School Counselor Renewal Requirements

On October 6, 2016, regulations were adopted that established additional renewal requirements for school counselors.

When applying for the renewal of a license in school counseling, an individual must present the following professional learning, as part of or in addition to, the requirements for renewal.

• One semester hour of coursework; or

• One CPD; or
  

• An equivalent number of CEUs that addresses the following:

  1. The need for intervention or referral in response to indicators of mental illness and behavioral distress, including, but not limited to:

     • Depression;

     • Trauma;

     • Violence;

     • Youth Suicide; and

     • Substance Abuse.

  2. The identification of professional resources and best practices for distributing resources to parents or guardians to help students in crisis.

When submitting coursework for this requirement, please include a course description or syllabus with your request.

Searching for a course?

School counselors may present one course or a combination of courses to fulfill the requirements.

MSDE is currently aware of the following coursework, which may be used to satisfy the requirements*:

• McDaniel College - PDE 550 Youth Suicide Prevention

• Goucher College - ED 634.300 Seminar in At-Risk Students: Suicide Prevention

• Student Services Academy - EDAU 9767 Lauryn's Law

• Loyola University - EDCG822.W01

• Washington Adventist University - CPSY 692: Navigating Mental Health and Other Challenges in School Settings Registration Link

  • 1 credit hour, fully online, a six-week graduate course at $625 plus applicable fees

  • Spring 2025 Schedule: Offered Spring 1 (January 13-February 20) and Spring 2 (March 10-April 17)

  • Summer 2025 Schedule: Offered Summer 1 (May 5-June 12) and Summer 2 (June 23-July 31)

  • For more information: Call 301-891-4092, email sgps@wau.edu, or visit www.wau.edu

• Frostburg State University - Suicide Prevention Theory and Practice

*Courses do not require approval by the MSDE to be applied toward the requirements established in COMAR 13A.12.03.02F.