How to Become a Michigan School Counselor

Where are you on your quest to become a Michigan School Counselor?

Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Michigan. Some of the information below may be subject to change. In order to make sure you have the most current information, please feel free to contact your school counseling education program advisor or contact the Michigan Department of Education licensing department at (517) 241-0046.

I'm a High School Graduate...

You're a high school graduate already researching career options! You are in a fantastic place to learn more about the Michigan school counseling career.

You will need to complete a bit more education before have the qualifications for Michigan school counseling certification, but this is a great time to further your education while simultaneously learning whether a career in education is right for you.

The following are recommended steps to help you figure out whether Michigan school counseling and you are a fit, as well as steps to help you on your way to earning your associate's or bachelor's degree.

Step One:

Gather information from schools offering associate degree programs or bachelor degree programs in psychology, counseling or any type of program you are currently interested in. It is not imperative you enroll in a counseling program at this point. The only necessity is that you begin earning your associate's degree or bachelor's degree.

Step Two:

A great way to find out if you are interested in a social service type of career, like school counseling, is to find volunteering organizations who work with children or young adults. The following are links to organizations who can place you in volunteering positions across the state of Michigan:

Lastly, you have begun your research about Michigan school counseling, so don't stop now! Get out there and learn whether a career in education is right for you.

Regardless of whether you think school counseling is right for you, learn more about earning your associate's or bachelor's degree. These are credentials absolutely essential for being qualified for any higher paying career. So get out there and jump in feet first!

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I have already earned a college degree...

The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in Michigan:

Step One:

Fulfill educational requirements through one of the following avenues:

  1. Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling
    • Capella University (Master's degree of Human Services (HS) in school counseling)
    • Or contact the Michigan Department of Education to find out which schools offer accredited graduate programs in guidance and counseling.
  2. Or, earn a Master's in any other field and then separately, complete at least 30 semester hours of course work in ann approved school counseling program (Emergency Michigan School Counselor Certificate)

Step Two:

Experience Requirements: You will need to have completed a 600 clock hour supervised internship with school-aged individuals. 300 of the 600 clock hours must be served in a school setting.

Step Three:

In order to satisfy the examination requirements, you will need successfully pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) the Guidance Counselor section. Find more information about testing dates, times and locations on the MTTC website.

Step Four:

All Michigan state employees required to have certification before beginning work will need to have completed a background check through the Michigan Department of State Police. You can find more information about the Michigan criminal background check procedure on the following website.

Step Five:

Contact the Michigan Department of Education to make sure you have all the information you need: (517) 241-0046

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I'm a certified counselor from another state...

Michigan currently recognizes school counseling certifications from other states. However, your credentials must be evaluated to make sure your qualifications meet the requirements of Michigan school counselor certification.

You can download an out-of-state Michigan school counselor application here. This application provides directions for the application requirements and necessary materials.

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