Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Earn Your Master’s From a Leader in Health Care Education
Prepare for Licensure
Robust Curriculum with Two Internships
Affordable Tuition
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- Duration 2 years
- Cost per Credit $545
- Credit Hours 60
Program Benefits
- No Application Fee
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- Gain a Strong Counseling Identity
A Graduate Program for Busy Professionals
Methodist University’s online master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling equips you with the expertise needed to become a successful licensed mental health counselor. Guided by experienced faculty and other field experts, you’ll explore topics in lifespan development, counseling theories and techniques, ethical and legal issues, as well as diagnostics and treatment planning. Common in counseling programs, students will have opportunities, and are expected to, role play with peers, connect with faculty in guided meetings to aid in the development of counseling skills, and practice counseling skills in a group environment with your peers and faculty. Complete your coursework online and graduate prepared to sit for your licensure exam and qualify for licensure.
Mental Health Counselors Are in High Demand
Earn your master’s degree from a recognized leader in health care education. With your online master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from MU, you’ll be equipped to pursue licensure and begin a successful career in counseling.
The job outlook for mental health counselors continues to grow each year. With about 48,900 openings for counselors projected each year through 2033,1 you can expect an abundance of fulfilling career opportunities.
Careers and SalariesRigorous Graduate Courses and Applied Learning
22 courses
61 credit hours
In Methodist University’s small classes, you’ll engage in rigorous coursework under the guidance of expert faculty. Apply the knowledge you’ve gained to real-world practice through a practicum course and two required internships, which may be completed online or in-person.
Course topics include:
- Theories and Models of Counseling
- Research and Statistical Analysis in Counseling
- Cultures and Counseling
- Addiction Counseling
Apply to the Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
No application fee
No GRE/GMAT required
| Completed application – Apply now |
| A bachelor’s degree from a four-year regionally accredited college or university. No specific major is required. An overall college GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended. |
| Official transcripts from each institution attended |
| Three professional references |
| Updated resume/CV |
Written 1–2-page statement of purpose that addresses the following:
|
The application review committee will screen all applicants meeting the minimum requirements and those determined to be the most qualified candidates will be invited to a virtual interview with Methodist University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty. Criteria used by the interviewers in their interview evaluations include, but are not limited to, academic performance, human services experience, emotional and intellectual maturity, ability to communicate verbally, evidence of strong academic skills and desire to engage in the counseling profession. Those not meeting minimum requirements but having a strong application package may be invited to an interview on a case-by-case basis.
Admissions Decision Criteria
Entry-level admission decision recommendations are made by the counselor education program and include consideration of each applicant’s:
- career goals
- aptitude for graduate-level study consistent with program delivery type
- potential success in forming effective counseling relationships with diverse populations
Learn more about the admission requirements for this program, and start the application process today.
View the Application ProcessAn Affordable Graduate Program
$32,700 total tuition
Transfer up to nine credits
MU’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling costs $545 per credit hour and includes 60 total hours. About 97% of MU students qualify for financial aid. If you or a family member are a veteran or active-duty service member, your education at Methodist University could be even more affordable. Visit our Military Support page to learn more.
View the Application processWhat You’ll Learn
Learn to positively impact outcomes for mental health clients with an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from MU. In this program, you’ll gain the skills you need to provide care for those seeking counseling for substance abuse, marriage and family issues, generalized anxiety, and more. Through rigorous coursework, which includes a practicum and two internship experiences, you’ll graduate with a strong counseling identity, ready to succeed as a clinical mental health counselor.
Program Outcomes
After completing the master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling:
- Students will gain an understanding of the foundations of mental health counseling in the clinical setting including trends; roles, functions, and standards of practice and credentialing of community counselors; policies and laws, ethical and legal considerations (e.g., the ACA Code of Ethics); and diversity issues.
- Students will demonstrate commitment to learning their own cultural identity, including privilege, oppression, and biases, and how it influences the counseling relationship.
- Students will learn various theories of human development to engage in developmentally appropriate approaches when working with a wide range of diverse clients across the lifespan.
- Students will understand various career counseling theories to conceptualize career development, including how career concerns influence mental wellness.
- Students will learn counseling theories and techniques that are needed to foster movement towards clients’ goals through effective use of helping skills, theoretical conceptualizations, and related diverse helping modalities.
- Students will obtain knowledge and skills required for effective and culturally competent facilitation of group counseling.
- Students will learn to utilize assessment and testing throughout the counseling relationship while centering the impact of assessment on diverse populations.
- Students will gain knowledge related to the principles of ethical, culturally appropriate and effective research methods for counselors; in particular, an understanding of how to use counseling research to inform counseling practice and direct future research for the field at large.
- Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of clinical mental health counseling practices, including advocacy, prevention, and treatment for a broad range of mental health concerns.
Student-Centered Faculty
Methodist University’s diverse, expert faculty add quality to our programs with their extensive experience. They are invested in MU students and understand the importance of helping them prepare for the real world. At MU, you can expect:
- Low student-to-faculty ratio
- Relevant experience
- Personalized feedback
- Expert guidance
Why Study Online?
Enjoy Methodist University’s online learning environment that offers the same quality as in-person courses, including dedicated faculty members and an overall caring, friendly atmosphere for achieving your professional and personal goals.
You’ll also have access to all academic support services. That means you’ll get personalized assistance you need, such as access to the tutoring and writing centers. Experience a distinctive education in a flexible environment that fits your schedule.
It is important to note that our program does have exceptions to online learning commonly found in counseling programs. Students are expected to engage in virtual face-to-face meetings with their university supervisor and peers during their field experience. Additionally, students are expected to engage in a group counseling experience that may require weekly meetings outside of online submitted assignments. Experiential and immersive activities may be included in your learning to enhance your counseling skills. Students have the option to engage in an in-person or telehealth based clinical field experience.
Explore Online LearningFrequently Asked Questions
Have other questions not answered here? Request more information or call 910.212.4956.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to meet the standards and requirements set forth by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). As of August 2025, all initial requirements have been met, and the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program will apply for initial accreditation once all required accreditation documents have been completed. It is important for applicants to note that only CACREP can determine the final dates and accreditation decisions. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and Methodist University cannot determine accreditation status or timeline.
The CMHC Program aims to follow the proposed timeline for initial accreditation review and acknowledges that CACREP review, and communication timelines may vary depending on staffing and other factors.
Planned Accreditation Timeline:
August 2023 – Program begins, inaugural cohort enrolled
May 2025 – Inaugural cohort graduates
December 2025 – CACREP Self Study Submission
Date of site visit: TBD
Date of decision meeting and expected response from CACREP: December 2027
Program Accreditation and State Licensure
Graduation from a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), is necessary for eligibility to apply for state licensure and may impact ability to sit for licensure examinations, which may also be required for licensure application. State licensure requirements for licensed mental health providers vary from state to state. Students are encouraged to review the requirements for the state in which they desire to be licensed.
Our program was designed so that a psychology specific degree is not necessary. We welcome anyone who has a bachelor’s in any area of study. Clinical Mental Health Counseling foundational knowledge will be covered in your first four online classes.
Those who hold an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling often pursue careers as mental health counselors, which has an expected growth rate of 22% through the year 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Learn more about your career options by visiting our careers page.
You’ll complete 21 courses to earn the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. You can learn more about coursework for the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at MU on our courses page.
You can complete the program in just two years. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.
Currently, Methodist University does not offer scholarships for this program. Please consider the following options regarding finances:
- Complete the FAFSA® to determine financial aid eligibility. MU’s FAFSA ® code is 002946.
- Apply for a Sallie Mae loan
Source
- “Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved Aug. 26, 2025, from “https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-6.”