Supporting Our Local Schools
FGCU Grads Helping Address Counselor Shortages
FGCU is combating the school counselor shortage by preparing students to serve on the front lines of student wellness.
The College of Education’s master’s degree in school counseling has doubled its number of graduates since launching in 1997. The program has embraced bold, student-centered innovation to equip graduates for real-world for success by combining classroom instruction, practical experience and mentorship.
In only a few years, the program has shifted to a complete virtual, synchronous format, making it accessible to aspiring school counselors across the state. It also has streamlined coursework from three years to two years, allowing skilled professionals to enter the workforce more quickly to meet the urgent need.
The department faculty is proud to lead the way in expanding opportunities, boosting the pipeline and ensuring every Florida student has access to the support they deserve.
“The need is urgent,” said Ann Tilman, an FGCU assistant professor of school counseling. “We’re not only training students to become school counselors. We’re preparing them to be leaders, advocates and mental health responders.”
The American School Counselor Association recommends a ratio of 250 students per school counselor. In Florida, the average ratio was 432 students to one school counselor in 2023-24.