School Counseling (48 Hours) – North Dakota
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.
North Dakota requires applicants for this licensure (who are not already a licensed classroom teacher) to complete Step One (Obtain a School Counseling Educator’s License from ESPB) AND Step Two (Obtain a Counseling Credential from DPI) prior to the start of the school year.
Step One: Obtain a School Counseling Educator’s License from ESPB via the options below
Option One: Initial Two-Year In-State Educators License
- Complete a master’s degree in counseling, school counseling or other counseling area from a North Dakota college
- Apply online and submit a background check packet. Official transcripts and any Praxis test scores will be needed to complete the application.
- The education courses required for school counselors are (1) Educational Psychology, (2) Classroom Management, (3) Instructional planning, methods, and assessment, and (4) Multicultural/Native American Studies
- Praxis II for School Counselors (5422)
Option Two: Initial Out of State Reciprocal License
- Complete a master’s degree in counseling outside of North Dakota and does not hold a school counseling license in that state
- Apply online and submit a background check packet. Official transcripts and any Praxis test scores will be needed to complete the application. Then, a transcript analysis is done by ESPB to determine if any education courses and/or tests are needed to fulfill licensure requirements.
- The education courses required for school counselors are (1) Educational Psychology, (2) Classroom Management, (3) Instructional planning, methods, and assessment, and (4) Multicultural/Native American Studies
- Praxis II for School Counselors (5422)
Option Three: Initial Other State Educator License (OSEL)
- Complete a master’s degree in school counseling outside of ND and hold a current, valid school counseling license in another state
- Apply online and submit a background check packet and official transcripts. Applicant must also submit a copy of their valid license for school counting in another state, and standardized test scores used by that state/college or evidence of licensure held prior to 2002. If applicant does not have tests scores, they would receive a OSEL testing plan and have two years to complete the required Praxis test.
Option Four: Alternate Access License (Not available until July 1 of each year)
- Applicant does not have a master’s degree in counseling but is enrolled in a master’s degree program and has completed 3 of the 4 foundational counseling courses: (1) Counseling Program Management, (2) Counseling Methods or Techniques, (3) Counseling Theory, (4) Ethics and Law
** Please contact Jim Upgren at DPI (jimupgren@nd.gov or 701-328-2244) with questions on if you qualify based on your coursework completed.
- Apply online and submit a background check packet and official transcripts. The K-12 school hiring the applicant for a school counselor position must also submit a letter requesting the Alternate Access License for the applicant. The letter must describe how they have tried to find a fully licensed school counselor but have not been able to do so.
- An Alternate Access License is good for one year but can be renewed twice. Before renewing for a second Alternate Access License, applicant must submit a Program of Study from a college/university to complete master’s degree in school counseling. When finished with master’s degree in school counseling, applicant is issued a Two-Year license.
Step Two: Obtain a School Counseling Credential from DPI
The school counseling credential is needed to legally practice as a school counselor. The school counseling credential is in addition to your educator license. The school counseling credential requires a separate application from those outlined in Step One; HOWEVER, these applications can both be started in the same ND Teach Account.
Additional Information
Out-of-state applicants are encouraged to obtain licensure in Virginia, the state of their program. If an applicant holds a Virginia license, North Dakota will recognize it, and no additional courses are required.
For more information:
https://www.nd.gov/espb/licensure/school-counselor-licensure