School Counseling Concentration

Discover more about the school counseling concentration, including licensure, endorsement, and internship.

School counseling at CMU

Schools nationwide need dedicated school counselors!  With many states facing high student-to-counselor ratios, there is a critical demand for professionals who can support K-12 students' academic, career, and social-emotional development.  In the CMU counseling program, you will learn how to create a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses the needs of all those you serve. By becoming a school counselor, you are not only building a career; you are making a lasting impact on the lives of children and adolescents.  You'll advocate for students, provide essential guidance, and help level the playing field so every child can graduate ready to pursue their dreams.

Professional development

Students have access to workshops, conferences, and seminars that keep them updated on the latest trends and innovations in the field of school counseling.  You may wish to join the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and attend annual conferences, which provide opportunities for networking with other school counselors and growing knowledge and skills. The Michigan School Counselor Association (MSCA) is another professional organization that offers educational opportunities and an annual conference. 

Internship

Students will complete a 600-hour internship at a K-12 public, private or charter school.

The school counseling internship offers hands-on experience in a school setting, allowing you to apply your training while working with K-12 students on academic, career, and social-emotional needs. You'll lead groups, deliver classroom lessons, and receive mentorship from an experienced school counselor to build your skills and confidence in the field.  

At CMU, we provide personalized support to help students secure and gain approval for their practicum and internship sites.

Licensure and credential

State of Michigan

School counselors can be credentialed in several ways in Michigan. 

School Counselor Endorsement on a valid Michigan teaching certificate. Requirements include:

• completion of a M.A. in School Counseling
• passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) School Counselor Test #51
• a recommendation from CMU to the Michigan Department of Education

School Counselor License for those who do not have a Michigan teaching certificate. Requirements include:

• completion of a M.A. in School Counseling
• passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) School Counselor Test #51
• a recommendation from CMU to the Michigan Department of Education

Preliminary School Counselor Credential provides an opportunity to be credentialed prior to graduation. Requirements include:

• completion of all credit requirements for the M.A. in School Counseling, except for CED 691 Internship and CED 686 Psychopathology in Counseling
• passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) School Counselor Test #51
• a recommendation from CMU to the Michigan Department of Education

Out of state

State licensure requirements are periodically updated or changed. Please visit the state licensure list located on our resource page to see the requirements in your desired practice state.

Where and who you'll serve

School counselors serve children and adolescents in grades K-12 in public and private schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.