Frequently asked questions ...

about the school counseling license-only program (K-12)

Do I have to have a master's degree to be a school counselor?

Yes, you must have a graduate-level degree (M.A., M.S., M.Ed., Ph.D., or, Ed.D.) to be a K-12 school counselor in Minnesota.

If you have a master’s degree, you can pursue the license-only program—not another M.A.—but coursework that completes the requirements for the school counseling license. Most of the courses are offered later in the day.

If you do not already have a master’s degree, please review the information on our CSPP master's program. It is a full-time two-year program. A teaching degree is not required for the school counseling license. Teachers or full time employees who apply to the master's program in the past have taken a one-year leave of absence or sabbatical from their jobs to complete the first full year of the program. The second year of the program can usually be completed while working because most of the course work is done by that time. The practicum must be done during the second year.

In which field must my master’s degree be in, for me to be eligible for the school counseling license-only program? Which fields are considered “related fields”?

Counseling, psychology, social work, corrections, education, child psychology, early childhood, or youth services.

Do you accept master's degrees from other universities?

Yes.

How many credits from my master's degree can I apply to this program?

The director of the school counseling program will review your transcripts and determine the applicability of previously-earned credits.

Are classes offered during the evenings and weekends? *

Only the specific school counseling and practicum classes are offered during the late afternoon/evenings. If you have a master’s degree in a field other than counseling, some of your required courses will be offered during the day. One requirement of the license-only program is a 600-hour practicum, which must be fulfilled during the school day. We do not currently offer courses over the weekends.

Are classes offered during the summers?

Yes, one class is offered during the summer or May term. (EPSY 5415—Child and Adolescent Development and Counseling.) Students without an educational background must take two education related courses that are taught during the summer.

Is it possible for me to continue working full time while enrolled in the license-only program?

It depends. If you already have a master's degree in counseling, you can probably work full time while you are taking some of the courses for licensure. However, a 600-hour practicum must be completed during the school day.

What is the job outlook for school counselors?

Please refer to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook: www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm#emply and Minnesota's ISEEK: Area of Study: School Counseling and Salaries by Job Title: Clinical, Counseling, And School Psychologists

Do you offer courses online?

No.

What is the application deadline?

Applications are accepted throughout the year. Fall session begins in early September; Spring courses start in late January; May session begins in late May and Summer session begins in mid-June.

How do I apply to the school counseling license-only program?

See K-12 school counselor licensure program under "Admissions"

* Evening classes

EPSY 8436—Crisis Management and Consulting in School Counseling (3 cr) – (Fall)
EPSY 8435—Organization of School Counseling Comprehensive Programs (3 cr) – (Spring)
EPSY 8503—Counseling Practicum I (1-4 cr) – (Fall)
EPSY 8504—Counseling Practicum II (1-4 cr) – (Spring)
EPSY 5415—Child and Adolescent Development and Counseling (3 cr) – (Fall)

Revised November 2004