Counselor Education graduates who complete the 60-credit licensure option and meet high academic standards (cumulative GPA of 3.0) and pass the Professional Praxis Exam with a score of 159 or higher are eligible to apply for a school counseling license and/or a clinical professional counselor license. For school counseling graduates, students must make an application for licensure through the Montana Office of Public Instruction. For clinical mental health counseling graduates, students must make an application for licensure through the Montana Board of Behavioral Health.
All students seeking a degree or post baccalaureate program through the Department of Educational Theory & Practice must obtain criminal background reports by submitting fingerprints to the Licensure Office upon application to Graduate Studies.
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants with lower GPA may be provisionally admitted but are required to take the GRE within the first semester. GRE total score of 290 (verbal and quantitative) and written score of 3.5 are expected. Applicants that already have a Master's degree from an accredited institution are not required to meet this requirement.
- Current resume or CV.
- Statement of purpose describing the applicant's professional goals and the purpose in pursuing the degree program. One page maximum in narrative format, not bulleted.
- Four letters of recommendation, two academic and two professional. Recommendations from those who have a personal relationship with the applicant (such as family members) are not accepted.
- Official transcripts.
- Criminal background report submitted to the College of Education Licensure Officer.
- Immunization documentation as required by state law.
- A complete application submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies.
Note: Master of Education in School Counseling and Professional PRAXIS in school counseling is required.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Candidates will be able to apply school counseling ethics and theory into evidence-based action plans for promoting student success. (Knowledge)
- Candidates will be able to establish collaborative relationships with diverse populations. (Skills)
- Candidates will practice professional school counselor behaviors in academic settings that promote student success. (Dispositions)
- Candidates will have a professional identity relevant to school counseling. (Knowledge)
- Candidates will be able to analyze assessment data to address unique student needs within a school setting. (Skills)
- Candidates will use professional skills in prevention, consultation, and advocacy to accurately identify, diagnose, and treat psychological disorders. (Skills in Advanced Clinical Coursework)
