New School Counseling Program Launched at ORU

Masters Program Will Address Critical Shortage of School Counselors

The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA) Commission has officially approved Oral Roberts University’s (ORU) Master of Education School Counselor program. The program adheres to the standards for school counselor education outlined by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). The University’s adaptation of the ASCA model emphasizes attention to the spirit, soul, and body of degree candidates. ORU's new masters program will start this fall.

“Preparing school counselors to effectively lead and serve students is a priority for ORU,” said ORU President Dr. William M. Wilson. “The Commission’s approval is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty and staff in developing a foundational and comprehensive program.”

Critical Shortage of School Counselors

According to a recent article in Campus Safety magazine, 60% of K-12 school leaders cited mental health issues as the greatest school safety obstacle they were currently encountering. This was due in part to a lack of mental health professionals. More than 50% felt ill-equipped to assist students with their mental health challenges.

“Data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, Oklahoma had a 398:1 counselor-to-student ratio,” said Dr. Kim Boyd, ORU’s Dean of the College of Education. “The American School Counselor Association recommends a 250:1 ratio. ORU’s College of Education seeks to address Oklahoma’s critical shortage of school counselors by graduating students who are not only prepared to address student needs but are transformed educators themselves.”

Contributing to the Academic and Emotional Well-Being of Students

ORU's Graduate School of Education utilizes a holistic and transformational approach to the professional development of degree candidates. It is designed to equip future counselors with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the diverse needs of students in today's educational landscape. Through a combination of coursework, practical experience, and mentorship, graduates will be prepared to make meaningful contributions to the academic and emotional well-being of students. They will also be equipped as Spirit-empowered leaders prepared to make an impact in the world.

“As a leader guided by the Holy Spirit,” said Philida Ignacio, Doctoral Candidate, Education Leadership, “the ORU College of Education has instilled a holistic and biblical worldview within me. I’m inspired to strive for personal growth and to empower those I engage with while steadfastly upholding biblical truths amidst the evolving educational environment.”

Prospective students interested in pursuing a career in school counseling at ORU are encouraged to explore the offerings for ORU’s new Master of Education in School Counseling program.

Oral Robert University

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 152 nations in the last four years to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.