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Missouri Links

How to Become a Missouri School Counselor

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

Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Missouri. Some of the information below may be subject to change. In order to make sure you have the most current information, contact your school counseling education program advisor or the Missouri Department of Education Educator Certification Department at 573-751-0051.

Featured Programs:
  • Top Picks

  • Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs

  • #1
    Walden University

    MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.

  • #2
    Grand Canyon University

    M. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.

  • #3
    New York University (NYU)

    NYU Steinhardt's accredited master of arts program in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling. Through this online program, you will gain the skills you need to become a professional Pre-K-12 school counselor, working with children and families in your community to foster academic achievement and success. Click here to contact New York University and request information about their programs.

  • #4
    University of Denver

    Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.

I’m a High School Graduate…

You’ve taken a large first step by beginning your career research. Missouri career counseling can be a highly rewarding profession, so now’s the time to begin earning the education you need to earn school counseling certification.

The following are recommended steps that will help you work toward becoming a school counselor in Missouri:

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.

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Step Two:

Volunteering is great way to learn more about careers in the social services that focus on working with children and young adults. The following organizations may be able to match you with volunteering opportunities in Missouri:

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I have already earned a college degree…

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

Step One:

Fulfill educational requirements through one of the following avenues:

To become a school counselor, you must:

Complete a Missouri Department of Education approved graduate program in school counseling including a supervised internship or field experience of at least 300 clock hours; OR

Complete a master’s degree with an emphasis in guidance and counseling from a college or university approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Find course requirements by downloading the certification requirements found on the following Missouri Department of Education webpage.

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Step Two:

You must take and pass Missouri Content Assessment School Counselor (056) exam.

Step Three:

You must complete a fingerprinting process and background check before you will be considered for Missouri school counselor certification. Learn more about the fingerprinting process here.

Step Four:

To become a school counselor in Missouri, you must apply for an Initial Services Certificate (ISS). You must complete an online Initial application and submit it to the institution where you completed your student services program. The school will complete their portion of the application and then forward it to DESE for processing.

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I’m a certified counselor from another state…

The DESE acknowledges reciprocity agreements between states. However, you will still need to have your certification and qualifications evaluated to make sure your credential meet Missouri school counseling certification requirements. You must apply for certification through the DESE online application system.

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