School Counseling Southeast Missouri State University

Overview

The School Counseling programme at Southeast Missouri State University is designed to equip aspiring educators with the clinical and leadership skills necessary for modern educational environments. This Master of Arts degree focuses on a holistic approach to student support, ensuring graduates can effectively navigate the complexities of the school system.

Students engage in a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with extensive practical application. The programme structure is designed to meet rigorous professional standards, ensuring that every candidate is prepared for the challenges of supporting diverse student populations. By focusing on both elementary and secondary levels, the course provides a versatile foundation for a career in education.

Why School Counseling at Southeast Missouri State University?

This programme holds prestigious accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). It is also recognised by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. These endorsements ensure the curriculum meets the highest national and state benchmarks for quality.

Facilities at the university include specialised spaces within the Department of Psychology & Counseling, where students can practice their skills. The programme is distinguished by its high employment rate, with over 90% of graduates securing roles as school counselors. Students benefit from strong regional partnerships that facilitate high-quality placement opportunities during their studies.

Teaching features include a significant emphasis on supervised field experience, including a 150-hour practicum and 600 hours of internship. This hands-on approach allows students to apply classroom theories to real-world scenarios under expert guidance. The university also offers graduate assistantships, providing administrative or teaching experience alongside financial support.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 13622 per year
• National fee: USD 7916 per year
• Local fee: USD 7916 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Counseling Orientation and Ethics
• Developmental Theories
• Counseling Theories
• Social and Cultural Aspects of Counseling
• Counseling Skills
• Career Development
• Group Counseling
• Assessment in Counseling
• School Counseling
• Crisis Intervention and Consultation
• Applications of School Counseling
• Psychodiagnostics and Treatment
• Play Therapy
• Advanced Play Therapy
• Addictions Counseling
• Counseling Practicum
• Internship Elementary
• Internship Secondary
• Internship School Counseling
• Research Methods and Program Evaluation in Counseling

Careers with School Counseling

Graduates are primarily prepared for roles as certified school counselors within K-12 educational institutions. The programme specifically targets the requirements for certification in Missouri, allowing alumni to work in elementary, secondary, or K-12 settings. Most graduates find immediate employment within the Southeast region following the completion of their degree.

Beyond traditional school settings, the skills acquired during the programme are applicable to roles such as mental health counselors or career advisors. The training in psychodiagnostics and crisis intervention also prepares individuals for positions in government agencies or clinical settings. Many alumni pursue specialised paths in school psychology or educational leadership.