Mental Health Counseling, M.A.

The M.A. in Mental Health Counseling provides a clear pathway for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required for a career as a licensed mental health counselor. Graduates of the program are prepared to sit for the National Counselor Examination and pursue licensure in the state of their choice. The curriculum responds to the growing regional and national demand for mental health professionals and is aligned with CACREP standards. Students receive comprehensive preparation in professional counseling orientation and ethical practice, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, career development, counseling and helping relationships, group counseling, assessment and testing, and research and program evaluation. The online 60-credit program is designed to welcome students from a range of undergraduate backgrounds and service experiences who are motivated to support and help others through therapeutic and counseling careers.

Admissions Requirements: Completion of online Graduate application, earned bachelor’s degree, undergraduate transcripts, and graduate transcripts (if applicable).

FOUNDATIONS IN COUNSELING
CNSL 501   -  Introduction to Helping Services (3cr)
CNSL 502  - History of Mental Health Counseling (3cr)
CNSL 510  - Counseling Theories (3cr)
CNSL 511  - Counseling Techniques (3cr)

CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALTY
CNSL 515  - Alcohol and Drug Counseling (3cr)
CNSL 516  - Crisis and Trauma Interventions (3cr)
CNSL 517  - Diagnosis and Psychopathology (3cr)
CNSL 518  - Marriage and Family Counseling (3cr)
CNSL 519  - Death and Dying (3cr)

COUNSELING TECHNIQUES AND INTERVENTIONS
CNSL 520  - Psychotherapy and Treatment (3cr)
CNSL 521  - Advanced Counseling Theory (3cr)
CNSL 522  -Advanced Counseling Techniques (3cr)

ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS
CNSL 530  - Assessment Methods (3cr)
CNSL 531  - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (3cr)

RESEARCH AND PROGRAM EVALUATION (Pick 1)
CNSL 600  - Capstone (3cr)
CNSL 601  - Thesis (3cr)

PRACTICUM (150 hours)
CNSL 540  - Practicum (3cr)

INTERNSHIP (750 hours)
CNSL 541  - Internship I (375 hours) (3cr)
CNSL 542  - Internship II (375 hours) (3cr)

ELECTIVES
CNSL 550  - Expressive Therapies (3cr)
CNSL 551  - Cultural Therapies (3cr)