Master of Arts: Counseling

The MA in Counseling prepares students to become reflective, competent counseling practitioners who use research to inform their work with diverse students and clients.  The program prepares counselors who are eligible for state licensure as professional counselors or certification as school counselors.  

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling include completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours (45 core credits, plus 15 credits in one of three emphasis areas).  All coursework must be at the 5500 level or above and students must maintain a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, including earning at least a grade of B or better or Credit (CR) in each class on the program of study.

Up to twenty percent (i.e., 12 credits) of resident graduate coursework may be transferred from other accredited universities' graduate programs. A maximum of 49 percent of acceptable graduate work (29 credits) may be transferred from other campuses of the University of Missouri. Only courses that earned a grade of B (or Credit) or better are able to be transferred.  Credits are transferred only with the recommendation of the advisor and the consent of the dean's representative in the School of Education, Social Work, and Psychological Sciences. Transfer credit must not be more than seven years old at the time of program completion.

Transfer credit may be allowed for online coursework if it meets program requirements for licensure in the state of Missouri (i.e., synchronous meetings that allow for visual and verbal interactions among faculty and students).

https://seswps.umkc.edu/academics/psychology-and-counseling/ma-in-counseling.html

Requirements for Retention

Students must:

  1. Meet all admission requirements.
  2. File a planned program of study in consultation with a faculty advisor, securing approvals from the chair, dean's representative and the School of Graduate Studies. 
  3. Complete all coursework listed on the approved program of study.
  4. Maintain an acceptable graduate GPA with no grades below B (3.0) on any courses on the program of study. 
  5. Apply for the degree (graduation) by the posted deadline during the final term of enrollment.
  6. Enroll in at least one credit hour during the term they intend to graduate.

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. (All students)
  • Develop competency in creating and managing the counseling relationship including counselor attitudes and behaviors that influence helping processes. (All students)
  • Develop awareness, knowledge and skills in addressing the needs of diverse populations. (All students)
  • Become versed in the major theories of career development and utilization of career assessment tools. (All students)
  • Apply an understanding of assessment process and techniques to the selection, administration and interpretation of assessment instruments. (All students)
  • Develop skills in the use of research to inform evidence-based practice. (All students)
  • Develop a professional identity as a counselor. (All students)
  • Develop knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the provision of group therapy. (All students)
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in ethical practice and decision making. (All students)
  • Demonstrate knowledge in diagnostic systems. (All students)
  • Develop skills in preventive intervention and consultation. (All students)
  • Demonstrate knowledge of theories of human development, biological factors in human functioning and sociocultural influences on behavior. (All students)
  • Use supervision to improve practice. (All students)
  • Develop skills in assessment, treatment and evaluation of individuals with substance abuse problems. (Students in Mental Health emphasis area)
  • Learn major theories and interventions in couples and family counseling. (Students in Couples & Family emphasis area)
  • Implement a multiculturally and developmentally competent comprehensive school counseling program, while adhering to ethical, legal, and professional standards and school expectations and policies. (Students in School Counseling emphasis area)
  • Design and deliver needs-driven, results-based school counseling core curriculum units that facilitate students' academic, career and/or social-emotional development. (Students in School Counseling emphasis area)
  • Use, analyze and report on student-focused, data-driven interventions and identified program changes that improve student achievement, career and social-emotional development. (Students in School Counseling emphasis area)
  • Reflect on learning across all areas of a comprehensive school counseling program, including personal philosophy and professional practice. (Students in School Counseling emphasis area)
  • Integrate research and professional development into school counseling practice. (Students in School Counseling emphasis area)
  • Employ current school counseling theory and standards to evaluate their own professional practices. (Students in School Counseling emphasis area)
  • 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. (Students in School Counseling 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 individuals, couples and families 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 or licensed professional counselor.  The program, which is primarily delivered in a face-to-face format with some online courses available, currently offers three emphasis areas leading to the M.A. degree: School Counseling, Couples and Family Counseling and Mental Health Counseling.

The Counseling Program is accredited by the Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council.

All emphasis areas meet the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Missouri. Students pursuing licensure will also need to complete the supervision requirements and pass the National Counselor Exam.  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). The couples and family and mental health emphasis areas are designed for students who wish to work in a variety of settings other than the public schools, such as community colleges, four-year colleges, specialized areas in large universities (e.g. career planning and placement), the court system and community-based mental health services. Several students also go on for advanced degrees.

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
  • Three professional or academic letters of reference
  • Note that meeting the minimum criteria for admissions will not guarantee admission to the program

Admission Procedures

Applications for the mental health and couples/family emphasis areas are accepted twice a year: by Sept. 1 to be admitted for the spring semester or by March 1 to be admitted for the fall semester. School Counseling applications are accepted and reviewed year-round.  Although applications for school counseling are accepted year-round, it is recommended all application materials be submitted at least one month prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student wishes to enroll.

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, and submit a statement describing their professional and personal goals.  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 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 https://seswps.umkc.edu/academics/psychology-and-counseling/ma-in-counseling.html

Degree Requirements

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

* 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 5503Psychopathology: Diagnoses And Classification3
CPCE 5505Career Development I #3
CPCE 5513Advanced Developmental Science Across the Lifespan *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

Please Select One Emphasis Area:

Couples and Family Emphasis Area

Emphasis Area Coursework:
CPCE 5527Theory And Methods Of Sexual Counseling3
CPCE 5541Couples And Family Therapy3
CPCE 5542Theories and Techniques of Family Systems Therapy3
CPCE 5590Prevention, Consultation, and Program Evaluation in Community Settings3
3 Credit Hours of Approved Electives3
Practicum and Internship:
CPCE 5531Counseling Practicum I3
CPCE 5533Couples And Family Therapy Practicum3
Take the following course 2 times:6
CPCE 5575
Internship in Counseling
Total Emphasis Area Hours27
Total Degree Hours: MA in Counseling-Couples and Family Emphasis60

 Mental Health Emphasis Area

Emphasis Area Coursework:
CPCE 5521Special Counseling Methods - Substance Abuse3
CPCE 5590Prevention, Consultation, and Program Evaluation in Community Settings3
9 Credit Hours of Approved Electives9
Practicum and Internship:
CPCE 5531Counseling Practicum I3
CPCE 5532Counseling Practicum II3
Take the following course 2 times:6
CPCE 5575
Internship in Counseling
Total Hours: Mental Health Emphasis27
Total Degree Hours: MA in Counseling-Mental Health Emphasis60

School Counseling Emphasis Area

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