WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Officials with Missouri State University’s Outreach Program and the Department of Counseling, Leadership and Special Education in Springfield will offer a new cohort for the Master of Science in Counseling degree in spring 2017 at Missouri State-West Plains, provided enough students apply.
At least eight students must apply by Oct. 1 and be accepted into the program after an admissions interview on the Springfield campus for the cohort to begin, officials said. Because of the lengthy admissions process, officials said those interested should begin that process as soon as possible.
“The admission process involves completing either the GRE or MAT exam in Springfield, as well as the graduate college application and the departmental application. Students also must provide references,” said Deanna Smith, coordinator of Missouri State Outreach’s program on the West Plains campus. “It is very important to start the admission process early.
Students admitted to the program will be able to earn the Master of Science in Counseling degree with an emphasis in the area of elementary or secondary education, which is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), officials said. Students will be able to complete the entire degree on the West Plains campus in Gohn Hall utilizing evening, face-to-face, blended/online and interactive television (ITV) classes, they added.
“The past success of the Master of Science in Counseling program offered at Missouri State-West Plains definitely proves the need for future cohorts to be offered locally,” Smith said. “Since courses for the counseling program begin in spring 2007, local residents have had the ability to pursue this degree close to home and obtain jobs that meet the growing demand for area counselors, both in schools and in private agencies.”
Area residents interested in participating in the new cohort will need to meet all admission requirements by Oct. 1. Due to this early deadline, those interested should contact Smith as soon as possible at 417-255-7777 or DeannaSmith@MissouriState.edu for detailed information concerning these requirements in order to have enough time to meet the deadline.