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M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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Program Information

The Rowan Experience
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Our Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a multi-faceted, intensive program that provides the educational requirements necessary to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). It is also an appropriate degree path if you are interested in research positions, plan to pursue a doctoral degree, are going to teach, or are seeking human service positions.

The curriculum emphasizes the development of skills in differential diagnosis, conceptualization and development of treatment plans for mental health patients. Our students are exposed to many different aspects of the field, giving them extensive field experience and knowledge of individualized outpatient treatment and counseling.

We strongly recommend that all students interested in pursuing licensure in NJ (or other states) become familiar with the state regulations and keep abreast of any relevant changes to these regulations. Please see the NJ Professional Counselor Examiners Committee webpage for additional information.

Curriculum
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The M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60 credit-hour program that was designed to fulfill the educational requirements outlined in the Professional Counselor Examiners Committee Laws. In addition to the coursework, students are required to complete a minimum of 600 hours of supervised practicum experience at an approved placement site. Students must also take the CPCE (Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam). Students are given the option to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE) instead. Most students are admitted through the Advanced Clinical Track (taking two unique electives to further clinical skill development). Students may have select opportunities to participate in a research lab with a faculty member and/or complete a project or thesis via the Thesis Track, depending upon faculty availability and appropriate fit. Contact the Program Coordinator for additional details and current availabilities of this option.

  • 20 Courses / 60 Semester Hours
  • Foundation Courses: Yes
  • Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: No
Course Number Title S.H. (Credits)
Required Courses: 60 S.H.
PSY 095950 Introduction to Counseling: Development of Basic Skills 3
PSY 01564 Counseling Theory and Techniques I 3
PSY 01566 Counseling Theory and Techniques II 3
PSY 01572 Research Methodology and Statistics in Counseling Psychology I: Basics 3
PSY 01574 Research Methodology and Statistics in Counseling Psychology II: Applied 3
PSY 01612 Group Counseling and Psychotherapy 3
PSY 01615 Professional Pro-Seminar 1
PSY 01620 Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling 3
PSY 01623 Psychopathology I: Diagnosis and Epidemiology 3
PSY 01624 Psychopathology II: Conceptualization and Etiology 3
PSY 01650 Practicum in Counseling 8
PSY 01685 Masters Thesis in Psychology I 3
PSY 01687 Masters Thesis in Psychology II 3
PSY 05610 Social and Cultural Diversity 3
PSY 05652 Advanced Seminar in Clinical Practice 3
PSY 06625 Assessment I: Psychometrics, Evaluation, & Treatment Planning 3
PSY 06626 Assessment II: Assessment of Career/Vocational Interests, Treatments, & Programs 3
PSY 09560 Lifespan Development 3
PSY 10610 Psychopharmacology and Biological Bases of Behavior 3

*PSY 01650 requires 8 semester hours (out of the possible range of 1-9) for this program

Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

Admission Requirements
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The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

  • Completed Application Form
  • Foundation Courses: Applicants must have successfully completed at least 12 credits of undergraduate-level Psychology courses at an accredited institution, including one course in Abnormal Psychology, and one course in Statistics and Research Methods.
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Typewritten statement of professional objectives

    • Provide reasons for pursuing the program. Describe how you might use this program to advance your career (educational goals beyond the master's level, if applicable, are also relevant).
  • Two letters of recommendation from professional sources (on letterhead and signed)
  • Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Current professional resume

    • Applicants should include a statement on the professional resume that verifies evidence of applied skills, including research proficiency and work experience within a clinical mental health setting (e.g., field experience, volunteer work, employment).
  • Submission of official GRE Test Scores is optional, but highly recommended.
  • Interview
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Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Career Outlook

As a mental health counselor, you have the opportunity to serve your community through a variety of settings, including mental health centers, community health centers, prisons, and private practice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 22 percent from 2018 to 2028. Many within this field choose to focus on certain populations that have seen challenges arise in recent years, including addiction, veterans, and children.

Admission

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