Get started with MU
Apply hereMaster of education
As a teacher, counselor or administrator, you see your students facing a multitude of hurdles. Prepare to support their socioemotional and academic success with an online master of education (M Ed) in educational, school and counseling psychology with a specialization in mental health practices in schools from the University of Missouri (Mizzou).
Whether for the classroom, one-on-one sessions or introducing policies, you learn to oversee interventions, effectively collaborate with staff and parents and improve students’ perseverance. At the same time, you acquire a more holistic picture of child and adolescent development and mental health, including cultural and other influential external factors.
About the online M Ed in mental health practices in schools
Think about the school environment — from always-evolving social groups to the stress of standardized testing to managing homework and extracurriculars. For teens, part-time jobs, more complex relationships and college preparation get thrown into the mix.
During what seems like an uncertain, confusing time, be the listening ear or the helpful hand that points the way ahead. This online M Ed builds off your existing credentials and experience, highlighting practical applications of psychological concepts for K-12 schools and agencies.
In the process, you learn to steer students toward adaptive behavioral strategies and help them discover their inner strength. Taught by professionals bringing their insights from the field, this online master’s in mental health practices in schools equips you to:
- Address mental health issues primarily faced by children and teens, including related to cultural and social factors
- Assess evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies and programs geared toward K-12 students
- Introduce positive behavioral supports to improve classroom management and students’ resilience
- Manage crisis interventions, including collaborating with families and school personnel toward specific behavioral objectives
- Promote a positive school culture around mental health
Quick facts
Official name
Master of Education in Educational, School and Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Mental Health Practices in SchoolsCampus
Program type
Master's degreeAcademic home
College of Education & Human Development | Department of Educational, School and Counseling PsychologyDelivery mode
100% onlineAccreditation
Higher Learning CommissionCredit hours
34Estimated cost
$19,101.20*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Career prospects
As an education or counseling professional, you’re a lifelong learner. Continue building your skill set and expanding what you know about child and adolescent mental health to empower your school’s or district’s student body at all levels.
The online M Ed in mental health practices in schools provides professional enrichment for:
- Community-based practitioners
- Elementary and secondary teachers
- Mental health professionals
- School administrators
- School counselors
- Special education professionals
Note: This program does not provide school counselor certification nor any professional counseling licensure.
Program structure
The online M Ed in mental health practices in schools requires 34 credit hours split between required courses (25 credit hours) and electives (nine credit hours).
Students attend all courses online, following a semester schedule. No campus visits are required. Students typically take one or two classes each semester, including summers, and finish in two years.
Required courses
Learn to foster optimal mental health outcomes through courses covering:
- The influence of human development on the classroom environment
- The history and principles of school mental health
- Research design and data collection methods
- Mental, emotional and behavioral disorders affecting children and teens
- Mental health policies, laws and ethics for school professionals
- Multicultural awareness
- Interventions and other methods for addressing childhood and adolescent mental health issues
Review all requirements for the online M Ed in mental health practices in schools.
Delivery
100% onlineCalendar system
Semester-basedTypical program length
2 yearsTypical course load
1 or 2 classes each semesterAccreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.