Mental Health Counseling

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling requires satisfactory completion of 60 credits (20 courses) of graduate study in mental health counseling with an overall grade point average of B (3.0). Forty-five credits are in required courses; six credits in internship; and nine credits in electives. Three hundred hours in each of two internships for a minimum of 600 hours are required.


Admission to Candidacy

Students must apply for admission to candidacy immediately after completing 12 credits in the Mental Health Counseling program. Candidacy status will be granted to those students who have maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of B (3.0) and who have been judged suitable for the program and the field by the faculty. A student who does not apply for candidacy will not be considered a degree candidate, or a candidate for graduation. Students not accepted to candidacy will be asked to withdraw from the program.


Evaluation Procedures

Following admission into the Mental Health Counseling program, students are evaluated at three different levels:

  1. Prior to acceptance as a degree candidate. After completing 12 credits in the program, a student must apply for candidacy.
  2. Prior to the internship experience. A student must apply for internship.
  3. Prior to graduation.

Evaluation at each level will be based on the following criteria:

  1. Academic performance:
    1. cumulative average of 3.0 (B)
    2. no outstanding incomplete grades
  2. Professional performance, as indicated by:
    1. demonstrating suitable behavior in academic and professional settings
    2. demonstrating appropriate interpersonal skills
    3. demonstrating personal maturity and ethical behavior

If any of the above criteria are not met, a student may be:

  1. required to repeat a course;
  2. placed on probation
  3. given a leave of absence;
  4. asked to withdraw

The decision will be made by the faculty and the Assistant Dean.


New York State Licensing Requirements in Mental Health Counseling

In order to provide mental health counseling or to use the title “licensed mental health counselor” within New York State, one is required to obtain licensure as a mental health counselor, unless otherwise exempt under the law. According to the New York State Education Department (NYSED), in order to obtain a license as a Mental Health Counselor in New York State, one must:

  • be of good moral character;
  • be at least 21 years of age;
  • meet education requirements;
  • meet experience requirements; and
  • meet examination requirements.

 

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