Educational Specialist in Counseling and Guidance
Counseling and Educational Psychology (CEP)Description
The Ed.S. degree in Counseling and Guidance is a post-master's program designed for experienced counselors who desire to improve, update or add another area to their professional expertise. The program is designed with flexibility to support the preparation of Licensed Professional Counselors and Certified School Counselors.
The Educational Specialist degree program provides two options for students: (a) expansion of their current area of certification/expertise; or (b) addition of a new emphasis area. Candidates can choose one emphasis area, either mental health counseling or school counseling.
The Program
Students complete a minimum of 21 credit hours of coursework, 12 of which are core courses to include practicum and internship experiences, and nine or more depend on the emphasis area, certification, and/or licensure requirements. Additional coursework may be necessary for students who did not complete all of the pre-requisite courses during their master's degree program.
Admission Requirements
- A Master's Degree in Counseling from an accredited institution; a grade of B or better is required for courses in theories and methods of counseling and a grade of 'pass' or 'credit' for counseling practicum
- Overall undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or better (4.0 scale)
- A minimum Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 900 (Verbal + Quantitative) or a GRE Verbal score of 450 or better; and minimum Analytic writing score of 4.0, obtained within the last 5 years. The GRE requirement can be waived if the applicant is a graduate of a master's degree program in counseling with a graduate GPA of 3.5 or greater.
Once admitted, students must complete an FBI Criminal Background check prior to enrolling in required practicum and internship courses.
Admission Procedures
Application materials must be submitted to two separate offices on campus:
- The UMKC Admissions Office, and
- The Division of Counseling and Educational Psychology Office
It is suggested that students apply early to allow for processing time. Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
1) Materials to be sent to the UMKC Admissions Office:
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Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended (in sealed envelope or sent directly from each institution). Note: Transcripts should be requested early to ensure receipt by the application deadline.
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Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Score Report Note: GRE scores typically arrive 3-4 weeks after test. Please take the exam early to ensure receipt of scores by the application deadline.
2) Materials to be sent to the Division of Counseling and Educational Psychology Office:
- Cover Sheet for the Ed.S. program in Counseling and Guidance
- Three (3) evaluation forms with professional reference letters attached (Note: References shall not be personal, i.e. family/friends, etc.
- Statement defining academic and professional goals
- Photocopy of all transcripts