University of Missouri - Kansas City

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.A.; Ed.S. - General; M.A. - Elementary School Counseling and Guidance; M.A.; Ed.S. - Marriage and Family Counseling; M.A.; Ed.S. - Mental Health Counseling; Ed.S. - School Counseling; M.A.; Ed.S. - Secondary School Counseling and Guidance; M.A.; Ed.S. - Substance Abuse Counseling

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Counseling and Guidance Program has as its primary purpose the preparation of professional counselors. The Master's degree is the first professional degree in counseling. Graduates holding this degree will gain the basic understandings and skills necessary for professional practice as a counselor. The program offers four emphasis areas leading to the M.A. degree: Elementary and Secondary School Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Couples and Family Counseling, and Gerontological Counseling. Those electing the school counseling emphasis will, upon successful completion of the coursework and passing of the Praxis Exam for counseling, be eligible for school counselor certification in Missouri. The other counseling emphases are designed for students who wish to work in a variety of settings other than the public schools. Those earning degrees in counseling become employed in community colleges, four year colleges, specialized areas in large universities (e.g. career planning and placement), the court system, and community based mental health services. Many students go on for advanced degrees.

Eligibility Requirements:

Courses for the Master's Program in Counseling and Guidance are primarily offered at the Volker Campus. Select school counseling courses are offered at the UMKC Northland campus; however, not all courses will be made available at that site. Applications for the program are accepted twice a year: by September 1 to be admitted for the Winter/Spring semester or by March 1 to be admitted for the Fall semester. Application materials must be sent to both the UMKC Office of Admissions and Division of Counseling & Educational Psychology. It is suggested that students apply to the university as early as possible to allow for processing time. Materials sent to the UMKC Admissions Office should be received by the application deadlines; materials sent to the Division of Counseling and Educational Psychology Office can be postmarked by the application deadlines. Students admitted for the Fall semester may begin taking courses in the Summer.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Intensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 10,000 - 19,999