Educational Counseling
Master's degree in the Educational Counseling program
Head of program: Dr. Nir Madjer
The Educational Counseling program at Bar-Ilan University is offered as a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and PhD in a variety of tracks. Our academic faculty members are renowned researchers in their respective fields who deal with a wide range of subjects and offer a comprehensive and enriching curriculum.
Our program sets out to expand students' theoretical and applied knowledge in the educational counseling field, including the central principles of educational counseling. Students cultivate the expertise needed to carry out research while developing critical thinking skills needed to review research in order to advance proper assessment and work of educational counselors in the field. Emphasis is placed on understanding existing processes alongside practical information and skill in order to instill change on individual, familial, organizational, social, and educational levels.
Study Program
Studies include theoretical and research studies alongside vocational training and practical experience. The curriculum and days of study vary from track to track and are detailed below. In addition to the studies in the Educational Counseling program, students are required to meet the basic requirements in Jewish and English studies, as detailed on the website of the M.A. committee.
As part of our program, it is very important that as part of the qualification process, students also participate in experiential courses and joint workshops. Alongside the acquisition of relevant information, these unique meetings invite students to undergo a significant process, as part of the consolidation of their professional identity and development of their professional skills. The curriculum is based on the approach that counselors are required to have meaningful contact with the child's self and needs, his parents, and the staff at the school. Graduates are qualified for meaningful counseling work based on evidence and anchored in empirical research.
Studies are spread over two consecutive years. For students in Track A (thesis track), another year is given for writing the research paper. The curriculum is structured and students must study a full course of study and meet all the study requirements in each of the consecutive years of study.
To view the study program curriculum for the 2019-2020 academic school year (1st year) (Hebrew), click here
To view the study program curriculum for the 2019-2020 academic school year (2nd year) (Hebrew), click here
Study Tracks
Track A: Master's degree with thesis
Track A is intended for students interested in obtaining a master's degree (M.A.) in the Educational Counseling program, including written research work (thesis) as part of the curriculum. Studies include theoretical knowledge and professional skills alongside academic and research development. The studies in the program are designed to enable combining a job with the continuing academic studies in general and studies for receiving a doctorate in particular.
The theoretical studies in this track are 22 hours per year, spread over one day a week for two consecutive years, including the summer semester during July. Additionally, experiential work is required in schools (excluding the student's workplace) during the two years of study (September-June). After the completion of the theoretical studies, students are given an additional (third) year to submit their thesis.
Students who are not bachelor's degree graduates of the Educational Counseling program at Bar-Ilan University must take completion courses which are subject to the study program from which the applicant graduated (see the following list of completion courses).
The curriculum and study days for the 2020-2021 academic school year are subject to change.
Track B: Master's degree without a thesis
Track B is intended for students who wish to obtain a master's degree (M.A.) without writing a thesis. Studies include theoretical knowledge and professional skills, and participation in research courses. Students studying in this track are required to pass a final examination on material to be determined by the M.A. Committee of the School of Education.
The theoretical studies in this track are 28 hours per year, spread over a one day per week for two consecutive years, including the summer semester during July. Additionally, experiential work is required in schools (excluding the student's workplace) during the two years of study (September-June).
Students who are not bachelor's degree graduates of the Educational Counseling program at Bar-Ilan University must take completion courses which are subject to the study program from which the applicant graduated. The completion course will be decided by the head of program during the application process (see the following list of completion courses).
The curriculum and study days for the 2019-2020 academic school year are subject to change.
Fieldwork experience (for both tracks)
Fieldwork experience in both years of study constitutes an integral part of the degree curriculum and includes two stages:
Stage 1 – In the first year of studies, each student accompanies an Educational Counselor in a school for one day a week (5 hours) for the whole school year (August-June). The fieldwork is accompanied by a practicum course (Practicum A) and meetings with the Fieldwork Coordinator.
Stage 2 – In the second year of studies, each student accompanies an Educational Counselor in a school for one day a week (5 hours) for the whole school year (August-June). During this year, students take part in individual and group counseling interventions. The fieldwork is accompanied by a practicum course (Practicum B) and meetings with the Fieldwork Coordinator.
Fieldwork hours are in addition to course hours. In the second year, most students can combine the study days with the fieldwork day to two days a week only. Please note that it is not possible to complete fieldwork hours in the student's place of work.
Fieldwork starts at the beginning of the school year (end of August).
Application process
Application for a master's degree in the Educational Counseling program is subject to the following conditions:
1. Applicants must be bachelor's degree graduates with an average grade of 87 or higher
2. Applicants must provide two recommendations, in the format required (see below), and sent directly by the recommenders
3. Applicants must fill out the online questionnaire for candidates
Registration is open to those with a bachelor's degree in any field. The qualification of candidates will determine the level of suitability to the degree program.
Students who have a bachelor's degree in Educational Counseling or studies in similar fields will be given preference, and preference will be given to students with experience in education and work with children, adolescents, adolescents or young adults.
Students who do not hold a bachelor's degree in Educational Counseling from Bar-Ilan University will be required to complete completion courses in accordance to the courses taught in the undergraduate degree program (see list of completion courses below).
Application process
- Applicants must register through the online registration form
After registering, the following documents must be sent to the M.A. Committee office:
- Graduation certificate – official and original (should include the stamp of the accredited university or establishment, signature, and establishment logo)
- An updated curriculum vida (CV)
- Photograph of Israeli identity card (Te'udat Zehut)
Address: M.A. Admissions Committee, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002
- Two recommendations must be sent – a letter of recommendation from an employer and an academic recommendation (students who completed their degree requirements beyond the two year period can instead submit two letters of recommendation letters from an employer).
- Academic recommendation form (Hebrew) - Recommendations from a lecturer in an academic course (preferably a seminar course)
- Letter of recommendation from an employer (Hebrew) - Recommendation from a professional who knows the candidate from field experience.
The recommendations must arrive at the School of Education, the secretariat for M.A. studies directly from the person providing the recommendation and not from the applicant and in one of the following formats:
Email: Toar2.Edu@biu.ac.il
Fax: 03-738-4123
Mail: Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, School of Education, M.A. studies
(Applicants must note their personal details on the back of the recommendation forms which the recommenders fill out)
- Applicants must fill out a personal information questionnaire. Instructions on how to fill out the questionnaire can be found here. After reading the instructions, applicants can fill out the questionnaire.
Teaching certification does not constitute a condition for admission. It is important to note that educational counselors who wish to work in the education system are required to have a master's degree and teacher's certification.
Students studying for a master's degree in the Educational Counseling program can study toward teaching certification at Bar-Ilan University, in a tailored program (in accordance with the requirements of the Teacher Education program). Applicants who are interested in completing a teaching certification and studying for a master's degree can receive additional information here.
Admission to the program is based on the candidate's credentials, including previous achievements, the candidate's responses to the personal questionnaire, recommendations, previous experience, and one or more interviews as required. Only candidates who are found to be relatively likely to be accepted on the basis of their credentials will be invited to interviews.
Completion Courses
Candidates who are accepted and do not hold a bachelor's degree in Educational Counseling from Bar-Ilan University will be required to take completion courses, as required and in accordance with the courses taught in their undergraduate degree program. In the event that a student is required to take a completion course in which she/he believes she\he should receive an exemption, he may file an exemption request until September before the start of the academic school year (details through the study program secretary). Completion of all the requirements for completion courses in the first year and an average grade of 76% constitutes a condition for the continuation of studies into the second year.
The following is a list of completion courses:
Course number Name of the course
77-322 Basic skills in an interview
77-304 Introduction to Educational Counseling
The completion course hours are on the same days and can be combined with study courses in the degree.
Additional information about registration and studies can be found at the secretary for M.A. studies in the School of Education:
Building 905, 3rd floor, rooms 301-304
Tel: 03-5318456
Fax: 03-7384123
Calling hours are Sunday-Thursday 10:30-11:30 and 13:30-14:30
Reception hours are on Sundays and Wednesdays between 11:30-14:00 and Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30-10:30
On Tuesdays there is no reception
Student counselor: Sharon.Haklay@biu.ac.il
E-mail of head of program: Dr. Nir Madjar nir.madjar@biu.ac.il
Last Updated Date : 28/09/2022
