Assistant Dean: Marie Ribarich, Ph.D.
Chidwick 204 914-654-5561
Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling – 60 Credits
The Master of Science degree program in Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit program designed to meet the professional education requirements for licensure in New York State as a mental health counselor. With the College’s mission of education for service in mind, the Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to become mental health professionals in providing counseling to individuals, groups, and families of diverse backgrounds, ages, and needs. Students are provided with a variety of courses and rich practicum and internship experiences in which to develop their counseling skills and their professional expertise. Graduates of the program, upon successful completion of the NYS license examination, may find employment in hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice.
Application and Admission
Admission into the Mental Health Counseling program requires a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 or “B” in baccalaureate or other graduate level work to ensure that students are capable of successful graduate work in this program. In some instances, students with a GPA below 3.0 will be admitted on a probationary basis if their situation reflects experience in the field or other abilities suggesting the potential to succeed in the program. An undergraduate major in psychology, counseling, social work, sociology, nursing, or related fields is required. Students will be expected to submit all the necessary application materials as required by the Graduate School including the following:
- an application form and fee;
- a written statement of at least 300 words discussing the student’s professional and personal goals and his/her reasons for seeking acceptance into the program;
- two letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s character, as well as, ability to successfully handle graduate level work;
- proof of immunizations for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, if the applicant was born after January 1, 1957.
In addition, students will be required to attend an admissions interview with the Assistant Dean and/or a member of the Admissions Committee at which time a writing sample will then be requested. This sample will identify those applicants who may be in need of some remediation in order to successfully handle the expected written work in the program.
Documents submitted in support of an application for admission become part of the permanent records of the Graduate School and will not be returned to the applicant. Credits from another Master’s degree or any credits taken more than five years prior to entrance into the program will not be accepted towards the Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Permission to register for a limited number of courses as a non-matriculated student may be granted by the Assistant Dean to a qualified applicant who is not degree-seeking, but wishes course credit only. Admission as a non-matriculated student does not guarantee admission to the degree program. Up to twelve credits of coursework from the Mental Health Counseling program may be accepted if the student wishes to change from non-matriculated to matriculated status. Students wishing to change their status must submit an application to the Assistant Dean.