Counseling
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Graduates of this program may find employment in a variety of settings, including colleges, community-based mental health facilities, independent practice, the court system and PK-12 schools. Some go on to pursue doctoral programs of study in counseling-related fields. This program, which is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), offers two emphasis areas to match your career goals and interests.
Emphasis areas offered:
- Mental health counseling
- School counseling
- Program Type: Master's
- Academic Unit: School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Standard credit hours: 60-63
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 2.5-3 years
- Typical Course Load: 2-3 per semester
Why UMKC
In-house training clinic
Students in the mental health and couples and family emphasis areas complete practica in our Community Counseling and Assessment Services training clinic.
High Exam Pass Rates
Pass rates for the School Counseling Praxis exam and the National Counselor Exam exceed 95%.
Earn while you learn
Many school counseling students are currently employed as school counselors under provisional certification.
Diverse internship placements
All students complete internship placements in off-site locations. School counselors complete their practicum and internship placements in K-12 settings in area school districts. Mental health counselors can select from a variety of placements like private practice settings, university counseling centers, in-patient hospitals and community mental health centers.
After Graduation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth for counselors, with employment expected to increase much faster than the national average for all occupations. This demand is fueled by a growing need for mental health, substance abuse and rehabilitation services.
Potential careers
- Substance abuse counselor
- School counselor
- Licensed professional counselor
$60,137
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors (21-1011.00)
Potential Courses
Skills for Counseling and Psychotherapy
This course will introduce students to the fundamental concepts and methods of counseling and psychotherapy.... A main focus of this course is the acquisition of basic helping skills. Students will al…
Psychology of Stress and Trauma
Students will learn about the effects of stress and trauma, as well as counseling interventions that address the effects of stress and trauma. Specifically, students will learn about vicarious trauma,…
Organization and Administration of Counseling Programs
In this program, you will focus on the organization, administration and planning of counseling programs, with an emphasis on practical application in schools and agencies. You will explore intraprofes…
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts
- Names and locations of previous college(s) and dates you attended
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable)
- Complete the online application
- $45 for domestic graduate students or $75 for international graduate students
- Check admissions requirements
Some programs have specific admission requirements or may require minimum scores on graduate admissions tests.
Request information to have an admissions counselor contact you about the specific requirements for this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: March 1 (mental health applicants)
Classes begin in August
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: rolling admissions (school counseling applicants)
Classes begin in August
To Start Classes in Spring
Apply by: Sept. 1 (mental health applicants)
Classes begin in January
To Start Classes in Spring
Apply by: rolling admissions (school counseling applicants)
Classes begin in January
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