Sexuality counselor listens to her patient.
Dual Degree Program

Master's Degree in Counselor Education and Human Sexuality (MEd)

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.

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We Are Not Currently Accepting Applications

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.

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At a Glance

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Offered as

Dual Master's Degrees

Format

Hybrid (Online & On Campus)

Credits

71

Avg. Time to Completion

3 Years

College/School
Affiliation
Campus Location
  • Chester, PA

On This Page

Explore the Human Sexuality Studies & School Counseling (MEd) Program

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:

  • Social justice education
  • Research methodologies
  • Curriculum development & teaching strategies
  • Clinical research
  • Assessment and intervention
  • Culturally-appropriate program design

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.

Counselor Education and Human Sexuality (MEd) Program Information

Your training in counselor education and human sexuality studies takes place over three years, and covers a wide variety of student interests and goals:

  • Year 1: Basic counseling practices, theories, and ethics, plus an introduction to human sexuality studies including behavioral foundations and relationships across the lifespan
  • Year 2: Research applications, field experience, and teaching sensitive issues in human sexuality
  • Year 3: Internships, practica, and cross-cultural perspectives

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.

Certification/Licensure to Teach

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.

AASECT Certification

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.

Learn more about earning your AASECT certification.

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Counselor Education and Human Sexuality Professionals

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.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Potential Careers

  • Sexual health educator
  • P-K 12 counselor
  • Clinical sexologist/sex therapist
  • Policy advocate
  • Career counselor

Why Study Counselor Education & Human Sexuality at Widener?

School counselor speaking to a student in an office

Learn Beyond the Classroom

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.

Faculty member mentoring student at table with open book

Connect With Committed & Engaged Faculty

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.

SAGA Club Students

Expand & Strengthen Your Professional Network

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.

Program Highlights

Colleges of Distinction Education Logo 2023-2024

College of Distinction for Education

Recognized for top quality teaching and successful outcomes.

Source: Colleges of Distinction

Admissions & Aid

Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!

Admissions Information

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year for a fall semester start.

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher at the bachelor’s level
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Complete Widener online application
  • $35 application fee
  • Resume
  • Professional Goals Statements
  • Human Sexuality Studies Personal Statement
  • Counselor Education Personal Statement (see below)
  • Letters of recommendation are required for this program:
    • Professional School Counselor Education Program: 2 letters of recommendation
    • Human Sexuality Program: 3 letters of recommendation (2 academic and 1 professional/volunteer)
  • Official transcripts from all completed undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Personal or group interview (scheduled after receipt and review of completed application)

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.

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.

How to Apply as a Graduate International Student

  • Complete your online application
  • Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
  • Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
  • If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States

Learn more about applying as an international student

Financial Aid

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:

  • Must demonstrate financial need
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student

Paths to Savings

85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid

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.

Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student

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.

COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA 

Graduate Assistantships

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.

Widener Scholarships

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.

Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement

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.

Explore Our Employer Partnerships

20% Discount for Widener Alumni

(some restrictions apply)

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%.

Learn more about qualifying for an alumni discount