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 in Missouri.  

Requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling include completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours (33 core credits, 12 credits of practicum and internship, and 15-18 credits in an emphasis area).  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).

The School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences website of the Master of Arts in Counseling.

Emphasis Areas

Mental Health Emphasis

School Counseling Emphasis

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.