Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA

Program code: CNSS-MA

The Master of Arts degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to prepare students to work in a variety of settings, including mental health centers, drug and alcohol treatment programs, specialized community agencies, vocational or rehabilitation programs, correctional institutions, health care settings, social services, and business and industry.

The 60-credit hour program includes a series of counseling skills courses and individual and group practica, as well as a 600-hour field experience under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and meets the educational standards set forth by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors for licensure as a Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania.

The counseling curriculum is based on the educational standards set forth by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Students who successfully complete their course work will be eligible to take the National Counselor Examination for Licensure.

Program Requirements

Students enrolled in the MA program will complete 60 credit hours of credit for the degree. The program requires the following courses:

GSR 615 - Elements of Research Credits: 3
COUN 615 - Counseling Across the Life Span Credits: 3
COUN 617 - Basic Counseling Skills Credits: 3
COUN 618 - Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Counseling Credits: 3
COUN 634 - Assessment Procedures for Clinical Mental Health Counselors Credits: 3
COUN 636 - Career Counseling Credits: 3
COUN 637 - Counseling Theories Credits: 3
COUN 639 - Group Counseling Theory and Experience Credits: 3
COUN 657 - Individual Counseling Practicum (Clinical Mental Health) Credits: 3
COUN 669 - Group Counseling Practicum (Clinical Mental Health) Credits: 3
COUN 671 - Diagnostic and Treatment Issues for Counselors Credits: 3
COUN 672 - Counseling and Consulting Within Systems Credits: 3
COUN 677 - Crisis and Addiction Counseling Credits: 3
COUN 710 - Clinical Mental Health Counseling Credits: 3
COUN 720 - Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice in Counseling Credits: 3
Elective Credits: 3
Elective Credits: 3
Elective Credits: 3
COUN 755 - Field Experience Credits: 6

Total 60 cr.

Prospective students for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling must meet departmental admissions requirements and procedures in addition to those of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Prospective students should contact the Graduate Coordinator to determine these requirements. Applicants are required to attend an admissions workshop as the final step in the admissions process and should contact the Graduate Coordinator to obtain deadlines for completed applications to be received by the School of Graduate Studies and Research.

For current students, an annual evaluation of academic, clinical, and professional competence will be made. Students will receive formal feedback based on the outcome of the evaluation results and a joint effort will be made to remediate any deficiencies. Serious deficiencies may result in recommendations for remedial work or termination from the program. Students must pass all practicum experiences with a B or better in order to advance to internship/field experience.