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100% Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

patient on couch talking to counselor

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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If you’d like to learn more about Methodist University’s application process, admissions requirements, tuition and financial aid or specific program details, fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch shortly.

  • Duration 2 years
  • Cost per Credit $545
  • Credit Hours 60

Program Benefits

  • 100% online
  • No application fee
  • No GRE/GMAT Required
  • Gain a strong counseling identity

A Graduate Program for Busy Professionals

Methodist University’s 100% 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 life span development, counseling theories, techniques, ethical and legal issues, and more. Complete your coursework online on your schedule, and graduate prepared to sit for the National Counselor Examination and qualify for licensure.

healthcare administrator working with parent and child on intake forms

Mental Health Counselors Are in High Demand

Earn your master’s degree from a recognized leader in health care education. With your 100% 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 43,600 openings for counselors projected each year through 2031,1 you can expect an abundance of fulfilling career opportunities.

Careers and Salaries

Rigorous Graduate Courses and Applied Learning

21 courses

60 credit hours

In our 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
View Complete Curriculum

Apply to the 100% Online Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

No application fee

No GRE/GMAT required

Completed application – Apply now
Undergraduate bachelor’s degree with GPA of 2.5 or higher
Official transcripts from each institution attended
Methodist University requires Visual Verification of Identity (VVOI) for all students seeking enrollment in any MU Online program. All applicants must complete the VVOI form and provide requested documents in the myMU portal prior to admission and enrollment. Students may also be asked to participate in a VVOI via an on-camera interview at any point during their enrollment at MU.
Two letters of recommendation (one letter must be from a professor or employer)
A typed personal statement including your background, interest in attending Methodist University, interest in the program, and your career goals

Learn more about the admission requirements for this program, and start the application process today.

View the Application Process

An Affordable Graduate Program

$32,700 total tuition

Transfer up to nine credits

MU’s 100% 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 process

What You’ll Learn

Learn to positively impact outcomes for mental health clients with a 100% 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, graduates will:

  • Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor practice across a wide variety of practice areas.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills with clients and colleagues to ethically negotiate practice within a variety of settings.
  • Engage in contemporary critical thinking that incorporates evidence-based decision making in the practice of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the generation of new knowledge.
  • Practice as autonomous clinicians who utilize authentic, evidence-based, and ethical approaches for client-centered care.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to servant-leadership through active participation in professional development activities including continuing education, post-graduate education, clinical specialty, advanced certification, local/regional/national presentations, and research activities.
  • Promote activities to support the promotion of mental health, wellness, and access to care in clinical settings and the communities they serve.

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
View Faculty

Why Study Online?

Enjoy an 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.

Explore Online Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Have other questions not answered here? Request more information or call 910-212-4956.

The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program has been designed to the standards and requirements of CACREP, The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. CACREP Accreditation will be pursued as soon as we are eligible.

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
Visit our FAQ page

Source

  1. “Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on Nov. 22, 2022 from “https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-6.”