Program Requirements
Counseling, MS
Counseling Core
- COU 701 - Assessment and Testing for Counselors
- COU 703 - Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice in School and Mental Health Counseling
- COU 705 - Orientation to Personal and Professional Development in Mental Health and School Counseling
- COU 707 - Human Growth and Development
- COU 708 - Play Therapy and Child Counseling Techniques
- COU 710 - Counseling and Helping Relationships
- COU 711 - Counseling and Helping Relationships Lab
- COU 714 - Social-Cultural Diversity in Counseling
- COU 716 - Adolescent and Young Adult Counseling in School and Mental Health Settings
- COU 720 - Substance Use and Addiction Issues in Counseling
- COU 724 - Assessment and Diagnosis
- COU 733 - Couple and Family Counseling
- COU 751 - Theories and Techniques of Counseling
- COU 752 - Career Development
- OR
- COU 754 - Counseling for Post-Secondary and Career Readiness K-12
- COU 756 - Group Counseling and Group Work
- OR
- COU 757 - Group Counseling Through Play
- COU 768 - Crisis Counseling and Disaster Mental Health Response
- COU 777 - Counseling Practicum
- COU 794 - Introduction to Research and Program Evaluation in Counseling
- COU 765 - Research and Program Evaluation Seminar in Counseling
Total Credit Hours: 48
School Counseling Option
- Core Credit Hours Credit Hours: 48
- COU 704 - Introduction to School Counseling
- 3 credits of COU 791 - K-12 School Counseling Internship
- COU 785 - Mental Health Counseling InternshipOR an additional 3 credits of COU 791
- Counseling Electives Credit Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 60
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Option
- Core Credit Hours Credit Hours: 48
- COU 709 - Introduction to Mental Health Counseling
- 6 credits of COU 785 - Mental Health Counseling Internship
- Counseling Electives Credit Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 60
Other Courses
Courses that students may choose from to get to the 3-4 credit hours of required electives can include:
- Any course in the two counseling option tracks
- Any course in EdS, Special Education and Assessment degree not otherwise listed above
- COU 700 - Problems in Counseling
- COU 753 - Analysis of Childhood Learning and Adjustment
- COU 766 - Psychopharmacology for Counselors
- COU 787 - Advanced Play Therapy Practicum
- COU 789 - Advanced Level: Play Therapy Supervisor
- COU 795 - Topics in Counseling
- COU 799 - Thesis
Note:
For students interested in school counselor certification who do not have a teaching degree and certificate, additional course work in teaching will be required in the following areas: Psychology of the Exceptional Child, Teaching Methods/Practices and Classroom Management. These courses are not part of the degree program, but are required for certification in Missouri.
Degree Requirements
Research Requirement
The research requirement is met through completion of either COU 765 - Research and Program Evaluation Seminar in Counseling), which shall require an extensive paper or major creative work, or COU 799 - Thesis.
Comprehensive Requirements
A four-hour, standardized, national Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination must be passed before a degree will be granted. Students should have completed the majority of course work, and all courses in the eight CACREP common counseling core content areas previously specified, prior to taking the exam. The Counseling Program will determine passing scores, based on national and local norms, for each administration. If permission is obtained, students who fail the exam may retake it when next offered. Students failing the comprehensive examination three times may be dismissed from the program, upon a vote of the program faculty. In addition to the Comprehensive Exam, the student will complete a portfolio as described above.
Other program resources