M.S. in School Counseling

Support students in their academic, social, emotional and career development journeys.

Professionals interested in school counseling have an enhanced degree option beginning Fall 2023 with the K-State Global Campus' newly established Ed.S. program. It will be 100% online and will provide the necessary courses for students seeking licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor, or LPC, in Kansas. The Ed.S. is replacing the existing master's degree in school counseling that is offered at the Olathe campus. No students will be admitted into the Olathe program after Spring 2023. Please contact Dr. Jessica Lane if you have questions about the new program that will be launching in the fall.

Gain the skills to help students succeed. The M.S. in School Counseling is a 48 credit 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 program and student experience.

The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). It may be completed in 24 months with a combination of online and on-campus (Manhattan and Olathe) coursework.

Degree Webinar

Learn a bit about the program and what makes a good counselor.

$428.90 per credit hour*

48 credit hours

CACREP accreditation

*This estimate is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ depending on your transfer hours, course choices and your academic progress.

Program details

Program features

Program delivery

Curriculum

The program's curriculum is designed to equip future school counselors and current teachers with the knowledge and tools that will help them navigate the numerous milestones that students often experience throughout their K-12 career.

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.

Curriculum topics:

College and career readiness
Social/Emotional development
Substance abuse
Grief and loss counseling
Achievement gaps
Healthy relationships
Leadership and advocacy
Success strategies for all students
Trauma and crisis management
Character education
Facilitation of career development
Promotion of academic achievement for all
Collaboration with business and community
Consultation with teachers and parents
Suicide awareness and prevention
Classroom behavioral issues
Enhancement of resilience, grit and work ethic

Credit breakdown

The 48 credit hour program consists of the following:

Core Requirements (27 credit hours)
Research and Appraisal Requirements (9 credit hours)
Clinical Requirements (12 credit hours)

Career outcomes

Individuals with a master's degree in school counseling typically work within a K-12 school environment. School counselors act as advocates for students' well-being and as resources for their educational advancement.

Career fields for those with a M.S. in School Counseling include:

K-12 school system
Private practice
Teaching at a community college/university
Community mental health
Entrepreneurship

Licensure

There are multiple paths to be licensed as a school counselor in Kansas and Missouri, including a provisional license for students at the halfway point in the program. A teaching degree and/or experience is not required to be a school counselor in Kansas. An Exceptional Child course is required for Missouri.

School experiences and development activities are integrated into the school counseling master’s program for those students who do not have an education background. There are no extra costs or credit hours required.

All students will be eligible for a school counseling initial counselor license following successful completion of the master’s program and other Kansas Department of Education requirements, including passing a licensure exam and background check.

View admissions guide