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School Counseling Specialization

A Specialization Within the Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling

Masters

Empower students. Shape futures. Transform schools from the inside out.

The School Counseling specialization is one of the focused tracks offered within our MEd in Counseling degree – designed for educators and helping professionals called to guide K–12 students through the personal, social, academic, and career challenges that shape their lives.

If you’re passionate about student advocacy, developmental support, and building healthier school communities, this specialization equips you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to make a lasting difference in elementary, middle, and high school settings.

What You’ll Learn

Built on the strong foundation of the MEd in Counseling curriculum, the School Counseling specialization prepares you to design and deliver comprehensive school counseling programs grounded in nationally recognized frameworks, including:

• The ASCA National Model (American School Counselor Association)
• The Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Model

Our faculty will prepare you to address the personal, social, educational, and career development needs of every student – so you graduate ready to lead a comprehensive, data-informed counseling program on day one.

A Program You Can Trust

Our School Counseling program is approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) – ensuring your degree meets the state’s rigorous standards for school counselor certification.

Where Your Degree Can Take You

Graduates of our School Counseling Specialization are prepared to serve students and families in a variety of educational settings, including:

• Elementary schools
• Middle schools
• High schools
• Public and private K–12 institutions across Missouri and beyond

We currently offer multiple plans of study that give students the unique opportunity to become eligible for certification as a school counselor AND licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri – an uncommon dual-credential pathway that expands your career flexibility.

A Proven Track Record of Placement

Our program is well-known for producing competent, confident, and career-ready school counselors.

• 90%+ placement rate among graduates
• Several recent graduates were hired for school counseling positions prior to graduation

When schools need counselors they can trust, they turn to our alumni.

Curriculum Overview

Concentration in School Counseling

Full-Time, 2-Year, 45 Credit Plan of Study

Credit Summary:

• Year 1 Total: 24 credits (Fall: 9, Spring: 9, Summer: 6)
• Year 2 Total: 24 credits (Fall: 9, Spring: 9, Summer: 6)
• Total Degree Credits: 45 Credit Hours

Part-Time, 3-Year, 45 Credit Plan of Study

Credit Summary:

• Year 1 Total: 18 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6, Summer: 6)
• Year 2 Total: 18 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6, Summer: 6)
• Year 3 Total: 12 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6)
• Total Degree Credits: 45 Credit Hours

Full-Time, 3-Year, 60 Credit Hour Plan of Study

Graduates of this degree plan area are eligible for certification as a school counselor in the State of Missouri

Credit Summary:

• Year 1 Total: 24 credits (Fall: 9, Spring: 9, Summer: 6)
• Year 2 Total: 24 credits (Fall: 9, Spring: 9, Summer: 6)
• Year 3 Total: 12 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6)
• Total Degree Credits: 60 Credit Hours

Part-Time, 4-Year, 60 Credit Hour Plan of Study

Graduates of this degree plan area are eligible for certification as a school counselor in the State of Missouri. 

Credit Summary:

• Year 1 Total: 18 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6, Summer: 6)
• Year 2 Total: 18 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6, Summer: 6)
• Year 3 Total: 18 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6)
• Year 4 Total: 12 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6)
• Total Degree Credits: 60 Credit Hours

Full-Time, 3-Year, 60 Credit Hour, Dual Credential Plan of Study

This plan of study prepares you for both certification as a school counselor and licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri.

Credit Summary:

• Year 1 Total: 24 credits (Fall: 9, Spring: 9, Summer: 6)
• Year 2 Total: 24 credits (Fall: 9, Spring: 9, Summer: 6)
• Year 3 Total: 15 credits (Fall: 9, Spring: 6)
• Total Degree Credits: 60 Credit Hours

Part-Time, 4-Year, 60 Credit Hour, Dual Certification Plan of Study

This plan of study prepares you for both certification as a school counselor and licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Missouri.

Credit Summary:

• Year 1 Total: 18 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6, Summer: 6)
• Year 2 Total: 18 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6, Summer: 6)
• Year 3 Total: 18 credits (Fall: 12, Spring: 6)
• Year 4 Total: 12 credits (Fall: 6, Spring: 6)
• Total Degree Credits: 60 Credit Hours

Post-Graduate Certification for School Counseling

Already hold a master’s degree in school counseling? Our Post-Graduate Certification for School Counseling pathway is designed for professionals who have completed a school counseling master’s program and are either:

1. Seeking certification in a different grade-level area than their original certification, or
2. Seeking school counselor certification for the first time

How the Pathway Works

For those adding a grade-level certification: Certification consists of completing a practicum course while gaining supervised practice hours in the new grade-level area for which additional certification is sought.

For those seeking first-time certification: If the applicant completed a school counseling program but never became certified, the program director will review the transcript and outline an individualized plan of study covering the coursework required to meet current certification standards.

Important Notes

Post-Graduate Certification students are considered non-degree-seeking students, so federal financial aid is not available for this pathway.

If more than five years have passed since original coursework was completed, students may be required to retake courses as well as field experience courses (practicum and internships).

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