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School Counseling Master's Degree
The Master's degree in School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). It is a 48-hour program designed to prepare dynamic, professional school counselors to be team leaders who implement comprehensive school counseling programs that are integral to the total educational system. School counselors are taught by award winning faculty in coursework designed to support students' achievement and learning and their academic, career and social/emotional development. The school counseling program may be completed in 24 months with a combination of online and on-campus (Manhattan and Olathe) coursework.
The program's curriculum is designed to equip future school counselors with the knowledge and tools that will help them navigate the numerous milestones that students often experience throughout their K-12 career.
48 credit hours
Manhattan campus
Olathe campus
Some courses available online
See the Cashiers and Student Accounts website for tuition and fee schedules.
2020 Program Fast Facts
- Kansas State University M.S. in School Counseling Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through October 31, 2024.
- The program is a 48-hour credit hours designed to prepare dynamic, professional school counselors to be team leaders who implement comprehensive school counseling programs that are integral to the total educational system. The school counseling program may be completed in 24 months with a combination of on-line and on-campus coursework.
- School counselors are taught by award winning faculty in coursework designed to support students' achievement and learning and their academic, career and social/emotional development.
- Current M.S. and PhD students and alumnus of the KSU counselor education programs are state and national leaders in in school and counselor education.
- KSU counselor education programs value the collaborative relationship with the Kansas School Counselor Association (KSCA). Leaders in KSCA serve as mentors to our M.S. students and are frequent speakers and facilitators in courses.
- Kansas State Counselor Education program has hosted an annual School Counselor Camp for seven years in collaboration with KSDE and KSCA. The camp keynote speakers has included among other Dr. Carolyn Stone, Elizabeth Smart, Dr. Shari Sevier, Tara Brown, Brian Coleman, Sara Kirk, Erin Merryn, Dr. Rich Feller, Corey Notestine, Clark Flatt, and Dr. Shane Lopez.
- Kansas State University M.S. in School Counseling Program has approximately 56 diverse students.
- Kansas State is the home of the 1.25 billion National Bio and Agro-defense Facility, developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- 100% of the Master’s students pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor exam following completion of the program.
- During 2019-20, 20 students graduated with their M.S. in School Counseling.
- Many students are employed as professional school counselors PRIOR to program completion.
- Courses are offered in traditional on-campus, on-line and select video-conference formats. Courses accommodate both part-time and full-time students.
- Multiple Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships are available to students.
- Multiple scholarships are available to students in the M.S. in School Counseling program.
- A teaching license is NOT required to becoming a professional school counselor in Kansas. One option for licensure is for those who have a teaching license; the second option, parallel pathway, is for individuals who do not have a professional teaching license. Parallel pathway criteria are integrated into existing coursework and do NOT require extra credit hours or tuition.
- Students are expected to join the student counseling organization and professional counseling organizations. Students are also expected to participate in professional counseling conferences and are provided with support and opportunities for these professional development opportunities.
- KSU Department of Special Education, Counseling, and Student Affairs faculty teaching counseling courses: 6 females (2 teach research courses) and 4 males (2 teach research courses), 1 Asian American and 1 African American.
Scholarships Available
Admission Requirements
Applicants seeking admission to this degree program must submit the information noted below. Before starting the online application, gather all information and documents for all of the admission requirements so that they can be uploaded into the application system. All materials must be received before review will begin.
- Completed Online Graduate School Application through CollegeNet.
(Follow the online prompts for completing the application process.) - Application Deadlines
- U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents: Applications are accepted throughout the year.
- International Students: The online application, application fee, test scores, transcripts, financial documents and all required application materials need to be submitted by the following dates:
- January 1 for fall (August) enrollment
- August 1 for spring (January) enrollment
- December 1 for summer (June) enrollment
- Graduate School Application Fee
- Domestic Students: A $65 application fee is required for all domestic students; the application will not be processed without this fee. The fee can be paid by credit card when completing the online application.
- International Students: A $75 application fee is required; the application will not be processed without this fee. The fee can be paid by credit card when completing the online application.
- Official Transcripts
- You must upload into the online application system a scanned copy (PDF preferred) of the official transcript(s) from each college or university where you received your bachelor's degree(s) and completed any post baccalaureate course work or degrees. Transcripts become part of your records at Kansas State University and cannot be returned. Please be aware that printouts from university student portals are not considered a copy of your official transcript.
- If you are admitted, you will be required to submit an official transcript for GPA and degree conferral verification from the institution(s) where you received your degree(s) and completed any post-baccalaureate credits.
- Students whose transcripts are not in English must furnish a translation by an appropriate authority. Failure to list any colleges or universities attended may result in dismissal from the university.
- For consideration for regular admission, applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in their junior and senior years of the bachelor's program. Those with GPAs between 2.65 and 2.99 may be considered for probationary admission if it can be demonstrated that there is potential for success in the graduate program. This potential is demonstrated, in part, on the basis of results from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
- Statement of Goals and Professional Experience
- You must upload into the online application system a 1-2 page, double-spaced paper that includes the following information:
- Career and professional goals and aspirations, and how being accepted to the program will benefit the goals and aspirations;
- The reason for interest in seeking the master's degree in school counseling;
- Evidence of motivation, leadership, and strong work ethic; and
- Professional experiences including advocacy involvement and multicultural proficiencies that support your application.
- The paper is to be well written and thoughtfully presented. For resources to help writing the paper, see the Purdue Writing Lab (OWL).
- You must upload into the online application system a 1-2 page, double-spaced paper that includes the following information:
- Recommendations
- Three recommendations are needed from college or university educators and/or colleagues or supervisors who are qualified to address your professional skills including analytical and critical thinking processes and written and oral communication skills. Recommendations should also address the ability to work with others, form effective culturally relevant relationships, and present a professional demeanor. Enter the names and email addresses of those submitting recommendations into the appropriate area in the CollegeNet online application.
- A Professional Resume or Vitae
- Upload into the online application system a professional resume/vitae that includes previous academic degrees, past and present employment, professional experiences including leadership, multicultural, advocacy, and other pertinent information.
- An Interview
- An interview with faculty members in this program may be requested before an admission decision is made.
- English Language Proficiency
- To demonstrate competence in the English language, an official report of scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System – academic exam (IELTS) or Pearson Test of English (PTE) must be sent to Kansas State University for all applicants whose primary language is not English. Enter your scores in the online application and upload the report of your scores.
- Learn more about English proficiency requirements
International applicants must meet the same academic standards for admission as those required of domestic students. When applying for admission, international applicants must provide an Affidavit of Financial Support and documentation of English language proficiency. Detailed information about these issues is provided at the Graduate School's International Students web page.
Curriculum
Core Requirements (27 credit hours)
- EDCEP 810 – Mental Health in Schools
- EDCEP 822 – Issues and Best Practices in Secondary School Counseling (online)
- EDCEP 823 – Counseling Theory
- EDCEP 852 – Career Development for School Counselors
- EDCEP 856 – Issues and Best Practices in Elementary School Counseling
- EDCEP 857 – Counseling Program Management
- EDCEP 871 – Consultation for Counselors (online)
- EDCEP 824 – Development Across the Lifespan for School Counselors (online)
- EDCEP 951 – Multicultural Counseling (online)
Research and Appraisal Requirements (9 credit hours)
- EDCEP 715 – Principles of Assessment
- EDCEP 815 – Using Tests in Counseling
- EDCEP 816 – Research Methods in Education (online or on-campus)
Clinical Requirements (12 credit hours)
- EDCEP 858 – Group Processes
- EDCEP 877 – Practicum in Counseling
- EDCEP 887 – Counseling Internship - elementary and secondary level
(6 credit hours total over 2 semesters)- The counseling internship will consist of 600 clock hours under weekly supervision of a licensed school counselor and counseling program faculty member. The student will attend class for group supervision and provide at least 240 clock hours of direct service in the school setting. Included activities are individual counseling, group work, developmental classroom lessons, and consultation.
- The student will earn a total of 6 credit hours of internship over two semesters. Students are required to have liability insurance coverage during the Practicum and Internship. The parallel pathway option is required for all students who do not hold a professional teaching license.
- The parallel pathway licensure option requires additional school field experiences and activities over two semesters as part of the graduate program. See Dr. Judy Hughey to develop an individual plan.
A professional portfolio is developed during the program and submitted for final review during the final semester of one’s program. A master’s comprehensive written exam is completed during the final semester of one’s program. A portfolio rubric and format guidelines are provided throughout coursework.
Student Learning Outcomes
Please see the Assessment Alignment Matrix (PDF)
- Demonstrates knowledge of the models of school counseling programs.
- Demonstrates the ability to apply school counselor roles in consultation with families, P-12 and postsecondary school personnel, and community agencies.
- Demonstrates the ability to apply and adhere to ethical and legal standards in school counseling.
- Demonstrates the ability to apply strategies to promote equity in student achievement and college access.
- Demonstrates the knowledge and skill of social/emotional mental health counseling in school settings.
School Counselor Licensure
Initial Licensure
Students who want to apply for the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) school counselor license should complete the appropriate KSDE license application. See the School Counselor Endorsement web page for licensing information.
After completing required coursework, applicants for the initial license must also meet the following KSDE requirements:
- Hold a currently valid Kansas initial teaching license OR have successfully completed the parallel pathway requirements during the master’s program. The individual seeking a license through the direct entry (parallel pathway option) completes additional clock hours of field experiences and other activities as discussed in coursework and in the Counselor Education Handbook. Parallel pathway activities do not extend time in the program or cost a student additional credit hours.
- Complete the master’s degree in school counseling with a cumulative grade point average of 3.25.
- Complete the Praxis exam for Professional School Counselor (test number 5421—computer version) with a score of 156 or higher. See the ETS website to register for the Praxis exam. To have your score sent to Kansas State University, enter code # 6334 when registering for the Praxis.
- Have recent teaching experience or coursework (i.e., at least one year of teaching or 8 credit hours within the last six years).
Provisional Licensure
An individual with a professional teaching license may be granted a provisional counseling license if a minimum of 50% of the counseling coursework is completed and the individual has a counseling position. See the Licensing and Endorsement Assistance web page for more information.