Web Page: http://www.umsl.edu/~educate/counsel/index.htm
The Division of Counseling and FamilyTherapy is housed on the fourth floor of Marillac Hall. Information about offerings and related matters may be obtained in the departmental office, 469 Marillac Hall. The Division of Counseling and Family Therapy offers work leading to the M.Ed, Ph.D. and Ed.D. and requisite course work for state certification in elementary and secondary school and counseling, and school psychological examiner. Non certification degree work is available in community counseling and is designed to prepare students to take the state examination for licensed professional counselor.
Areas of emphasis in the M.Ed. counseling degree program are elementary school, secondary school, or community counseling.
The following Division of Counseling and Family Therapy programs have been accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP):
- Community Counseling (M.Ed. degree)
- Community Counseling with a Specialization in Career Counseling (M.Ed. degree)
- School Counseling (M.Ed. degree)
CACREP, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation, grants accredited status to graduate-level programs in the professional counseling field.
Students wishing to receive Missouri certification in elementary school counseling, or secondary school counseling, must complete all required courses in addition to holding teaching certificates valid in Missouri or taking the equivalent coursework. (Consult your adviser if you have questions on these matters.) The community counseling area, for which there are no certification requirements, is appropriate only for the practice of counseling in non K-12 settings.
The master of education degree in counseling has an exit requirement of a comprehensive examination. Students may sit for the exam after completing 36 units in their degree program. There is a service charge for taking the exam. The exam will be given at least twice a year. All degree students should consult with their advisers about this requirement
Career Outlook
Elementary and Secondary School Counselors
The demand for school counselors throughout the state is quite high. There is a shortage of school counseling personnel at all levels. Additionally, many teachers who do not intend to leave the classroom pursue this program to be better able to meet the needs of their students. Some graduates of the program have left the field of education and have obtained positions such as those cited under Community Counseling.
Community Counselors
Graduates have been employed in a wide variety of settings: as counselors in community colleges, universities, employment agencies, vocational rehabilitation agencies, probation and parole work, juvenile detention, alcoholism and drug abuse clinics, career planning and placement centers, community mental health agencies, family and children services, and various federally funded public service projects. Additionally, graduates are employed in career development, and business and industry positions, especially in training and personnel areas. Others have moved into roles calling for research and evaluation skills.
Note :It should be noted that in Missouri, persons who engage in "professional counseling" in many of these settings are required by law to be licensed as professional counselors.