The Master of Science (MS) in Counseling degree prepares individuals to be leaders and advocates in the fields of clinical mental health and school counseling. The program follows a nationally recognized, evidence-based curriculum aligned with national and state standards. The program is led by distinguished faculty and boasts a strong support network of school districts and mental health settings. The program’s content includes: professional counseling orientation and ethical practice, social and cultural identities and experiences, lifespan development, career development, counseling practice and relationships, group counseling and group work, assessment and diagnostic processes, and research and program evaluation. Students learn through didactic experiences, small group projects, and applied learning at community mental and behavioral agencies/organizations or school-based sites. The Master of Science in Counseling degree program, with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Students specialize in one of two concentrations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- School Counseling
Students have a maximum of five years to complete the program but are strongly encouraged to follow the prescribed program of study.
Visit the School of Education website for more information about the Master of Science in Counseling.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to work in a wide range of clinical, community, and human service settings. Upon graduation, candidates gain the knowledge, skills, and academic requirements necessary to begin the licensure process in Maryland and many other states. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Although the School of Education permits five years for program completion, there are full-time and part-time Clinical Mental Health Counseling sequences. Completion of a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship are required in this program.
School Counseling
The School Counseling concentration prepares students to work in K-12 schools with an emphasis in urban school settings. The program is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), and graduates are eligible for MSDE certification as school counselors. Students have a maximum of five years to complete the program but are strongly encouraged to follow the prescribed program of study. The School Counseling concentration is also accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Completion of a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship are required in this program.
Admissions Requirements
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all previous undergraduate and graduate studies (including incomplete programs of study and for programs still in progress). Applicants must submit an application, official transcripts from all accredited post-secondary institutions attended, a résumé or curriculum vitae, an essay, and two letters of recommendation. The content of the essay should address why the candidate wants to be a counselor, the type of contributions the candidate would want to make to the clinical mental health field, a discussion of how the candidate’s background and professional experiences may support and/or constrain their becoming an effective counselor, and an exploration of how the candidate’s experiences regarding human diversity, volunteerism, travel and/or work have impacted their desire to be a counselor. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a group admission interview.
School Counseling
Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all previous undergraduate and graduate studies (including incomplete programs of study and for programs still in progress). Applicants must submit an application, official transcripts from all accredited post-secondary institutions attended, a résumé or curriculum vitae, a personal statement of goals, and two letters of recommendation. The content of the essay should address why the candidate wants to be a counselor, the type of contributions the candidate would want to make to the school counseling field, a discussion of how the candidate’s background and professional experiences may support and/or constrain their becoming an effective counselor, and an exploration of how the candidate’s experiences regarding human diversity, volunteerism, travel and/or work have impacted their desire to be a counselor. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a group admission interview.
Program Requirements
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The program’s plan of study requires 60 graduate credits to be completed through full-time or part-time matriculation and students must successfully pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) prior to or during the last semester of their graduate program. With the approval of the faculty advisor, a student may transfer a maximum of six graduate credits from an accredited college or university if the course directly aligns to the student’s degree requirements and is taken within the five-year time limit. Completion of a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship are required in this program.
In addition to required courses, Clinical Mental Health students also enroll in two elective offerings. Electives are identified in the Schedule of Classes with the area tag "Counseling." Current examples of electives include ED.860.501 Trauma Counseling Across the Lifespan, ED.861.513 Integrating Alternative Approaches to Mental Wellness, ED.861.713 Advanced Treatment Approaches, ED.863.526 Introduction to Play Therapy with Children, ED.863.571 Counseling Adolescents, ED.863.626 Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology Applications in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and ED.863.674 Meditation and Mindfulness.
Please see additional GPA and Grade Requirements for graduation on the Graduation page.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED.860.639 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | 3 |
| ED.861.502 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ED.861.503 | Group Counseling and Group Experience | 3 |
| ED.861.507 | Counseling Techniques | 3 |
| ED.861.511 | Career/Life Development and Planning | 3 |
| ED.861.605 | Human Development and Counseling | 3 |
| ED.861.609 | Diagnosis in Counseling | 3 |
| ED.861.612 | Appraisal and Testing for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.863.501 | Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.603 | Couple and Family Therapy | 3 |
| ED.863.607 | Diversity and Social Justice in Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.630 | Addictions Counseling I: Theory and Approaches | 3 |
| ED.863.681 | Research and Evaluation for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.863.709 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| ED.863.795 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.870 | Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.875 | Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling I | 3 |
| ED.863.876 | Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling II | 3 |
| Six credits of elective courses * | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- *
Identified in the Schedule of Classes under search feature Areas: SOE Electives: Counseling.
School Counseling
The program’s plan of study requires 60 graduate credits to be completed through full-time or part-time matriculation and students must successfully pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) prior to or during the last semester of their graduate program. This degree program has the flexibility that allows students to meet the requirements to be school counselors, as well as coursework toward licensure as a clinical mental health counselor. The Counseling program is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). With the approval of a faculty advisor, a student may transfer a maximum of six graduate credits from an accredited college or university if the course is directly applicable to the student’s program. Completion of a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship is required in this program.
For certification in the State of Maryland, School Counseling students must complete ED.871.501 Introduction to Disability in Education, unless the special education course requirement has already been fulfilled. For students not seeking Maryland certification, other electives are identified in the Schedule of Classes with the area tag "Counseling." Current examples of electives include: ED.860.501 Trauma Counseling Across the Lifespan, ED.861.513 Integrating Alternative Approaches to Mental Wellness, ED.861.713 Advanced Treatment Approaches, ED.863.526 Introduction to Play Therapy with Children, ED.863.626 Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology Applications in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and ED.863.674 Meditation and Mindfulness.
Please see additional GPA and Grade Requirements for graduation on the Graduation page.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED.860.639 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | 3 |
| ED.861.502 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ED.861.503 | Group Counseling and Group Experience | 3 |
| ED.861.507 | Counseling Techniques | 3 |
| ED.861.511 | Career/Life Development and Planning | 3 |
| ED.861.605 | Human Development and Counseling | 3 |
| ED.861.609 | Diagnosis in Counseling | 3 |
| ED.861.612 | Appraisal and Testing for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.861.614 | The Foundations of School Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.571 | Counseling Adolescents | 3 |
| ED.863.603 | Couple and Family Therapy | 3 |
| ED.863.607 | Diversity and Social Justice in Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.630 | Addictions Counseling I: Theory and Approaches | 3 |
| ED.863.681 | Research and Evaluation for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.863.736 | School Counseling Leadership and Consultation | 3 |
| ED.863.795 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.808 | Practicum in School Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.820 | Internship in School Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.828 | Internship in School Counseling II | 3 |
| ED.871.501 | Introduction to Disability in Education (or Other Elective) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
The example pathways below show typical course sequences. Individual plans may vary. Students receiving federal financial aid or international students should ensure their plans meet their specific requirements. International students must be enrolled in at least 9 credits each fall and spring semester to maintain full-time status, until their final semester. In their final semester, international students may apply for a Reduced Course Load through the Office of International Services (OIS).
Clinical Mental Health - Full-Time
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ED.861.502 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ED.861.507 | Counseling Techniques (lab class) | 3 |
| ED.861.605 | Human Development and Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.501 | Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.861.511 | Career/Life Development and Planning | 3 |
| ED.861.609 | Diagnosis in Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.607 | Diversity and Social Justice in Counseling (lab class) | 3 |
| ED.863.709 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ED.860.639 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | 3 |
| ED.861.503 | Group Counseling and Group Experience (lab class) | 3 |
| ED.863.603 | Couple and Family Therapy (lab class) | 3 |
| ED.863.795 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.861.612 | Appraisal and Testing for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.863.630 | Addictions Counseling I: Theory and Approaches (online) | 3 |
| ED.863.870 | Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ED.863.681 | Research and Evaluation for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.863.875 | Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling I | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.863.876 | Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling II | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Clinical Mental Health - Part-Time
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ED.861.605 | Human Development and Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.501 | Introduction to Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.861.502 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ED.861.507 | Counseling Techniques (lab class) | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ED.863.603 | Couple and Family Therapy (lab class) | 3 |
| ED.863.607 | Diversity and Social Justice in Counseling (lab class) | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.861.503 | Group Counseling and Group Experience (lab class) | 3 |
| ED.861.609 | Diagnosis in Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.709 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ED.860.639 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | 3 |
| ED.863.681 | Research and Evaluation for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.863.870 | Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.861.612 | Appraisal and Testing for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.861.511 | Career/Life Development and Planning | 3 |
| ED.863.630 | Addictions Counseling I: Theory and Approaches (online) | 3 |
| ED.863.795 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ED.863.875 | Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling I | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.863.876 | Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling II | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
School Counseling - Full-Time
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ED.861.502 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ED.861.507 | Counseling Techniques (lab class) | 3 |
| ED.861.605 | Human Development and Counseling | 3 |
| ED.861.614 | The Foundations of School Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.861.511 | Career/Life Development and Planning | 3 |
| ED.861.609 | Diagnosis in Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.571 | Counseling Adolescents | 3 |
| ED.863.607 | Diversity and Social Justice in Counseling (lab class) | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Term | ||
| ED.860.639 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | 3 |
| ED.861.503 | Group Counseling and Group Experience (lab course) | 3 |
| ED.863.603 | Couple and Family Therapy (lab course) | 3 |
| ED.863.795 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ED.861.612 | Appraisal and Testing for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.863.630 | Addictions Counseling I: Theory and Approaches | 3 |
| ED.863.736 | School Counseling Leadership and Consultation | 3 |
| ED.863.808 | Practicum in School Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Third Term | ||
| ED.871.501 | Introduction to Disability in Education (summer only) | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ED.863.681 | Research and Evaluation for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.863.820 | Internship in School Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.863.828 | Internship in School Counseling II | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
School Counseling - Part-Time
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ED.861.605 | Human Development and Counseling | 3 |
| ED.861.614 | The Foundations of School Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.861.502 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ED.861.507 | Counseling Techniques (lab class) | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Term | ||
| ED.863.603 | Couple and Family Therapy (lab course) | 3 |
| ED.863.607 | Diversity and Social Justice in Counseling (lab course) | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Second Term | ||
| ED.861.503 | Group Counseling and Group Experience (lab course) | 3 |
| ED.861.609 | Diagnosis in Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.571 | Counseling Adolescents | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Third Term | ||
| ED.871.501 | Introduction to Disability in Education (summer only) | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ED.860.639 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | 3 |
| ED.863.681 | Research and Evaluation for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.863.808 | Practicum in School Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.861.511 | Career/Life Development and Planning | 3 |
| ED.861.612 | Appraisal and Testing for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.863.630 | Addictions Counseling I: Theory and Approaches (online) | 3 |
| ED.863.795 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ED.863.820 | Internship in School Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| ED.863.736 | School Counseling Leadership and Consultation | 3 |
| ED.863.828 | Internship in School Counseling II | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
School Counseling - RESET
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Credits | |
| ED.861.502 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 3 |
| ED.861.507 | Counseling Techniques (lab class) | 3 |
| ED.861.605 | Human Development and Counseling | 3 |
| ED.861.614 | The Foundations of School Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ED.861.503 | Group Counseling and Group Experience (lab class) | 3 |
| ED.861.609 | Diagnosis in Counseling | 3 |
| ED.863.607 | Diversity and Social Justice in Counseling (lab class) | 3 |
| ED.863.795 | Ethical and Legal Issues of Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| ED.861.511 | Career/Life Development and Planning | 3 |
| ED.863.603 | Couple and Family Therapy (lab class) | 3 |
| ED.863.630 | Addictions Counseling I: Theory and Approaches (online) | 3 |
| ED.863.681 | Research and Evaluation for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.871.501 | Introduction to Disability in Education (or an elective) | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| ED.860.639 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | 3 |
| ED.861.612 | Appraisal and Testing for Counselors | 3 |
| ED.863.571 | Counseling Adolescents | 3 |
| ED.863.808 | Practicum in School Counseling | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ED.863.736 | School Counseling Leadership and Consultation | 3 |
| ED.863.832 | Internship in School Counseling | 6 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Master of Science in Counseling
Mission Statement
Our mission is to prepare effective and socially just Clinical Mental Health and School counselors by integrating research, evidence-informed, culturally responsive and ethically sound practical frameworks to produce counselors who can foster the growth, development, and well-being of clients and K-12 students in an interconnected global society.
We are committed to cultivating student professional development by:
- Developing Dispositions – Nurturing self-aware, reflective practitioners who embody cultural humility, empathy, and a commitment to equity.
- Advancing Social Justice – Promoting advocacy, inclusivity, and systemic change to address disparities in mental health and education.
- Integrating Research & Practice – Utilizing evidence-informed strategies to empower individuals and communities through effective counseling interventions.
- Fostering Community Engagement – Partnering with local and global stakeholders to create sustainable, culturally responsive support systems.
- Expanding Global Outreach – Engaging in cross-cultural counseling, international collaborations, and initiatives that enhance mental health access worldwide.
- Building Collaborative Partnerships – Working with schools, organizations, and policymakers to strengthen mental health and educational ecosystems.
- Enhancing Cross-Cultural Understanding – Preparing counselors to navigate diverse identities, traditions, and worldviews with competence and respect.
Programmatic Goals
- Facilitate students’ mastery of requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions aligned with CACREP Standards to deliver counseling services that embody social justice principles, advocacy, multiculturalism, and uphold the worth and human dignity of all clients from culturally diverse backgrounds.
- Support and encourage students to incorporate a developmental approach to promote client wellness across the life span.
- Facilitate students’ development of dispositions to serve as social justice advocates and leaders in the profession.
- Cultivate a collaborative learning atmosphere that incorporates cutting edge research and excellent didactic and experiential instruction.
Program Objectives
- PO1 Graduates will prioritize and execute the skills and competencies to incorporate a developmental approach to promote student/client holistic well-being across the life span, inclusive of mental health, academic, social/emotional, cultural, and career goals. (CACREP 3.C Lifespan Development; 3.D Career Development)
- PO2 Graduates will prioritize and execute the skills and competencies to serve as advocates and leaders in educational and/or mental health settings that value and commit to social justice principles, multiculturalism, human dignity and the worth of all students/clients from culturally diverse backgrounds. (CACREP 3.B Social & Cultural Identities & Experiences; 5.H School Counseling)
- PO3 Graduates will prioritize and execute the skills and competencies to assess needs, develop goals, and counsel students/clients in educational and/or mental health settings from culturally diverse backgrounds. (CACREP 3.E Counseling Practice & Relationships; 3.G Assessment & Diagnostic Processes)
- PO4 Graduates will prioritize and execute the skills and competencies that reflect the knowledge, roles, and functions of the school and/or mental health counselor. (CACREP 5.C Clinical Mental Health Counseling; 5.H School Counseling)
- PO5 Graduates will prioritize and execute the skills and competencies to effectively facilitate group work with students/clients from diverse backgrounds in educational and mental health settings. (CACREP 3.F Group Counseling & Group Work)
- PO6 Graduates will prioritize and execute the skills and competencies to develop equitable, data-driven, comprehensive school counseling programs that meet the unique needs of K-12 student populations in educational settings. *For the school counseling track only (CACREP 3.H Research & Program Evaluation; 5.H School Counseling)
- PO7 Graduates will prioritize and execute the skills and competencies to develop, apply, and evaluate evidence-based and data-driven practices that meet the developmental needs of students/clients from diverse backgrounds in educational and mental health settings. (CACREP 3.H Research & Program Evaluation; 5.H School Counseling; 5.C Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
- PO8 Graduates will prioritize and execute the skills and competencies to work ethically, legally, and professionally in educational and/or mental health settings. (CACREP 3.A Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice)