Program Overview
Mental Health Counseling - M.S.
The Mental Health Counseling program at Manhattan University satisfies New York State education requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor.
Why Choose a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling?
A Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) is trained to treat mental health, human relationship, education, and career concerns within ethical, developmental, preventive, and treatment contexts. As demand grows for compassionate, disciplined professionals to help treat these issues, career outlook is excellent.
Program Details
- Faculty in this program are either licensed psychologists or mental health counselors and bring real-world knowledge and experience to their teaching.
- Graduates of this program have built careers as mental health counselors, social service counselors, rehabilitation counselors, social and community service managers, and have landed director positions as well.
- The program allows students to learn from active professionals in the field, find challenging internship experiences, meet and grow alongside an eager cohort, prepare and understand each step toward licensing, and gain an invaluable base of connections.
Learning From Experts Who Care
Professors in this program will challenge assumptions and support professional development. Students will also join a student cohort made up of a diverse cultural mix, many drawn from the New York City area, enriching education for all students.
Discover Professional Opportunities
Manhattan University's location in New York City gives students access to professional opportunities at some of the nation's top mental health hospitals, clinics, and agencies. As a graduate student, you will gain 700 hours of supervised, on-site counseling experience in ethnically and economically diverse areas. Note that in addition to program coursework, students are required to complete 3,000 clock hours of supervised post-graduation experience in a mental health counseling licensed organization or private practice to meet New York State licensure requirements.
Find Learning That Matches Your Lifestyle
The program includes summer coursework, helping students finish their degree faster. For added flexibility, many courses are also offered online. Students typically complete this program between 2.5 and three years.
Join an Enthusiastic Community
Imagine sitting in a small class of students with richly varied backgrounds, encouraged by faculty and each other to engage in lively discussions, establishing personal and professional connections that last a lifetime.
Build Valuable Skills
Acquire necessary practical skills, including:
- Using assessment instruments
- Counseling and psychotherapy
- Clinical assessment and evaluation
- Treatment planning and case management
- Prevention, discharge, and aftercare services
Admission Requirements
Applicants for master's programs must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or institution. Normally, an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required, although other factors may be considered. Ideally, applicants should have suitable preparation in the behavioral sciences. Consideration will be given for teaching experience and other applicable experience. Required documents include the application form, transcripts, statement of interest, resume, and two letters of reference.
Program Requirements
The Master of Science in mental health counseling requires 60 credit hours of coursework.
Meet the Faculty
Professors have years of knowledge acquired as mental health counselors, school counselors, and psychologists, enhancing the classroom experience and accelerating learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kinds of settings do graduates get positions in after graduation?
- Graduates work at mental health agencies, hospital settings, private practice, and nonprofit organizations.
- Are there evening and weekend classes?
- Classes meet Mondays through Thursdays, with sections in the late afternoon and evening. Summer classes meet twice a week for seven weeks.
- How long does it take to complete the degree?
- The degree can be completed between two years (including two summers) and five years, with most students finishing in 2.5 to 3 years.
Key Statistics
- Minimum Credit Hours: 60
- Program Format: Online Blended (in-person and online coursework)
- Employment Rate Upon Graduation: 90%
- Industry Job Growth by 2031: 22%