Counseling – MA, School Counselor License & Licensure as Professional Counselor (LPC) | Office | Website

Master of Arts in Counseling
The counseling program at the University of Detroit Mercy combines practical, theoretical, traditional, and experiential learning in the education of professional counselors. This program offers students the opportunity to grow personally as well as professionally. The atmosphere at UDM fosters positive communication between faculty and students allowing each person the opportunity to develop as an active learner in a quest to develop a personal learning and counseling style.

The department offers programs to students looking to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to function as a professional counselor in various settings. Three MA programs in Counseling are offered in this department: School Counseling, Community Counseling, and Addictions Counseling. Each program meets State of Michigan license requirements for the licensed professional counselor. In addition, two non-degree certification programs in Counseling are offered: the School Counseling Endorsement-Only (30 credit hours) and the Post-Graduate School Counseling program (18 credit hours).

The MA School Counseling - School Counselor License program is available to those who do not possess a teaching certificate but who are interested in working within a school setting as school counselors or guidance directors or in other related capacities. Coursework emphasizes counseling theory, assessment practices, counseling skills and issues specifically related to school counseling. In order to be eligible for the School Counselor License, individuals must have a Master's degree in School Counseling and take three additional education courses or have a non-school counseling Master's degree (Community/Addiction Studies) and take two school counseling courses, three additional education courses, and complete an internship in school counseling.

After the completion of 39 credit hours and successfully passing the Michigan Guidance Counselor Test, students can become eligible to begin employment as a school counselor through the Preliminary Authorization to Work program designed for school counselors. Students then have 3 years to complete their remaining coursework. Individuals are eligible for both professional licensure as a counselor (LPC) in the state of Michigan and the School Counselor Endorsement through the Michigan Department of Education. The 57 credit hour program generally requires 2-3 years to complete.

An undergraduate overall GPA of 2.75 or higher or a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the second half of the undergraduate degree program or a graduate GPA of 3.0 on a previously completed graduate degree, a minimum of 15 hours in the behavioral sciences (eg., psychology, anthropology, sociology) including at least one course (3 credit hours) in statistics, an autobiographical statement explaining your interests in the counseling profession, a writing exam, three letters of recommendation from individuals able to speak to your potential in the counseling field and an interview with the faculty.

*School Counselor Endorsement - 30 cr.