Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Request More InfoPrepare to become a licensed mental health counselor.
Pursue your master’s fully online in a flexible program modeled on national licensing standards and accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Our master’s in clinical mental health counseling includes 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of clinical internship experience, preparing you to take the national licensing exam to become a mental health counselor.
Whether you choose to learn online or on campus, practicum and clinical hours must be completed under the supervision of a licensed counseling professional. Our clinical coordinator works with each student individually, so if you are an online student, you may be eligible to complete your clinical hours in your home state.
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In-class or online
CACREP-accredited
60 total credits
Candidates for this master’s degree must have completed a prerequisite of six credit hours in the behavioral sciences and must formally apply to the program. Students who are admitted for summer 2016 and beyond must complete two on-campus residency experiences. Students are expected to complete the first residency in the first available term after admission to the MSCC program and must complete the second residency prior to beginning internship.
Education requirements for licensure vary from state to state. It is the responsibility of the student to evaluate whether the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling meets the licensure requirements particular to the state in which they plan to practice. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm with the Department of Human Services (or similar agency) in his/her respective state to guarantee necessary coursework meets the state’s current licensure requirements
With this program, you could experience courses like:
- MCC 520 Human Development Throughout the Lifespan (3 credits)
This course surveys theories, scholarship, and research on human development throughout the lifespan. Students examine biological, neurological, cognitive, emotional, and social-cultural factors influencing individual development within a multicultural framework. The reciprocal influences of crises; transitions; normal and abnormal development; psychopathology; and familial and community relationships are addressed. Particular attention on the application of these concepts to the work of professional counselors is explored. Prerequisite: MCC 501 or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.
- MCC 650 Couples and Family Counseling (3 credits)
This course introduces students to a broad range of theoretical approaches and interventions in the field of couples and family counseling with an emphasis on the systemic and relational components commonly associated in working with couples and families. The impact of societal changes, trauma, and mental health disorders on the family system are studied. Theories and models of couple and family resilience as well as the promotion of wellness over the family life span are introduced. Knowledge of how to effectively counsel couples and families, including problem identification, treatment planning, intervention, family wellness education, and relapse prevention are emphasized. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.
- MCC 501 Helping Relationships and Orientation to the Counseling Profession (3 credits)
This course assists the student in obtaining and demonstrating proficiency in basic helping skills associated with the practice of professional counseling and helping relationships. In addition, the course will address the history, philosophy, and trends associated with the field of professional counseling. Personal characteristics influencing the helping process, as well as self-care strategies of the professional counselor are explored in this course. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program or written permission of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director.
To receive a customized degree plan and learn more, reach out to us.
Students applying for a professional license of certification should verify the university’s offerings meet the requirements of the professional organization.
We are committed to helping you continue your education and achieve your career goals. We offer a generous transfer policy and credit for work experience, so you can maximize your savings and get the most out of the credits you've earned. We understand that you may have some questions or concerns about enrolling in a master's program and we're here to help make the process seamless for you.
Master's Requirements
Students who want to enroll in a graduate degree program will be eligible to apply if they have earned a bachelor's degree or master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or a U.S. equivalent degree from a nationally or internationally accredited college or university. Students also need to have maintained a GPA of 2.5 or better from the most recent 60 credits of coursework earned toward the bachelor’s degree or have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or better in previous graduate-level coursework earned toward the graduate degree.
Education requirements for licensure vary from state to state. It is your responsibility to evaluate whether the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling meets the licensure requirements particular to the state in which you plan to practice. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm with the Department of Human Services (or similar agency) in his/her respective state to guarantee necessary coursework meets the state’s current licensure requirements.
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