The MS Program in Mental Health Counselingoffers a dynamic curriculum designed to prepare professionals to provide assessment and psychotherapy services in a broad range of mental health settings. Our graduates are highly skilled counselors and psychotherapists with specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy. The program offers two tracks of specialized training:
- 48-credit MS in Mental Health Counseling
- 60-credit MS in Mental Health Counseling
Both options emphasize treatment of the whole person, educating clinicians in a biopsychosocial approach to health and well-being. The program seeks to blend classroom teaching, clinical experience, and research skills to provide students with the best education possible. Our faculty follow the practitioner-scholar model, offering research and valuable clinical experience to the classroom. We emphasize the importance of creating a personalized learning experience for each student with individualized attention and mentorship from faculty members who are experts in their field.
The 48-credit MS in Mental Health Counseling:
- Cognitive behavioral approach to treatment
- Specialized training in behavioral medicine & collaboration with primary care physicians
- Designed for individuals applying for licensure as a professional counselor in states that require a 48-credit master's degree or who plan to pursue a doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field
The 60-credit MS in Mental Health Counseling:
- The same foundational coursework and theoretical model as the 48-credit MS in Mental Health Counseling plus additional specialized coursework
- This program allows concentrations in particular areas such as counseling in healthcare settings, addictions and offender counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy
- A specialized practicum experience to prepare students to work in their desired setting
- Prepares students for the LPC in Pennsylvania and many other states
- Addictions and Offender concentration helps prepare students for the Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) credentials
Students may attend classes on a full- or part-time basis. Most courses are offered in the evenings from 5:15pm to 8:45pm. A few courses meet on Saturdays.
*Please view the Program Mission & Learning Goals for additional information about the program concentrations.
