School Counseling

The School Counseling program at Murray State University welcomes all students interested in becoming a Mental Health Counselor who works with P-12 grade youth in a school setting. The program offers mental health training specific to working with diverse clients as well as the collaboration and leadership skills necessary to work in the school system. The American School Counseling Association National Model is emphasized as the framework for school counseling programs.

Program Overview

The Masters program is a 42 credit hour program that enables students to achieve their Provisional School Counseling certificate (P-12). The Education Specialist program builds on the Masters’ coursework to complete a total of 60 credit hours. The majority of the courses are offered using distance learning technology, including virtual meetings.

 

Certification and Rank Change

Provisional School Counseling Certification (P-12)

Requires  completion of the M.A. of School Counseling Program. Provisional Certificates must be renewed every five (5) years by taking nine (9) credit hours of counseling coursework, post-masters degree and then reapply for the certificate.

Standard School Counseling Certification (P-12)

Requires completion of two years school counseling experience (one year for counselors with teaching certification) and six (6) credit hours of counseling coursework, post-masters degree. Standard Certificates must be renewed every five (5) years.

Rank Change

Rank change for salary purposes may be received on the completion of 33 credit hours of coursework and successful completion of the Clinical Exam of Skills Application (CESA) in the M.A. of School Counseling Program (Rank II). Rank I may be received on the completion of 60 credit hours of graduate level coursework and a graduate level degree (M.A. or Ed.S.).

Fall Admission

Applications are reviewed for Fall Admission during the spring semester. Deadline to apply is January 15.

Cost of Attendance. In-state educator graduate tuition is offered at a lowered rate of $375 per credit hour.

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission may be granted to applicants deficient in a single area as space permits. Exceptions will be made on a case-by case basis. Students admitted conditionally must obtain a B or better grade in each of their first nine credit hours of program study to gain unconditional status.

Note: Admission to the program does not guarantee graduation, certification, or licensure. The following nonacademic conditions may result in dismissal if they are observed to impair the student’s ability to work in class, practicum, or internship settings: 1) personal concerns, 2) interpersonal relationship problems, 3) personal attitudes or values that conflict with effective counseling relationships, and 4) unethical behavior.

Prior Learning Assessment

A Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) will help determine whether you have earned graduate credit from previous high-quality professional development experiences. Please contact us to determine if you are eligible to go through the PLA process, which will involve the submission of evidence through an electronic portfolio system to be reviewed by faculty. There is a non-refundable $250 fee for review.

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Please visit the Office of the Registrar to access current Academic Bulletins for information regarding curriculum requirements and course descriptions.