School Counseling (48 Hours) – Kentucky

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.

The Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board issues a five-year Standard Certificate for School Counselor, P-12 to applicants who have either

Option One

• Successful completion of an approved master’s level program in school counseling
• Successful completion of an additional three to six credit hours from an approved graduate level counseling or school counseling program
• One year of full-time employment as a provisionally certified school counselor in an accredited public or private school
• Hold a valid Kentucky Professional teaching certificate
• Have a minimum of one year of full-time classroom teaching experience, or

Option Two

• Successful completion of an approved master’s level program in school counseling
• Successful completion of an additional three to six credit hours from an approved graduate level counseling or school counseling program
• Have a minimum of two years of successful employment as a Provisional full-time certified school counselor

Additional Information

Upon completion of the M.Ed. School Counseling, a student can be recommended for a “provisional” license in Kentucky. No additional coursework is required.

If applicant has a teaching certificate, one year of experience is required to advance to a “standard” license. If applicant has a master’s or school counseling certificate, two years of experience is required to advance to a “standard” license.

For more information:

http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=212

https://education.ky.gov/educational/compschcouns/Pages/default.aspx