In America, today’s school counselors do a lot more than their predecessors. It may be hard to tell from the outside looking in, but they help teachers and staff handle various issues, counsel parents, and sometimes play a crucial part in shaping education policy. They are a pivotal part of the student success equation, and they help schools create supportive and safe environments for students.

Want to become a school counselor in the United States, but want to know how? Don’t worry; the Edvocate has your back. Check out this guide that we created explaining how to become a school counselor in Missouri.

Academics: (Option 1) Completing a master’s degree with a significant major in school counseling from an institution meeting approval of the MDESE. Necessary Courses: Completing a planned program of at least 42 semester hours of sanctioned graduate credit in classes in school counseling with 12 semester hours focused upon school counseling or secondary schools. Completion of a 3-semester hour internship (minimum of 300 clock hours). (Option 2) A master’s degree in education, school counseling, or a related discipline and additional graduate course work specific to school counseling. Finish graduate coursework relevant to school counseling, as designated by the recommending college of university. Must possess a bachelor’s degree in education from a state-sanctioned teacher preparation program or finish a curriculum specified by the recommending certification officer of a state-sanctioned program. Completion of a 3-semester hour internship (minimum of 300 clock hours).

Experience Needed: Note internship requirements above

Assessment: Missouri School Counselor Content Assessment with a score of 220 or higher and the School Counselor Candidate Assessment

Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: Yes, must recommend for certification

Licensure: Elementary: grades K-8 or Secondary: grades 7-12

Licensure Reciprocity: Yes

Criminal Background Investigation: Yes

Missouri Department of Education/school counseling