Master of Education in Counseling

Masters
School of Health Sciences
Master of Education in Counseling

Now more than ever, there’s a vital need for counseling professionals. The Stephens College programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling will help you apply your interests and talents in helping other achieve their goals and improve their sense of wellness.

Why Stephens?

Evening courses, program tracks, and committed faculty who care about your unique goals make it easy for you to pursue your Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling or earn the licensure you need.

Our focus on the individual ensures small class sizes and personal attention. We are committed to preparing the best counseling professionals and will help you transition successfully to the next phase in your career. Peer-to-peer support and dedicated advisers enhance the learning experience.

Applications for the Stephens College Counseling program are being accepted for the Fall 2025 cohort. 

Application reviews for admission to the Fall 2025 cohort will begin on February 1st, 2025. Here are some quick links to our application process and financial aid office.

Dr. Dan Kissinger, program director, can answer any questions regarding the program. You can contact him at dkissinger@stephens.edu.

Quick Links

Student Voice: Counseling

Program Features

Enhance your career with a degree or licensure provided by those who understand the industry and your commitment to making a difference.

  • All evening courses designed for working adults
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • 1/3 of courses taught online
  • Experienced and dedicated counselor education faculty
  • Wide range of internship opportunities across clinical organizations and school systems in Columbia and across Mid-Missouri
  • Dedicated clinical mental health practicum/internship at Stephens College Counseling Center
  • Strong peer-to-peer support networks with fellow counseling students
  • Dedicated faculty advisers provide one-on-one mentorship and career guidance

Strong Career Outlook

Counseling professionals with the right educational foundation and credentials are in excellent position for career success. Employment opportunities for both clinical and school counselors are expected to grow substantially by 2026.

Explore projected job growth for careers in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.

Specialization Areas

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Clinical mental health counselors focus on promoting the mental health of individuals, families, groups and organizations in a diverse society.

Clinical Track
School Counseling

Professional School Counselors help students address their personal, social, educational and career needs in elementary, middle and high schools.

School Counseling Track

Related programs

Education

School of Integrative Studies
Undergraduate Major
Undergraduate Minor

Health Science

School of Health Sciences
Undergraduate Major

Psychology

School of Health Sciences
Undergraduate Major
Undergraduate Minor
Students in the M.Ed. of Counseling program practice in the Counseling Center on campus.

Master of Education in Counseling (M.Ed.)

(573) 876-7207

dkissinger@stephens.edu

Need more direction?