Michigan Links
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, contact your school counseling education program advisor or the Michigan Department of Education Educator Certification department at 833-633-5788.
- 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’re a high school graduate already researching career options! Now is a great time to further your education while also exploring where a career in school counseling can take you.
The following are recommended steps to help you learn how to become a school counselor in Michigan.
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, just that you begin working toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Step Two:
Volunteering is a great way to learn more about social service careers working with children and young adults. The following organizations can help you find volunteering opportunities in Michigan:
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.
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:
You can also earn a master’s degree in another field and then complete at least 30 semester hours of course work in an approved school counseling program. (Emergency Michigan School Counselor Certificate)
Step Two:
You must complete a supervised internship of 600 clock hours with school-aged individuals. At least 300 of the 600 clock hours must be served in a school setting.
Step Three:
You must successfully pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification’s (MTTC) School Counselor (051) exam. Find more information about testing dates, times and locations on the MTTC website.
Step Four:
You must complete a background check through the Michigan Department of State Police. Learn more about the Michigan criminal background check procedure here.
Step Five:
You must submit an application through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
Questions? Contact the Michigan Department of Education at 833-633-5788.
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 must submit an application for the Michigan School Counselor license through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS).
Learn more about applying as an out-of-state candidate here.