Master of Science in Counseling

The master of science in counseling program is designed to provide you with the academic preparation and applied practicum/internship training experiences necessary for professional careers in counseling and related fields. Students may select one of two specialty areas: Mental Health Counseling (MHC) or School Adjustment Counseling (SAC). Both specialties aim to provide a broad, research-based understanding of human functioning; promote the development of skills and behaviors essential for ethical and effective clinical work in diverse settings with diverse populations; and facilitate reflective practice and professional development. Our curriculum is aligned with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensure requirements. Both concentrations include an applied practicum/internship supervised by seasoned on-site clinical supervisors in mental health agencies.

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Program Requirements

Master of Science in Counseling

Program Overview

The master of science in counseling program provides students with the core curriculum required for pursuing state licensure and offers cutting-edge courses in topics such as differential diagnosis, psychopharmacology, and in-school therapies. Students may choose from two specialty areas: Mental Health Counseling (MHC) or School Adjustment Counseling (SAC). Highly flexible, our distinctive program is designed to meet students’ personal and professional goals. 

Program highlights include:

  • Hands-on experiential learning via minimum 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship applied clinical training
  • Core curriculum aligned with Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensure requirements for becoming Mental Health Counselors and School Adjustment Counselors
  • World-class faculty with years of professional experience and research specializations in a wide range of areas, including: multicultural counseling competencies, culture and mental health, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), LGBT well-being, social justice, trauma, and impact of racial discrimination
  • Flexible and predictable scheduling with courses taught on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings
  • Full-time students can complete this program within two years; part-time students can complete within three years depending on the number of courses taken per semester 

Careers 

As a professional counselor you may be engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health and emotional disorders, including addictive disorders; psychoeducational techniques aimed at the prevention of such disorders; consultation to individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations; the provision of the well-established treatments of cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and psychodynamic therapy; and consumer of research into more effective therapeutic treatment modalities. 

Licensed Mental Health Counselors work in a wide variety of settings, such as: mental health facilities, residential treatment facilities, outpatient care centers, in-home therapy, individual and family services, hospitals, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Common job titles include: Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor, Addictions Counselor, Behavioral Mental Health Counselor, Direct Care Counselor, and Residential Counselor.

Due to the increase in coverage for mental health counseling by insurance policies and the increase in demand for counseling services, employment in the field of mental health counseling is projected to grow 19 percent between 2014 and 2024. The median income for LMHC varies depending on counseling specialization and work setting. In May 2015 the median annual salary for mental health counselors and school adjustment counselors was $43,190.*

*Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2015 

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