School Counseling (48 Hours) – Iowa
The M.Ed. School Counseling 48-hour program (MECU) is closed to new enrollments, but previously enrolled students are still permitted to finish this program. The below information addresses state requirements measured against the 48-hour program. Degree Completion Plans (DCPs) beginning after July 1, 2023, will reflect the 60-hour School Counseling Program (SHCO). Students on DCPs prior to 2023-2024 whose state requirements are 60 credit hours can contact LUO Academic Advising to switch to the new 23-24 60-hour M.Ed. School Counseling DCP.
Iowa requires that applicants for this licensure have a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education; completion of an approved human relations component; completion of an approved exceptional learner component; teaching and counseling practicum (at either the K-6 or 7-12 level) consisting of a minimum of 500 contact hours.
Required Coursework
(1) Completion of an approved human relations component; (2) Completion of an approved exceptional learner component; (3) as part of the school counseling program coursework in: nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels, social and cultural foundations, fostering of relationships, group work, career development, education, postsecondary planning, assessment and evaluation, professional orientation, school counseling skills, classroom management, curriculum, and learning theory.
Experience Requirements
The school counselor demonstrates competency in conducting classroom sessions with elementary, middle (elementary certification) OR middle and secondary school students (secondary certification). The practicum consisting of a minimum of 500 contact hours provides opportunities for the prospective counselor, under the supervision of a licensed professional school counselor, to engage in a variety of activities in which a regularly employed school counselor would be expected to participate including, but not limited to, individual counseling, group work, developmental classroom guidance and consultation.
For more information:
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