University of Montana - Department of Counseling

About this program

The University of Montana is proud to offer a master's degree in Counselor Education with the ability to specialize in one of two areas (1) clinical mental health counseling or (2) school counseling. The UM program is nationally accredited under The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The department recently moved into a brand new office and clinical space where students will enjoy state-of-the-art resources and an overall exceptional learning environment on a campus overlooking the Rocky Mountains.

• Year partnership began: 2016
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 1-3

Application requirements

Undergraduate official (sealed) transcript(s) - if applicable, Master's level transcript(s); Optional GRE scores (please include scores if you believe they are helpful in demonstrating your academic ability); An in-person or Zoom interview; Three professional letters of recommendation; a personal statement addressing the reasons for wishing to be admitted into this program.

Admissions process

Those interested in becoming Coverdell Fellows must first be accepted into the counseling program in the first round of interviews while noting their interest in the Fellowship program on their application. Upon acceptance into the program, applicants will be contacted regarding Fellowship consideration. Fellows will be ranked by the following criteria (1) alignment with professional goals and program mission; (2) related field experience; (3) teaching and program development experience; (4) evidence of professionalism and collaboration. Based on the ranking of all Fellowship applicants, resource support options (e.g., TA position) will be offered as available.

Degrees awarded

Master's of Arts

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $21,348

Cost savings details

The values and costs are median estimates based on two potential opportunities: 1) Eligibility for a merit award that would allow the fellow a tuition rate that is 150% of in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students, or a 25% reduction in in-state tuition for Montana resident students. 2) Eligibility for the PC Campus Representative position: 20 hrs/week hourly pay, $12.28/hr. (estimate 34 weeks, aligned with academic calendar).

Internship

For all students in the program, the internship requirements for the program consist of 600-hours in a related setting (i.e., school or clinical). Although a focus of the department in general, the internship hours and related supervision and coursework are worth 6 credits. Coverdell Fellows will be required to select an internship location that specifically serves a disadvantaged population in the community. Although the faculty assist students in identifying internship options, Missoula and the surrounding area is home to approximately 1,200 non-profits and organizations (www.makeitmissoula.com/community/non-profits/)!

Other opportunities

Jobs for alumni

After graduation or seeking additional training, our students have found positions primarily in counseling settings locally and in other states. However, students have also gone on to pursue careers in a wide variety of additional professions including: teaching (K-12 and higher education), student support services, medicine, business and entrepreneurship!

Nontraditional options

Part-time degree program

Part-time student status is an option, however, Fellows interested in holding the TA or PC Campus Strategic Recruiter position must be enrolled as full-time students.