The Minnesota State University, Mankato, Professional School Counseling Program is known across the state and nation as one of the finest school counseling programs available for individuals interested in working with children and adolescents in K-12 educational settings. Through intensive clinicals featuring state-of-the-art technology for analysis of developing counseling skills, coursework, research endeavors, dedicated faculty, and a year-long internship process, the MSU Mankato PSC Program provides students with the education necessary to make its graduates relevant in the job market. By heavily emphasizing the mental health issues likely to be observed among children and adolescents and combining the techniques and interventions necessary to respond to children and families in need of services, MSU Mankato PSC Program graduates are transforming the definition of the type of services that effective school counselors must provide in 21st century schools. Such an innovative approach, combined with traditional programmatic and developmental guidance themes, have resulted in a 90+% hire rate over the last 10 years of MSU Mankato PSC Program graduates. In 2005, 94% of graduates found employment in their primary field of study. MSU Mankato PSC Program graduates serve in K-12 and postsecondary settings throughout the United States and in international settings. Employers actively seek MSU Mankato PSCP graduates.
Entry into the program is highly competitive. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Of those who are admitted, the 10-year average of progress for students is as follows: For every 10 who are admitted, 6 graduate on time and according to their planned program of study; 2 graduate later than planned (due to unexpected life circumstances or the need to remediate specific coursework or skills); and 2 do not complete the program. Full-time students complete a successful program of study in 2 years, inclusive of a full load of courses during the summer between Year 1 and Year 2. Part-time students generally complete the program in 3 years, depending on how they sequence their coursework.
The MSU Mankato PSC Program offers coursework for both degrees 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 may require 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). The program also serves individuals currently holding Minnesota teaching or school counseling licenses who wish to add the coursework necessary to become licensed in an area beyond their current scope of practice. All of the courses required for degree or licensure within the program are offered in late afternoons, night, or summer over a two-year cycle. The program strives to facilitate off-campus students and those in the "real world" who hold jobs during the day and need course availability after the workday. Approximately 1/4 of the necessary coursework is offered in the Twin Cities area. Future plans are to expand course offerings off-campus.
Interested applicants should contact the CSP Department at 507-389-2423, or visit the CSP Department website, for further information and an application packet. To learn more about how the MSU Mankato Professional School Counseling Program, faculty, and interns serve practitioners throughout world, you are encouraged to review the Resources for Practitioners link on the CSP Department homepage.
