Master of Arts: Counseling - Mental Health
General Requirements for the Master of Arts in 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)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CPCE 5500 | Introduction To Professional Counseling * | 3 |
| CPCE 5503 | Diagnosing and Treatment Planning | 3 |
| CPCE 5505 | Career Development I # | 3 |
| CPCE 5513 | Lifespan Human Development * | 3 |
| CPCE 5515 | Assessment Methods In Professional Counseling | 3 |
| CPCE 5520 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| CPCE 5530 | Skills for Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| CPCE 5540 | Theories And Methods In Group Counseling | 3 |
| CPCE 5551 | Counseling in a Pluralistic Society | 3 |
| CPCE 5553 | Ethics And Professional Issues In Counseling | 3 |
| EDUC-R&P 5508 | Principles And Methods Of Research * | 3 |
| Total Core Requirement Hours | 33 | |
| Emphasis Area Requirements (See Specific Emphasis Areas for Details) | 27-30 | |
| Total Degree Credit Hours | 60-63 | |
Requirements for the Mental Health Emphasis Area
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from this program will:
- Meet all SLOs common across the MA in Counseling, plus:
- Develop skills in assessment, treatment and evaluation of individuals with substance abuse problems.
Overview of the Mental Health Counseling Emphasis Area
The mental health emphasis area meets the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor in Missouri. It is 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. Students interested in pursuing licensure or certification in other states should consult the specific states for those requirements.
Mental Health Counseling Emphasis Area Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Coursework Required for the MA in Counseling Degree: | 33 | |
| Emphasis Area Coursework: | ||
| CPCE 5521 | Special Counseling Methods - Substance Abuse | 3 |
| CPCE 5590 | Prevention, Consultation, and Program Evaluation in Community Settings | 3 |
| 9 Credit Hours of Approved Electives | 9 | |
| Practicum and Internship: | ||
| CPCE 5531 | Counseling Practicum I | 3 |
| CPCE 5532 | Counseling Practicum II | 3 |
| Take the following course 2 times: | 6 | |
| Internship in Counseling | ||
| Total Hours: Mental Health Emphasis | 27 | |
| Total Degree Hours: MA in Counseling-Mental Health Counseling Emphasis | 60 | |