Master of Arts: Counseling - School Counseling

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from this program will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the various major theories of counseling and demonstrate skills in application of them.
  • Develop competency in creating and managing the counseling relationship, including counselor attitudes and behaviors that influence helping processes.
  • Develop awareness, knowledge and skills in addressing the needs of diverse populations.
  • Become versed in the major theories of career development and utilization of career assessment tools.
  • Apply an understanding of assessment process and techniques to the selection, administration and interpretation of assessment instruments.
  • Develop skills in the use of research to inform evidence-based practice.
  • Develop a professional identity as a counselor.
  • Develop knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the provision of group therapy.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in ethical practice and decision making.
  • Demonstrate knowledge in diagnostic systems.
  • Develop skills in preventive intervention and consultation.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of theories of human development, biological factors in human functioning and sociocultural influences on behavior.
  • Additional SLOs can be found in each specific emphasis area.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Counseling program at UMKC is to prepare students to meet the psychological, social/emotional and educational needs of people from diverse backgrounds.  Based on national and state standards for excellence in counselor preparation, the MA program in Counseling prepares students to be reflective, integrative practitioners who effectively use scholarship and research to successfully work as professional school counselors and licensed professional counselors in diverse settings. 

Overview of the M.A. in Counseling

The master's degree is the first professional degree in counseling. Graduates holding this degree will gain the basic understanding and skills necessary for professional practice as a certified school counselor and/or licensed professional counselor.  The program, which is primarily delivered in a face-to-face format with some online courses available, currently offers two emphasis areas leading to the M.A. degree: School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling.

The Counseling Program is accredited by the Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council. Both emphasis areas meet the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Missouri. Students pursuing licensure must complete the supervision requirements and pass the National Counselor Exam.  

Requirements for Admission

Alternative criteria may be accepted at the discretion of the admissions committee if there is good reason to believe the regular criteria do not adequately portray the student’s potential to do quality graduate work. Applicants may provide explanations for circumstances of not meeting the GPA criteria in the online application system.

  • Overall undergraduate 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
  • Personal statement detailing interest in and plans for counseling degree relevant to the chosen emphasis area
  • Three professional or academic letters of reference (not to include friends or family)
  • Note that meeting the minimum criteria for admissions will not guarantee admission to the program

Admission Procedures

Students who wish to apply to the program must submit all required materials through the electronic portal: futureroo.umkc.edu/apply

Students will be required to submit their (a) UMKC Application for Admission, (b) $45 (domestic) or $75 (international) non-refundable application fee, (c) official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended, and (d) relevant documentation for permanent residents, refugees, DACA students, etc. 

In addition, students must complete the MA in Counseling Application, submit three academic or professional letters of reference (not to include friends or family), submit a statement describing their professional and personal goals relevant to the chosen emphasis area, and participate in an interview.  Additional requirements may apply for international students. 

Please Note: we do not provide feedback to applicants about their application materials or on the interview process. Admission to UMKC does not guarantee admission to the Master of Arts in Counseling degree program.

Requirements for Graduation

Students must complete all courses in the M.A. program with a B or better (or credit) in all coursework.  Courses can only be repeated once. Up to two classes can be retaken.

Students must apply for graduation by the posted deadline during their final term of enrollment. All students must be enrolled during the term they intend to graduate.

For more specific information about the M.A. in Counseling see the website of Master of Arts in Counseling.

Degree Requirements

All students in the M.A. in Counseling take a common core of 33 credit hours of coursework. In addition, students take 12 hours of practicum and internship relevant to their emphasis area and complete additional coursework (15-18 credit hours) related to their selected emphasis area.

* Note: Only courses with an asterisk may be taken prior to being admitted to the program.
# Note: Course can be taken if officially admitted to a graduate degree program.

Required Core Courses (All Emphases)

CPCE 5500Introduction To Professional Counseling *3
CPCE 5503Diagnosing and Treatment Planning3
CPCE 5505Career Development I #3
CPCE 5513Lifespan Human Development *3
CPCE 5515Assessment Methods In Professional Counseling3
CPCE 5520Theories of Counseling3
CPCE 5530Skills for Counseling and Psychotherapy3
CPCE 5540Theories And Methods In Group Counseling3
CPCE 5551Counseling in a Pluralistic Society3
CPCE 5553Ethics And Professional Issues In Counseling3
EDUC-R&P 5508Principles And Methods Of Research *3
Total Core Requirement Hours33
Emphasis Area Requirements (See Specific Emphasis Areas for Details)27-30
Total Degree Credit Hours60-63

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Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from this program will:

  • Meet all SLOs common across the MA in Counseling, plus:
  • Implement a multiculturally and developmentally competent comprehensive school counseling program, while adhering to ethical, legal, and professional standards and school expectations and policies.
  • Design and deliver needs-driven, results-based school counseling core curriculum units that facilitate students' academic, career and/or social-emotional development.
  • Use, analyze and report on student-focused, data-driven interventions and identified program changes that improve student achievement, career and social-emotional development.
  • Reflect on learning across all areas of a comprehensive school counseling program, including personal philosophy and professional practice.
  • Integrate research and professional development into school counseling practice.
  • Employ current school counseling theory and standards to evaluate their own professional practices.
  • Utilize theoretical frameworks of school leadership and advocacy to develop and manage a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program promoting a positive, inclusive school climate and culture for all.

Overview of the School Counseling Emphasis Area

In addition for meeting the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Missouri, the school counseling emphasis area also leads to eligibility for certification as a school counselor in Missouri. Eligibility for school counselor certification is based on meeting the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)’s certification requirements, including grade point average and passing scores on all required assessments and exams. Students receiving certification as a school counselor are certified to work in all levels of K-12 education (e.g., elementary, middle, high school). Several students also go on for advanced degrees.  Students interested in pursuing licensure or certification in other states should consult the specific states for those requirements.

School Counseling Emphasis Area Requirements

Core Coursework Required for the MA in Counseling Degree:33
Coursework Required of All School Counseling Students:
CPCE 5502Fndtns Of Elementary & Secondary School Counseling3
CPCE 5504School Counseling Programs3
CPCE 5550Organization And Administration Of Counseling Programs3
TCH-ED 5404Education of the Exceptional Child and Youth (or an Approved 3 Credit Hour Elective) 13
Coursework Required for Students who Hold a Teaching Certification:3
3 Credit Hours of Approved Electives
OR Coursework Required of Students who Do Not Hold a Teaching Certification:6
EDUC-C&I 5512
Strategies For Effective Classroom Management
EDUC-C&I 5517
Teaching Methods And Practices
Practicum and Internship (Required of All School Counseling Students):
Take the following course 2 times:6
CPCE 5535
School Counseling Practicum
Take the following course 2 times:6
CPCE 5576
School Counseling Internship
Total Hours: School Counseling Emphasis27-30
Total Degree Hours: MA in Counseling-School Counseling Emphasis60-63
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TCH-ED 5404 may be substituted for an approved elective course for students who have teacher certification and have previously taken an equivalent