Licensure and Degree Options

The MSU Mankato PSC Program offers coursework for both M.S. degree and/or licensure as a Licensed School Counselor in the state of Minnesota as defined by the Minnesota Board of Teaching. The coursework and degree are often reciprocal among other states for licensure as a school counselor (Please note: Each state usually requires slightly different courses for any type of license. However, as a CACREP-accredited program, most states recognize the coursework as equivalent. Individuals must contact the state licensing agency of that state for full details of that state's requirements).

Licensure as a Licensed School Counselor (LSC) in Minnesota

The Minnesota Board of Teaching (MnBOT), which licenses all professions in public schools, does not require teaching experience or previous teaching licensure in order to be a Licensed School Counselor (LSC) in the state. The MSU Mankato PSC Program matches coursework and internship requirements to align with both MnBOT rules (see Minnesota Board of Teaching licensure rule 8710:6400 School Counselor and the national accreditation standards for school counseling of the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Minnesota

Licensed School Counselors also may want to consider options for private practice in the mental health field. The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) sets the standards for individuals who wish to be licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) for private or agency practice. Career opportunities as a LPC or LPCC require different coursework within the CSP Department and is most frequently the field of study for students in the Mental Health Counseling or Marriage and Family programs. LPC or LPCC licensure for LSCs cannot be obtained without additional requirements beyond the 50 semester hour program of study leading to degree within the CSP Department.

Individuals interested in licensure as a LPC or LPCC should discuss with faculty what additional coursework is necessary as is related to one's intent to be licensed in the field of professional school counseling. The minimum education required for eligibility as a LPC or LPCC in Minnesota is 60 semester hours (12 hours pertinent to the LPC or LPCC licensure field above a 48 hour MS degree in counseling) and may require additional supervised internship and post-MS degree experiences. Full information about LPC licensure can be found at the BBHT web site.