Program Overview

M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) program is designed to prepare graduates for diverse careers in mental health counseling. The program is aligned with Fordham's Jesuit education emphasis on cura personalis ("care of the whole person") and commitment to social justice.

Program Mission

The mission of the M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling program is to prepare graduates for diverse careers, fostering societal well-being through culturally responsive, science-based approaches, and systemic equity to promote inclusive mental health outcomes in various settings.

Program Objectives

The program's objectives are to prepare mental health counseling students to:

1. Integrate psychological knowledge as the foundation for effective counseling practice.
2. Demonstrate ethical decision-making competency across various settings serving diverse populations.
3. Apply a social justice perspective within evidence-based practices.
4. Foster self-awareness and a commitment to both personal growth and ongoing professional development.

Career Path

Program graduates will be eligible for employment in mental health clinics, community mental health centers, hospitals, non-profit counseling agencies, college and university counseling centers, corporate mental health services, and are eligible to open independent private practices after licensure.

Program Details

• Degree: M.S.Ed.
• Credits: 60
• Start Semester: Fall
• Campus: Lincoln Center
• Application Deadline: February 1
• Priority Deadline: January 15

Fieldwork Requirements

There are 600 hours of on-site supervised field experience required. This 600-hr. internship can only start in the fall semester.

Program Curriculum and Sequence

Students can complete the program in two-three years as long as they take at least six credits each fall, spring, and summer. A sample course sequence is available.

Accreditation

The M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) for the period of January 2015 through January 2026.

Program Data and Outcomes

The program's data and outcomes include:

• Applications received to matriculate: 295
• Number of students accepted: 183
• Number of students newly enrolled: 39
• Total number of students enrolled during the year: 83
• Number of students who graduated in the year: 32
• Number of students who started the program and graduated within the expected time frame: 32
• Percent of students who enrolled in the program in Fall 2019 who graduated from the program (5-year graduation rate): 100%
• Percent of those who graduated in the years 2020 to 2022 who became fully licensed and/or credentialed: 47%
• Percent of courses taught by adjunct or part-time faculty in the academic year: 60%

Faculty Demographics

• Race/Ethnicity of Full-Time Faculty:
  • African American/Black: 1
  • European/White: 4
  • Asian American/Asian: 3
  • Hispanic/Latinx: 0
  • Indigenous: 0
  • Multiracial: 0
  • Other: 0
• Gender Identity of Full-Time Faculty:
  • Female: 5
  • Male: 3
  • Transgender: 0
  • Non-binary: 0

Licensure

Graduates of the program are eligible to obtain a New York State License as a Mental Health Counselor once they pass the licensing exam and accrue 3,000 hours of post-master's supervised mental health counseling experience.