Industry Growth
Employment of school and career counselors/advisors is expected to increase by 10% by 2031, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.
With dual master's degrees in counselor education and human sexuality studies (MEds), you'll gain the knowledge to lead as a dynamic professional school counselor and empathetic educator of human sexuality.
We are not currently accepting applications for the human sexuality studies and counselor education dual MEd degree program. If you are interested in receiving information if applications re-open, please submit the request information form.
Dual Master's Degrees
Hybrid (Online & On Campus)
71
3 Years
In our dual master's degree program in professional school counselor education and human sexuality studies (MEd), you'll hone specialized skills that will ignite your future as an empathetic educator, professional school counselor, and sexuality professional.
Most of our classes are scheduled on weekends and evenings with working adults in mind, so you'll be able to keep your current job during your studies. You'll work collaboratively with community educators, teachers, therapists, clinicians, and writers to develop skills in areas including:
Then, put your knowledge to work through faculty-supervised field experiences. We'll help you find the right place to share your sexualities expertise and support student health and wellness.
You'll graduate prepared to meet requirements to become certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists and excel in the field of human sexuality education.
Your training in counselor education and human sexuality studies takes place over three years, and covers a wide variety of student interests and goals:
Courses for the professional school counselor education program are fully synchronous online while the human sexuality program has both in person and online courses.
View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements.
Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification to teach. It is the student’s responsibility to seek appropriate guidance before beginning any academic program. If you intend to seek certification outside of Pennsylvania, the University recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing agency to obtain specific licensure/certification requirements per state and the most up-to-date information.
Visit the counselor education page for more information.
Our curriculum puts you on the right track to meeting the requirements for certification by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).
Widener University is an AASECT-approved continuing education provider for human sexuality studies. Earning certification from AASECT is an essential milestone in your professional journey, validating that you have met rigorous training and experiential requirements. AASECT provides certification for sexuality educators, sexuality counselors, sex therapists, and supervisors. For healthcare and human service professionals, certification is widely recognized as a fundamental prerequisite for practice.
Employment of school and career counselors/advisors is expected to increase by 10% by 2031, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.
Our education emphasizes practical experience, so you'll complete a practicum requirement that applies your classroom knowledge to real-world clients, students, and organizations. We'll help you find the best placement to fit your career goals and personal needs, and a faculty member will supervise and mentor you throughout your placement.
In addition to your field education, the Center for Human Sexuality Studies operates the Interdisciplinary Sexuality Research Collaborative (ISRC), where you can assist in applying research to shape innovation in sexuality education. You'll also find a plethora of research material in the library's Sexuality Archives that will aid in independent research projects.
Here, you'll find welcoming faculty mentors committed to equity, inclusion, diversity, and social justice. Our faculty are highly-skilled practitioners and educators who can be found influencing policy, conducting de-stigmatizing sexuality research, and performing at our latest drag brunch. They're passionate about your personal success and provide mentorship, feedback, and support during your studies and even after graduation.
In addition to fostering relationships with faculty mentors, you'll build bonds with driven classmates and accomplished alumni by attending events, joining discussions, and participating in various clubs and organizations, including Gamma Eta Rho - A National Honor Society in Human Sexuality, Human Sexuality Education Student Organization, and more.
Recognized for top quality teaching and successful outcomes.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year for a fall semester start.
You must apply separately to the Counselor Education Program in the Center for Education and the Human Sexuality Studies Program in the Center for Human Sexuality Studies and submit separate supporting documents, although transcripts can be shared.
Be sure to follow the separate application procedures required by both programs.
Personal Statement
Please explain why you wish to do graduate work in the field you have selected with particular emphasis on your proposed area of specialization. Please limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page. The admissions committee will assess the personal statement for content and quality of writing.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013
501 E. 13th Street
Room 104