How to Become a School Counselor in Minnesota
To become a school counselor in Minnesota, you’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited or state-approved program, including supervised fieldwork. Apply for a Tier 2 license through PELSB — no exam is required. You’ll also need a background check and a job offer from a Minnesota school district. The process typically takes six to seven years.
- 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
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.
#3
Campbellsville University
Online Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling Click here to contact Campbellsville University and request information about their programs.
#4
Sacred Heart University
Online Master of Arts in School Counseling Click here to contact Sacred Heart University and request information about their programs.
#5
Winthrop University
M.Ed. in Counseling Development - School Counseling Concentration Click here to contact Winthrop University and request information about their programs.
#6
Auburn University at Montgomery
Education Specialist in Counseling- School Counseling. Click here to contact Auburn University at Montgomery and request information about their programs.
#7
Butler University
Master of Science in School Counseling. Click here to contact Butler University and request information about their programs.
#8
University of West Alabama
Master of Education: School Counseling Click here to contact University of West Alabama and request information about their programs.
Minnesota Links
Minnesota passed a law in 2024 requiring one school counselor for every 250 students — a sign of how seriously the state takes this work. If you’re thinking about joining that effort, here’s what the path looks like.
Becoming a School Counselor in Minnesota
In Minnesota, local school districts — generally called Independent School Districts — are overseen by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), which sets academic standards updated every ten years. Counselors work within that framework but serve a role the state has increasingly formalized in recent years.
In July 2024, the Minnesota legislature implemented SF 4669, a bill that mandates one school counselor for every 250 children in prekindergarten through 12th grade. The bill also outlines specific expectations for what school counselors do, including:
- Working with students on goal setting and planning
- Providing direct classroom support focused on academic, social and emotional, and postsecondary and career development — including connecting at-risk students to mental health resources
- Offering individual and group counseling on a short-term basis
Beyond fulfilling those expectations, school counselors in Minnesota can find professional support through the Minnesota School Counselors Association (MSCA), a professional network offering resources and community to people working in this field.
Where are you on your path to becoming a Minnesota school counselor?
I’m a High School Graduate…
If you’re just starting out, the first thing to know is that a high school diploma alone won’t get you there. Practicing as a school counselor in Minnesota requires a master’s degree and a state license, which means there’s real education ahead of you. But you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Here’s where to begin.
Step One: Apply to Associate’s or Bachelor’s Programs
Start by researching associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs in psychology, counseling, or a related field. Your undergraduate major doesn’t have to be in school counseling specifically, but a background in psychology or social work will be useful when the time comes to apply to master’s programs. The most important thing at this stage is getting started on your degree.
Step Two: Make Sure That This is What You’re Interested In
A great way to find out if social service work is right for you is to volunteer with organizations that work with children and young adults. You’ll get a realistic sense of the work before committing to a graduate program.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Some organizations that may be able to place you in volunteering positions across the state of Minnesota include:
Once you’ve confirmed your interest and completed your undergraduate degree, you’re ready to move on to the steps below.
I have already earned a college degree…
If you already have a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, the following steps will take you the rest of the way to school counseling licensure in Minnesota.
Step One: Graduate School
To practice as a school counselor in Minnesota, you’ll need either a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution or a master’s in any other field combined with completion of a Board of Teaching preparation program that leads to school counseling certification.
One thing Minnesota does differently from many states: no exam is required. PELSB does not require school counselors to pass a content, pedagogy, or basic skills test, which streamlines the path to licensure compared to states with mandatory testing requirements.
You’ll enter the workforce on a Tier 2 license, which is available to candidates who have a master’s in counseling or a bachelor’s degree plus at least 24 completed semester credits in an approved program. Note that a Tier 2 license requires a job offer and district verification as part of your application. For full details on how tiers work and what’s required to advance to Tier 3 and Tier 4, see the Minnesota school counselor certification page.
Step Two: Complete Fieldwork Hours
Fieldwork is built into most master’s programs in school counseling, so you’ll likely complete these hours as part of your degree. Most programs include approximately 700 hours in line with CACREP standards:
- 100 hours as a practicum — a closely supervised early-program experience where you observe and begin working with students
- 600 hours as an internship — a more independent, hands-on placement where you take on fuller counseling responsibilities
The internship in particular prepares you for the realities of the job: managing a caseload, collaborating with teachers and administrators, and supporting students through academic and personal challenges.
Step Three: Get a Background Check
You’ll need to complete a criminal history background check through PELSB using FD-258 fingerprint cards. Fingerprinting is done at a local police station or designated fingerprinting location.
Step Four: Fill Out the Application
Instructions and application materials are available through the PELSB website. The application includes information about required materials — transcripts, fees, and supporting documents — along with contact information for questions. For current fees and a complete application checklist, see the Minnesota school counselor certification page.
If you have questions during the process, contact PELSB directly through their website.
I’m a certified counselor from another state…
If you’re already licensed in another state, Minnesota will evaluate your credentials to determine whether they’re comparable to MN requirements. Under NASDTEC Interstate Agreements, you can’t simply transfer your license directly — a Texas license, for example, doesn’t automatically qualify you to practice in Minnesota.
You’ll need to complete a background check through PELSB using FD-258 fingerprint cards. In some cases, you may qualify for a temporary license while your credentials are being evaluated. Out-of-state counselors typically enter the system on a Tier 2 license.
For full details on the reciprocity process, including what documentation you’ll need and how to contact PELSB, see the Minnesota school counselor certification page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the educational requirements to become a school counselor in Minnesota?
To practice as a school counselor in Minnesota, you need a master’s degree in school counseling — or a master’s in another field plus completion of a Board of Teaching preparation program. Your undergraduate major doesn’t have to be in counseling, though a background in psychology or social work is useful. Most people complete a bachelor’s degree first, then a two-to-three-year master’s program.
Is teaching experience required to become a school counselor in Minnesota?
No. School counselors work closely with teachers and students, but they’re not expected to have classroom teaching experience. The fieldwork you complete during your master’s program — the practicum and internship hours — is what demonstrates your hands-on preparation for the role.
Do I need a license to work as a school counselor in Minnesota?
Yes. You need a state-issued license through the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). Most new counselors start on a Tier 2 license, which requires a job offer and district verification as part of your application. Over time, you can advance to Tier 3 and Tier 4. For full details on each tier’s requirements and how to advance, see the Minnesota school counselor certification page.
How long does it take to become a licensed school counselor in Minnesota?
Typically six to seven years: four years for a bachelor’s degree, followed by two to three years for a master’s degree. The fieldwork hours are built into most master’s programs, so they don’t usually add extra time beyond the degree itself.
Are there different requirements for working in different school levels in Minnesota?
No. A Minnesota school counselor license covers grades K-12 without any additional endorsements or requirements for specific grade bands.
Can I complete my fieldwork while working another job?
It depends on the program and the placement. Many master’s programs schedule fieldwork during school hours, which can make it difficult to maintain full-time outside employment. Some programs offer more flexible scheduling, and some practicum placements have more options than others. It’s worth asking any program you’re considering how they typically structure fieldwork before you enroll.
- No exam required — Minnesota doesn’t require school counselors to pass a content or pedagogy test, setting it apart from many other states.
- Plan for ~700 fieldwork hours — typically 100 in a practicum and 600 in an internship, built into most master’s programs.
- Tier 2 is the entry point — you’ll need a job offer and district verification as part of your PELSB application before you can practice.
- The timeline is six to seven years — four years for a bachelor’s degree, two to three for a master’s.
- SF 4669 is reshaping demand — the 2024 law requires one counselor per 250 students statewide, signaling a strong job market ahead.
The next step is finding a master’s program aligned with Minnesota’s licensure requirements. Look for CACREP-accredited programs that include supervised fieldwork built into the curriculum.
