All students pursuing the Educational Specialist degree in Counseling and Guidance complete a minimum of 20 hours of required coursework (because of certification and licensure requirements, students may be required to complete additional courses). In addition to the core courses (11 credits), students will complete 9 or more hours depending on the chosen emphasis area and certification and/or licensure requirements. The curriculum is individually designed with an advisor so each candidate meets his/her specific needs and professional objectives. Those electing the School Counseling emphasis will, upon successful completion of the coursework and passing of the PRAXIS exam for counseling, become eligible for school counselor certification in Missouri. The General Mental Health Counseling emphasis area is designed for students who wish to work in a variety of settings other than the public schools. Those earning degrees in counseling become employed in community colleges, four-year colleges, specialized areas in large universities (e.g., career planning and placement, drug and alcohol counseling), the court system and community-based mental health services..

Student Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of advanced theories of counseling or career development
• Knowledge of theories of counseling supervision 
• Knowledge of counseling-related topics, such as couples and family counseling, counseling the older adult, sex therapy, and
• Application of counseling and practice skills in a community (or school) setting.
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Requirements for Admission

1. Satisfy all requirements for unconditional admission to the School of Graduate Studies.
2. Hold a master's degree in counseling from an accredited institution.
3. Have completed courses in theories and methods of counseling and in counseling practicum with grades no lower than B-.
4. Have a graduate GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
5. A minimum Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 900 (Verbal + quantitative) or a GRE Verbal score of 450 or better; and minimum Analytical writing score of 4.0 is required for consideration under regular admission criteria.  The GRE requirement can be waived if the applicant is a graduate of a master degree program equivalent to the UMKC Master's degree in Counseling and Guidance (at least 48 credit hours) with a graduate GPA of 3.5 or better.  The GRE requirement may be waived if the applicant is a graduate of a post-bachelor degree program (e.g., law).  A small percentage of applicants may be admitted if they do not meet one of the admissions requirements.

Admission Procedures

Send the following materials:

1. UMKC Application for Admission.
2. Application Fee : $35.
3. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
4. Official GRE scores.

Mailing Address

University of Missouri-Kansas City
UMKC Admissions
120 Administrative Center
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499

Send the following materials:

1. Cover sheet for the Education Specialist Degree in Counseling and Guidance Program.
2. Three letters of recommendation.
   • Raters should address your suitability for professional studies in mental health.
   • Raters should have knowledge of your interpersonal and intellectual functioning and skills in research, counseling and written and oral communication.
   • Raters should enclose their letters of recommendation along with the provided rating sheet in an envelope and sign their names across the back of the envelope.
   • All letters should be collected by the applicant and returned with all other application materials, or raters may mail directly to the Education Specialist Counseling and Guidance Admissions Committee. Raters should be professional references. This excludes friends and family members.
3. Personal statement.
   • Submit a concise two-three page statement concerning your professional goals.
   • Include your professional and applied interests/experiences.
4. Self-addressed stamped envelope.
5. Additional requirements may apply for international students. 

Mailing Address

University of Missouri-Kansas City
Counseling and Educational Psychology
215 Education
5100 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499

Curriculum

• No grade below B in professional counseling courses will be acceptable.
• Students are required to confer with advisers prior to enrolling in any course leading to the educational specialist degree.
• Courses at the 5600 level cannot be taken until students are admitted to the Ed.S. program.

General Mental Health Emphasis

School Counseling Emphasis

 (2) Required for those who do not hold a current teaching certificate.

The Educational Specialist in School Counseling also requires satisfactory completion of the Praxis II: School Guidance and Counseling examination and completion of portfolio requirements.

Requirements for Graduation

Students must apply for graduation by the posted deadline during their final term of enrollment. All students must be enrolled during the term they intend to graduate.

Students must pass the PRAXIS Exam for Counseling.

More information about the program can be found at http://education.umkc.edu/programs/view/17