Master of Science in Counseling – Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares graduates to become competent, ethical, and culturally responsive professional counselors through the integration of evidence-based practice, rigorous academic preparation, and supervised clinical experiences. Graduates develop the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions necessary to provide counseling services across the lifespan to individuals, families, couples, and groups experiencing a broad range of mental health concerns.
Program graduates demonstrate competency in counseling theories, assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, evidence-informed interventions, research and program evaluation, ethical decision-making, and professional counseling practice. The curriculum emphasizes the application of multicultural and social justice counseling competencies, preparing graduates to effectively serve diverse and historically marginalized populations.
Grounded in a commitment to equity, advocacy, and human dignity, the program prepares counselors to recognize and address the intersectional factors that influence mental health and well-being. Graduates are equipped to reduce barriers to care, promote access to quality mental health services, and engage in inclusive counseling practices that foster resilience, empowerment, and positive client outcomes.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue professional counselor licensure and assume leadership roles within clinical, community, educational, and integrated behavioral health settings.
Please review the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion (PDF) to learn more about our values.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Counseling is to train counseling professionals by utilizing the highest standards set by state and national licensing/certifying boards.
Highly qualified faculty design and provide instruction through digital delivery (synchronous and asynchronous). The counseling degree program delivers graduate education and a professional licensure track for those students seeking to obtain a license as a mental health counselor. The program seeks qualified students from various populations. The department offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students must complete a minimum of 60 credits consisting of required, supervised professional field placements, to satisfy graduation and registered internship criteria.
Faculty
More About the Program
CACREP specialized practice areas offered
Clinical Mental Health Counseling: The CMHC specialization prepares graduates in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders by addressing emotional, cognitive, and behavioral processes with an integrated counseling approach.
Program delivery types, including geographic locations
The program provides digital delivery as an online program with synchronous and asynchronous courses. The Department of Counseling is located in the building of Nursing and Health Sciences on Bethune-Cookman University campus.
Accreditation status
The M.S. in Counseling – Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - is currently in the process of seeking accreditation with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Program Objectives
- To provide students with comprehensive knowledge of foundational counseling curricular areas as applied to diverse and global contexts.
- To engage students in developing proficiency in clinical counseling skills, including individual, group, and crisis counseling techniques and evidenced-based interventions.
- To prepare students to establish and continuously develop the professional dispositions expected of ethical counseling practitioners.
- Integrate feedback, consultation, and input from program stakeholders to inform the ongoing development and contribute to the continuous improvement of the counseling program and its responsiveness to community mental health needs.
- To equip students with specialized knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions necessary for clinical mental health counseling practice.
To be considered for admission into the M.S. in Counseling at Bethune Cookman University, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Submit a completed application form, including official transcripts from all previous institutions attended.
- Provide a professional resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement describing career goals and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in Counseling.
- Provide three letters of recommendation: 2 letters from academia and 1 personal or employer
- GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- GRE is not required.
- M.S. in Counseling Program Admissions Criteria
Minimum degree requirements
The department offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Students must complete a minimum of 60 credits consisting of required, supervised professional practice experiences in practicum and internship, to satisfy graduation and registered internship criteria.
Graduate Program Tuition Cost per Credit Hour: $750
*The cost for students who are active-duty military is $250 per credit hour
Students who exceed 15 credit hours will be charged an additional $750 per credit hour for each credit that exceeds 15.
Active-duty military students are not assessed fees.
For your financial needs please go to the Financial Aid website.
The MS in Counseling Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO’s) are intended to produce and prepare a graduate in counseling for higher level professional careers, advancement in present employment, and the potential for advanced doctoral work. The MSC graduate curricula are structured to include the following: knowledge of the professional literature of the discipline and on-going student engagement in research and/or appropriate professional practice and training. The MSC program fosters independent and cooperative learning through a variety of strategies. These include internship/practicum, course papers, projects, applied research, readings, assignments, comprehensive exams, and coursework requirements.
The program requires core coursework in foundations of counseling, theory and techniques, evaluation and assessment, human development, research methodology, and group counseling. Students receive training in the specialized area of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and complete supervised professional practice experiences in practicum and internship. The student is academically and clinically prepared to register as a mental health intern, to sit for the national board exam, and to become licensed as a mental health counselor in the State of Florida.
Students completing the Master of Science in Counseling will demonstrate the following student learning outcomes:
- Describe the major concepts and empirical findings related to the area of counseling.
- Demonstrate critical research skills using necessary statistical techniques to conduct research and solve problems in the field of counseling.
- Integrate counseling theory and clinical experience with a broad-based awareness of varying social frameworks.
- Develop interpersonal skills and abilities to work successfully with groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds in educational, community, and human service-based settings.
- Maintain an inclusive and multicultural human service perspective, emphasizing a continuum of civic and social engagement.
Program Handbooks
Students are expected to review and become familiar with the program handbooks, policies, and procedures.
Master’s of Counseling Student Handbook
Practicum & Internship
The Master’s of Counseling program requires supervised professional practice training experiences in the form of a 100-hour counseling practicum and 700-hour counseling internship. Students should consult the Master’s Practicum and Internship Manual for more information on the expectations and experience. The Practicum and Internship is supervised by the Clinical Coordinator.
Program Reporting
