Program Overview
Overview
The mental health counseling program provides extensive and in-depth training and supervision in counseling theory, research, and practice in order to effect change in this diverse, global society.
Application Requirements
Admission to all graduate-degree concentrations in the School of Education and Human Development is based on the recommendation of the faculty. Admissions decisions are based on faculty review of the following general requirements that apply to all Graduate Programs in the School as well as specific documents listed under each concentration.
Applicants must:
- International applicants whose native language is not English or applicants whose degrees are from a non-U.S. University must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS);
- provide official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and an acceptable undergraduate grade point average. A minimum of 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required. Official transcripts from every institution attended by an applicant, whether or not the applicant completed a degree program at the institution, are required;
- provide three letters of recommendation that address the issues and meet the criteria established by the program being applied to;
- provide a personal statement that addresses the mission and purpose of the program being applied to;
- resume/CV;
- take part in an admissions interview (required); and
- exhibit personal and professional experiences and characteristics that are relevant to the profession and/or field and/or degree program for which the application is being submitted.
International Applications
All international applications must provide additional information and meet additional requirements as required by the UM Graduate School and the Office of International Student and Scholar Services.
Admission Decision
Once an applicant has been admitted to graduate study, that individual should meet with the faculty advisor who was appointed to serve in that capacity and whose name appears in the admissions letter. This advisor will help the student enroll in courses that are appropriate to the program; to develop and to refine a Course Sequence Plan that must be on file in the Office of Graduate Studies by the end of the first semester of enrollment.
Honor Code/Handbook of Policies and Procedures
The School of Education and Human Development follows the Graduate School’s Honor Code. All students are required to review the Graduate Student Honor Code and the School of Education and Human Development’s Handbook of Policies and Procedures for Graduate Students and submit the signed Acknowledgement of Receipt located on page 3 by the end of their first semester of enrollment. All students of the counseling program are required to review the MSEd in Counseling Handbook of Policies and Procedures and submit the signed Acknowledgement of Receipt located on the last page by the time they register for their first semester of classes.
Curriculum Requirements
This variable 60-credit hour program provides the academic and pre-degree supervision requirements for licensing as a Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida.
Course List
- Core Courses:
- EPS 667: Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling (3 credits)
- EPS 668: Social and Cultural Diversity and Counseling (3 credits)
- EPS 669: Psychopathology for Counselors (3 credits)
- EPS 676: Counseling Process and Practice (3 credits)
- EPS 677: Assessment Strategies for Counselors I (3 credits)
- EPS 678: Counseling Theories and Practice (3 credits)
- EPS 679: Lifespan Human Development (3 credits)
- EPS 680: Theory and Practice with Children and Adolescents (3 credits)
- EPS 681: Counseling and Sexuality (3 credits)
- EPS 684: Research and Program Evaluation in Counseling (3 credits)
- EPS 685: Substance Abuse and Addictions: Theories and Counseling (3 credits)
- EPS 674: Lifestyle and Career Counseling (3 credits)
- EPS 675: Therapeutic Group Procedures (3 credits)
- Elective: 6 credits
- Practicum: 15 credits
- EPS 682: Practicum in Counseling I
Sample Plan of Study
Year One
- Fall:
- EPS 668: Social and Cultural Diversity and Counseling (3 credits)
- EPS 669: Psychopathology for Counselors (3 credits)
- EPS 676: Counseling Process and Practice (3 credits)
- EPS 678: Counseling Theories and Practice (3 credits)
- Spring:
- EPS 667: Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling (3 credits)
- EPS 674: Lifestyle and Career Counseling (3 credits)
- EPS 677: Assessment Strategies for Counselors I (3 credits)
- EPS 679: Lifespan Human Development (3 credits)
- Summer I:
- EPS 675: Therapeutic Group Procedures (3 credits)
- EPS 681: Counseling and Sexuality (3 credits)
- Summer II:
- EPS 680: Theory and Practice with Children and Adolescents (3 credits)
- EPS 685: Substance Abuse and Addictions: Theories and Counseling (3 credits)
Year Two
- Fall:
- EPS 682: Practicum in Counseling I (5 credits)
- EPS 684: Research and Program Evaluation in Counseling (3 credits)
- Spring:
- EPS 682: Practicum in Counseling I (5 credits)
- Elective (3 credits)
- Summer III:
- EPS 682: Practicum in Counseling I (5 credits)
- Elective (3 credits)
Mission
To nurture the development of mental health counseling graduate students and faculty as reflective practitioners committed to promoting psychological well-being in a multiculturally complex world based on an integration of theory, clinical skills, and science-based training.
Goals
The Master’s program prepares students to function as culturally responsive, research-informed, ethical counselors ready to address the mental health needs of a diverse client population.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate in-depth understanding of the DSM-5-TR criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. They will be proficient in identifying clinical symptoms and providing corresponding diagnoses in alignment with DSM-5-TR guidelines.
- Students will display cultural humility, responsiveness, and sensitivity in all aspects of their work as counselors-in-training, including cultural and individual differences related to age, race, ethnicity, language, national origin, culture, religion/spirituality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, social class, disability, and geographic background.
- Students will develop the competence to create theoretically based, comprehensive case conceptualizations and treatment plans that are individualized to each client's unique needs and circumstances.
- Students will become proficient in implementing evidence-based treatments. They will skillfully integrate assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment planning to provide holistic and effective therapy services.
- Students will exhibit an in-depth understanding and adherence to the ethical guidelines governing the practice of mental health counseling, showcasing professionalism and integrity in all aspects of their practice.
