:

• Online Learning: Most lectures, discussions, and assignments will be conducted online through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous activities through a robust learning management system (LMS).
• In-Person Components: In-person, three-day-long weekend sessions are required once each term on predetermined dates. These sessions focus on practical training, skills development, networking, relationship-building, and assessments.

Yes! The University of Puget Sound's MEd Program is fully CACREP-accredited. This includes both our on-campus and hybrid programs. This ensures the same rigorous educational quality and credibility; the primary difference is the mode of delivery.

Faculty are committed to providing comprehensive support in the hybrid program through:

• Office hours held virtually or in person, based on student needs.
• Opportunities to engage directly with faculty.
• Encourage and support students interested in developing conference proposals.
• Encourage and support students interested in research opportunities.
• Real-time interaction during live online sessions.

Faculty also have extensive experience and training in online education, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and guidance throughout the program.

Under certain circumstances, it may be possible to transfer to on-campus learning. These transfers are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the university. For more details, inquire about our transfer policy during the application process.

Your practicum and internship experiences will be completed at sites within Washington state. Sites are carefully selected to provide the best possible clinical experiences. Your site might be at a physical location or possibly a virtual site, offering flexibility and valuable learning opportunities in a variety of settings.

Students in the hybrid program will need:

• A reliable computer or laptop capable of running the LMS and video conferencing platforms.
• High-speed internet access for streaming synchronous class sessions and participating in discussions.
• A webcam and microphone.

Specific technology requirements will be shared during the application and onboarding process.

The Hybrid MEd program will launch in late August, 2026.

Applications for the Hybrid MEd program will follow the same process as the in-person MEd program, including:

• Submission of a completed application form.
• Documentation such as transcripts and letters of recommendation.
• Completion of a personal statement outlining your goals and interest in the program.
• Submission of a brief statement describing how learning in a hybrid environment is a good fit for your skills, habits, and lifestyle.
• Participation in a 90-minute group interview.

Space is limited. Apply early through our application portal:

Apply now