There are thirteen school counseling master’s degree programs offered by public and private institutions in the state of Missouri.
Missouri is a midwestern state with a population of over 6 million people. Those looking to pursue school counseling in Missouri can choose from traditional on-campus programs, such as those offered by Missouri State University and Lindenwood University. There are also online programs, such as those offered by Evangel University and Webster University. Keep reading to learn more about the school counseling master’s programs available in Missouri.
Missouri School Counseling Programs Quick Facts
- Number of School Counseling Programs in Missouri: 13
- CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Programs: 5
- Hybrid or Online School Counseling Programs in Missouri: 5
- Tuition Cost Range: $15,750 – $66,280
- Average Cost of Tuition: $33,210
The University of Missouri – Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Saint Louis, MO
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $729 per credit hour, $43,740 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Business Insider has ranked The University of Missouri – Saint Louis as the best college in the state for affordability. Additionally, there are grants and scholarships available. Their Master of Education in School Counseling program is open to students from all undergraduate backgrounds.
Why We Like This Program:
- According to the program website: “94% of graduates pass the certification exam and are gainfully employed in the field.”
- Graduates of this program will be qualified for both school counseling certification and licensing as a professional counselor (LPC).
Additional Considerations:
- Students begin their enrollment in either the fall or spring semesters. Application deadlines are October 1st and March 1st.
The University of Missouri
- Columbia, MO
- 60-66 credits
- Online + In-Person
Program:
Master of Education
City: Columbia, MO
Modality: In-Person or Online
Length: 60-66 credit hours
Tuition: $11,038 per semester, $66,228 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Affectionately known as “Mizzou,” the University of Missouri offers both a traditional on-campus version and fully online version of its school counseling program. The program has been recognized by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA).
Why We Like This Program:
- The online programs at the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Missouri have been recognized as some of the best online graduate programs by US News & World Report.
- Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores for consideration.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, or a related field.
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
- The University of Missouri has the highest tuition cost of all school counseling master’s programs in the state.
Online School Counseling Masters Programs in Missouri
There are three fully online and two hybrid school counseling master’s programs in Missouri. Online and hybrid programs have become increasingly popular, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The ease of taking classes from anywhere can mean less time and money spent on commuting.
In addition to the programs listed below, The University of Missouri and The University of Central Missouri offer online or hybrid versions of their in-person programs, respectively.
Missouri Baptist University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 45-54 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Saint Louis, MO
Modality: Online
Length: 45-54 credit hours
Tuition: $777 per credit hour, $34,965 estimated total program cost (assuming 45 credit hours)
Program Overview:
Missouri Baptist University offers one of the fastest school counseling master’s programs. Students complete coursework online and can finish in as few as six semesters.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program is designed to be convenient for working teachers and their schedules.
- This program is ranked as one of the Best Christian Colleges by Top Counseling Schools.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
Truman State University
- Kirksville, MO
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
City: Kirksville, MO
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $584 per credit hour, $35,040 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Truman State University offers a 100% online school counseling master’s degree program for maximum flexibility. The program is held in small cohorts no greater than 24 students to keep the virtual program from feeling impersonal.
Why We Like This Program:
- Applicants do not need to submit their GRE scores if their undergraduate GPA was 3.0 or higher.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Admissions are accepted on a rolling basis, but applicants should be mindful of the limited number of students admitted per cohort. Start dates are available in both August for the fall term and January for the spring term.
Evangel University
- Springfield, MO
- 60 credits
- Online
Program:
Master of Science in School Counseling
City: Springfield, MO
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $420 per credit hour, $25,260 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Evangel University is a private, Christian institution that takes a faith-based approach to higher education, including in its school counseling master’s program. Students have the option to complete the program on an accelerated 7-semester track if they are qualified to do so.
Why We Like This Program:
- Unique course offerings for school counseling students on often overlooked topics, such as intimate partner violence and psychopharmacology.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants must have completed at least six undergraduate credit hours in psychology or counseling.
Stephens College
- Columbia, MO
- 45-60 credits
- Hybrid
Program:
Master of Education in Counseling
City: Columbia, MO
Modality: Hybrid
Length: 45-60 credit hours
Tuition: Not Listed
Program Overview:
Stephens College is a women’s college located in Columbia, Missouri. While undergraduate programs are only open to women, graduate programs are open to all genders. All classes are held in the evenings and 1/3 of courses are held online to accommodate working students.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can pursue dual-certification to become both a school counselor and licensed professional counselor in Missouri for a total of 60 credit hours.
- This program boasts a 90% job placement rate for counseling graduates.
- Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores for consideration.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is designed to be completed in three years.
- This program is not currently CACREP-accredited. However, it is in the process of applying for CACREP-accreditation for its clinical mental health program. Students interested in the dual-certification program should check the program website for the most up-to-date information.
CACREP-Accredited School Counseling Masters Programs in Missouri
There are five CACREP-accredited school counseling programs offered by public and private institutions in Missouri.
“CACREP” stands for Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This is a nationally recognized specialized accreditation for master’s and doctoral programs related to counseling. Attending a CACREP-accredited program can be a boost to your resume. Learn more about these programs below.
The University of Central Missouri
- Warrensburg, MO
- 60 credits
- In-Person + Hybrid
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
City: Warrensburg, MO
Modality: In-Person or Hybrid
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $399.50 per credit hour, $23,970 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
The University of Central Missouri’s school counseling master’s program is offered in-person at both the Warrensburg and Lee Summit campuses, or as a hybrid program at either campus. This program has been recognized for excellence by numerous publications and offers counseling-specific scholarships.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can earn an advanced certificate in Play Therapy.
- This program boasts a 99% post-graduation employment rate.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants must submit their GRE scores for consideration.
Southeast Missouri State University
- Cape Girardeau, MO
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Cape Girardeau, MO
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $395 per credit hour, $23,700 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Southeast Missouri State University offers a school counseling master’s program at its flagship campus. The program is CACREP, NCATE, and Missouri DESE accredited.
Why We Like This Program:
- Over 90% of graduates are working as school counselors.
- Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores for consideration.
Additional Considerations:
- Students in this program must either hold a valid Missouri teacher’s certification or complete certain pre-requisite courses.
Missouri State University
- Springfield, MO
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Counseling
City: Springfield, MO
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $9,124 per semester, $45,620 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Students in Missouri State’s school counseling program complete their plan of study as part of either a full-time or part-time cohort. Students from all professional backgrounds may apply, but those without a teaching certification will have additional pre-requisite courses.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students in the school counseling program have the option to apply for LPC licensure.
- Applicants do not need to submit their GRE scores if their undergraduate GPA was 3.0 or higher.
- This program is CACREP-accredited.
Additional Considerations:
- Students may be admitted to the school counseling program in either the fall or spring semesters. The fall application deadline is January 25th and the spring application deadline is September 22nd.
Northwest Missouri State University
- Maryville, MO
- 45 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Science in Education
City: Maryville, MO
Modality: In-Person
Length: 45 credit hours
Tuition: $350 per credit hour, $15,750 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Northwest Missouri State University offers a two-year school counseling program that focuses on serving elementary, middle, and high school students. Classes are held during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Why We Like This Program:
- Dual certification in clinical mental health counseling is available for an additional 6 to 9 credits.
- Applicants are not required to submit their GRE scores for consideration.
Additional Considerations:
- Teaching experience is strongly preferred.
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
- The application deadline is March 1st.
The University of Missouri – Kansas City
- Kansas City, MO
- 60-63 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts in Counseling
City: Kansas City, MO
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60-63 credit hours
Tuition: $538 per credit hour, $33,894 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
School counseling graduate students at The University of Missouri-Kansas City can complete their coursework on either a full-time or part-time schedule. Full-time students usually finish their coursework within 2.5 to 3.5 years. Most classes are held on weekday evenings from 4:30pm to 7:15pm or 7:30pm to 10:15pm with a few weekend classes as well.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students in this program are eligible for both school counseling certification and mental health licensure.
- There are no required pre-requisite courses for admission to this program.
- The program at The University of Missouri-Kansas City prides itself on diversity, anti-racist, and social justice frameworks.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
Lincoln University Missouri
- Jefferson City, MO
- 60 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Education in Counseling
City: Jefferson City, MO
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $372 per credit hour, $22,320 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Lincoln University Missouri offers a master’s degree in school counseling in which students specialize in either elementary or secondary counseling. Students complete 24 credit hours learning the counseling core and use the remaining 36 credits to hone in on their specialization.
Why We Like This Program:
- Lincoln University Missouri alumni receive reduced tuition costs for their first nine credit hours.
- Students who complete the school counseling master’s program will be able to pursue the Psychological Examiner Certification.
Additional Considerations:
- Students without a bachelor’s degree in education will have to complete nine additional credit hours.
- Applicants must also have the required MAT or GRE scores.
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
Lindenwood University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 48 credits
- In-Person
Program:
Master of Arts
City: Saint Louis, MO
Modality: In-Person
Length: 48 credit hours
Tuition: $584 per credit hour, $28,032 estimated total program cost
Program Overview:
Lindenwood University is a small, private college with the distinction of being the second-oldest higher education institution west of the Mississippi River. School counseling students at Lindenwood learn in small class sizes for more robust discussion and individualized attention.
Why We Like This Program:
- This program boasts a 100% pass rate on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).
- All students are required to take 9 credit hours of education courses on valuable topics such as classroom management.
Additional Considerations:
- This program is not CACREP-accredited.
- Applicants must have either the minimum undergraduate GPA or minimum required GRE score for admission to this program.
No GRE Required School Counseling Masters Programs in Missouri
If taking standardized tests isn’t your strong suit, fear not! There are plenty of schools that understand that test scores don’t tell the full story, especially for school counseling programs.
Out of all the school counseling programs in Missouri, only The University of Central Missouri and Lincoln University Missouri require all applicants to submit their GRE scores for consideration. Lindenwood University, Truman State University, and Missouri State University only require applicants to submit their GRE scores if their undergraduate GPA does not meet the admission requirements (typically 3.0 or higher).
Missouri’s Most Affordable School Counseling Masters Program
A career in school counseling is tremendously rewarding but often has relatively lower pay. For this reason, prospective school counseling students should carefully consider the cost of attendance when applying to graduate school. Fortunately, several of the school counseling master’s degree programs in Missouri have tuition costs below $30,000. The program with the lowest estimated tuition cost is the one at Northwest Missouri State University.
Accelerated School Counseling Programs In Missouri
There is one accelerated school counseling master’s program in Missouri.
School counseling master’s degree programs that offer an accelerated path are rare. This is most likely due to the practicum and internship requirements to become certified as a school counselor. Missouri Baptist University’s online school counseling master’s program allows students to earn their degree in as few as six semesters with condensed courses on an 8-week schedule.
School Counseling In Missouri
There are over 879,000 students in grades pre-K through 12 enrolled in Missouri public schools (including charter schools). School districts in Missouri range from as few as 20 students to over 23,000 students spread across 554 schools. Students also have the option to learn online by enrolling in the Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program (MOCAP).
The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) recommends a student-to-school counselor ratio of 250:1. In the 2022-2023 school year, Missouri’s student-to-school counselor ratio was 300:1. While this is slightly higher than the official recommendation, Missouri’s student-to-school counselor ratio is much better than many other states.
School Counselor Certification In Missouri
School counselors in Missouri hold a certificate in Student Services. A recent graduate from a school counseling master’s program will apply for an Initial Student Services certificate. Candidates for certification must also pass the Missouri 056 Counselor exam. Those with previous experience and a certificate from another state may apply for reciprocity. For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education website.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in Missouri?
On average, school counselors in Missouri make between $36,100 and $76,500 with a median salary of $47,500.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Missouri?
Typically, it takes between two and three years to become a school counselor in Missouri. This is because earning a master’s degree in school counseling (including completing the necessary fieldwork) usually takes this amount of time. In many cases, those without a teaching certificate will need to complete additional coursework.
