Academics

Master of Science in Counseling - Mental Health Counseling

Degree Overview

Mental health counseling involves the application of the principles of psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, group dynamics, psychopathology, and intervention/treatment planning. This three-year master’s level program prepares professionals for counseling positions in a wide variety of settings such as community mental health centers and residential treatment facilities. The applications are relevant to individuals, couples, children, families and groups for the purposes of treating psychopathology and promoting optimal mental health. Students take required courses emphasizing core skills and two elective courses. This program of study offers students the opportunity to apply for licensure in mental health counseling (LMHC).

Requirements and Curriculum

The Master of Science Mental Health Counseling degree is an open enrollment program allowing students to begin studies in spring, summer, or fall. A minimum of 60 semester hours is required including 12 semester hours of internship. The program can be completed in as little as three years:

Two complete years (including fall, spring, summer semesters) of academic studies
One year to complete a 600 hour mandated internship. Internship hours begin in the fall semester and end at the conclusion of the University's spring semester in May (approximately 42 weeks)
Prerequisites: Human Growth and Development (or equivalent), Abnormal Psychology and Statistics

Phase I
PSY 7010 Counseling Theories	3 S.H.
PSY 7020 Group Dynamics	3 S.H.
Phase II
PSY 7005 Mental Health and Family Counseling: Professional Practice, Standards and Ethics	3 S.H.
PSY 8015 Research and Program Evaluation	3 S.H.
PSY 8030 Life Span Development	3 S.H.
PSY 8130 Psychopathology I: Diagnosis and Assessment	3 S.H.
PSY 8132 Psychopathology II: Treatment Planning and Outcome	3 S.H.
PSY 8190 Social and Cultural Foundation: Issues in Counseling	3 S.H.
PSY 8215 Lifestyle and Career Development	3 S.H.
PSY 8300 Psychological Testing and Assessment: Theory and Practice	3 S.H.
PSY 8500 Counseling Techniques and Case Analysis: Individuals and Families	6 S.H.
PSY 8700 Group Work and Leadership in Mental Health Counseling	3 S.H.
PSY 8710 Family and Systems, Models and Interventions	3 S.H.
PSY **** Psychology Electives	6 S.H.
Phase III
PSY 9090 Internship in Mental Health Counseling	12 S.H.
Total for Degree	60 S.H.

Career Opportunities

Program graduates have the opportunity to apply for licensure in mental health counseling (LMHC). Past graduates of the program have been employed at Community Health Link, You Inc., LUK Crisis Center, and Henry Heywood Hospital.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online or request a print application

WHAT NEXT?

Contact Admissions Office: (978) 665-3144, admissions@fitchburgstate.edu

Program
at a Glance

Admissions

Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis.
Admissions Requirements (PDF)

Delivery

Face-to-face courses offered in the evenings with some day courses during the summer.

Total Credits

60 credits

Program Cost

Tuition and fees

Time Frame

While you can complete the program in as few as 3 years, you have 6 years to complete the program.
Suggested sequence of courses (PDF)

Careers

Individual, family, child, and group mental health counseling

Program Highlights

Coursework consistent with requirements for LMHC licensure. Exposure to faculty with both practical and academic backgrounds in the field. Exposure to a wide range of theoretical orientations and techniques. Practical experience through 100 clock hours of course related practicum prior to 600 clock hours of internship.

Fitchburg State University

Academics