Counseling, M.S.

College of Applied Human Sciences

Purpose-Driven Learning for Real-World Practice

This program covers a wide spectrum of coursework that will prepare you for the practice of individual, couple, family, and group counseling to a variety of populations and subject matters. You will be able to work with children and youth groups, couples and families, or provide employment, health, gerontological, substance abuse, and wellness counseling.

The Counseling, M.S. program is delivered largely online asynchronously but also includes two in-person requirements. This low-residency model includes the flexibility of a traditional online program, but also adds a level of practical, hands-on experience to ensure you’re getting applicable knowledge to your career.

• Professional Orientation and Identity: You will gain a clear understanding of the counseling profession, including its history, roles, and ethical standards. This foundation helps you build confidence as a practitioner and prepares you to work effectively within diverse communities while adhering to guidelines set by professional organizations like the American Counseling Association.

• Counseling Theory: You will learn a range of counseling theories that are applicable when working in a pluralistic society with individuals, groups, couples, families, children, and those experiencing disability in the counseling process, and demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge in a therapeutic manner within rural and diverse communities.
• Promote Growth and Wellness: Understand human development across the lifespan and how cultural, social, and economic factors influence behavior. You’ll learn strategies to help clients set goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve personal and professional growth. This includes career counseling, wellness planning, and supporting clients through major life transitions.
• Apply Assessment and Research: Gain expertise in selecting and using assessment tools to evaluate client needs and progress. You’ll also learn how to interpret research and apply evidence-based practices to improve outcomes. This ensures your counseling approach is informed, effective, and grounded in current best practices.
• Gain Hands-On Experience and Self Awareness: Through supervised practicum and internship experiences, you’ll apply classroom learning in real counseling settings. These experiences help you refine your skills, build professional confidence, and develop a personal counseling style. You’ll also explore your own values and beliefs to create an integrated, client-centered approach.

Academic Benefits of the Counseling M.S. Program

This fully Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program covers core counseling knowledge and skill development as well as knowledge associated with addiction, couples/families, and grief. The clinical mental health counseling specialization will prepare you to conduct individual and group counseling with a diverse population across a wide scope of developmental stages and backgrounds in various community settings such as correctional facilities, treatment centers, and mental health agencies.

The low-residency model creates an environment in which you will form strong bonds as you progress through the advanced coursework together and enter the workforce. The two in-person requirements, called “Immersion Week,” provides you with opportunities to develop your skills, connect with peers, and engage with the material in a hands-on learning environment.

Learning Outcomes

The objectives of the program are linked to our mission statement. Specifically, they are to provide:

• An environment that fosters your personal growth and development.
• Educational experiences that foster individual and group counseling skill development.
• Learning opportunities to support interests in diverse populations and cultures.
• Training in schools and clinical mental health settings that give you an opportunity to practice and integrate the skills learned in the classroom.

• Review the requirements for the program and learn what materials are needed to apply.
• Create an account, start your application and follow the instructions.
• Pay the application fee.
• Submit your application.

Students may start in fall or spring of each year:

• The Application Deadline is February 15 for Fall admissions and October 1 for Spring admissions

The University provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more on the WVU Financial Aid Website.

The online Counseling M.S. offers a curriculum that will prepare you for roles in inpatient, outpatient, non-profit, private practice, community agency, governmental, and educational settings. During the program, you will complete coursework in core counseling knowledge and skill development as well as knowledge associated with addiction, couples and families, and grief. Additionally, the low-residency component of this graduate degree program gives you hands-on learning opportunities that translate to real-world experience.