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:
- Meet all admission requirements.
- 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.
- Complete all coursework listed on the approved program of study.
- Maintain an acceptable graduate GPA with no grades below B (3.0) on any courses on the program of study.
- Apply for the degree (graduation) by the posted deadline during the final term of enrollment.
- Enroll in at least one credit hour during the term they intend to graduate.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from this program will:
- Develop and demonstrate skills and knowledge in the following areas, which are consistent with licensure requirements for professional counselors in Missouri and Kansas:
- Theories and skills of counseling
- The counseling relationship
- Social and cultural foundations of counseling
- Career development
- Assessment
- Research methods
- Professional identity
- Group theory and skills
- Ethical standards and issues
- Diagnostic systems
- Preventive intervention and consultation
- Human development and biological factors in human functioning
- Using supervision during applied experiences
Additional School Counseling Student Learning Outcomes*
- Student development
- Program implementation
- Professional relationships
- Leadership and advocacy
- Ethical and professional conduct
- Cultural competence
*The UMKC School Counseling Program Goals are based on the Missouri Standards for the Preparation of Educators (MoSPE). The MoSPE Standards for School Counselors are the foundation for certification in Missouri.
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 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 requirements of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for grade point average, the Missouri School Counseling Content Assessment (MoSCA), and the Missouri School Counselor Evaluation System (MEES). 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
- 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.
Requirements for Graduation
Students must complete all courses in the M.A. program with a B or better in all coursework.
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 master's in Counseling see https://education.umkc.edu/academics/masters-program/ma-in-counseling/
Degree Requirements
* 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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses (All Emphases) | ||
| CPCE 5500 | Introduction To Professional Counseling * | 3 |
| CPCE 5503 | Psychopathology: Diagnoses And Classification | 3 |
| CPCE 5505 | Career Development I # | 3 |
| EDUC-R&P 5508 | Principles And Methods Of Research * | 3 |
| EDUC-R&P 5513 | Advanced Developmental Science Across the Lifespan * | 3 |
| CPCE 5515 | Assessment Methods In Professional Counseling | 3 |
| CPCE 5520 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| CPCE 5530 | Methods Of Counseling | 3 |
| CPCE 5531 | Counseling Practicum I | 3 |
| CPCE 5532 | Counseling Practicum II | 3 |
| or CPCE 5533 | Couples And Family Therapy Practicum | |
| 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 |
| CPCE 5575A | Internship In Counseling I | 3 |
| CPCE 5575B | Internship In Counseling II | 3 |
| Please select one emphasis area: | 15-18 | |
| Couples and Family Emphasis Area | ||
| Theory And Methods Of Sexual Counseling | ||
| Couples And Family Therapy | ||
| Theories and Techniques of Family Systems Therapy | ||
| Prevention, Consultation, and Program Evaluation in Community Settings | ||
3 hours elective coursework | ||
| Mental Health Emphasis | ||
| Theory And Methods Of Sexual Counseling | ||
| Special Counseling Methods - Substance Abuse | ||
| Prevention, Consultation, and Program Evaluation in Community Settings | ||
6 hours elective coursework | ||
| School Counseling Emphasis* | ||
| All School Counseling Emphasis students will complete the following 3 courses: | ||
| Fndtns Of Elementary & Secondary School Counseling | ||
| School Counseling Programs | ||
| Organization And Administration Of Counseling Programs | ||
| *Required for students who do not hold a current teaching certification. | ||
| Education of the Exceptional Child and Youth | ||
| Strategies For Effective Classroom Management | ||
| Teaching Methods And Practices | ||
| *Required for students who do hold a current teaching certification. | ||
Electives (6 hrs approved by advisor) | ||
| Total Credits | 60-63 | |