Counseling, M.S. with an Emphasis in Clinical Mental Health
College of Applied Human Sciences
The Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health, digitally delivered by the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, prepares counselors to work in inpatient, outpatient, non-profit, private practice, community agency, governmental, and educational settings.
Cost:
$702 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
17 Courses / 60 Credits
Duration:
Two years (full-time) or four years (part-time)
Dates:
August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring
Learning Format:
Online synchronous, online asynchronous, low-residency
Program Overview
Milestones and Beyond, the Inspiration to Spread Joy in Learning
The scope of practice for graduates of this degree is expansive, covering a wide spectrum of coursework that will prepare you for the practice of individual, couple, family, and group counseling. Graduates of our program may provide services, such as child, youth, couple, family, employment, health, gerontological, substance abuse, and wellness counseling. The degree requires 60 credit hours for completion. This is a low-residency program, requiring two site visits to campus. The remainder of the program is completed online.
"I got to have internships that gave me first-hand experience and helped me really prepare for my field and learn by doing"
Zabrya Robson
Counseling M.S.
Curriculum
Milestones and Beyond, the Inspiration to Spread Joy in Learning
The counseling program the College of Applied Human Sciences offers a curriculum at the master’s degree level. All students will complete coursework in core counseling knowledge and skill development as well as knowledge associated with addiction, couples/families, and grief. The clinical mental health counseling specialization prepares students in 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, mental health agencies, etc.
This program provides excellent background for working in the world of integrative healthcare. You can provide a comprehensive counseling approach for people in recovery from traumatic injuries, neurological events or disorders, mental health disorders, and chronic health conditions, to include addictions. This may include counseling or related interventions in mental health, lifestyle, social connection and finding work and purpose as part of habilitation, rehabilitation or recovery. All of their efforts address the process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.
The digitally delivered counseling program emphasizes academic excellence, competence in counseling skills and personal growth. The low-residency model creates an environment in which students form strong bonds as they progress through the advanced coursework together and enter the workforce. The counseling faculty at West Virginia University endeavor to reflect the university’s vision by providing a purposeful program whose curriculum prepares students to partner with their communities — both near and far — to bring needed and valued solutions to real-life problems within the pillars of education, healthcare and prosperity.
Academic Benefits of the Counseling M.S. Program
- The program is available for both full and part-time students in a combined modality that uses asynchronous online courses coupled with two residencies on campus for counseling skill development.
- The program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and is a WVU Program of Excellence.
- Program faculty are leaders in areas such as virtual reality in academic settings, rural wellness, vocational rehabilitation, and violence prevention.
Required Courses
The Counseling M.S. curriculum requires 60 credit hours.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher is required in all courses
- A grade of C- or higher is required in all courses
- COUN 510: Orientation to Mental Health Counseling, 3 credit hours
- COUN 610: Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disability, 3 credit hours
- COUN 536: Theories of Human Development, 3 credit hours
- COUN 620: Career Development and Job Placement, 3 credit hours
- COUN 501: Counseling Theory and Techniques I, 3 credit hours
- COUN 606: Counseling Theory and Techniques II, 3 credit hours
- COUN 609: Group Counseling Theory and Techniques, 3 credit hours
- COUN 505: Theory and Practice of Human Appraisal, 3 credit hours
- COUN 665: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, 3 credit hours
- COUN 634: Cultural Issues, 3 credit hours
- COUN 640: Addictions Counseling, 3 credit hours
- COUN 645: Couples and Family Counseling, 3 credit hours
- COUN 664: Ethical Issues in Counseling, 3 credit hours
- COUN 668: Crisis Trauma Grief Counseling, 3 credit hours
- COUN 612: Research and Evaluation, 3 credit hours
- COUN 685: Practicum, 3 credit hours
- COUN 686: Counseling Internship, 9 credit hours
- Professional Orientation and Identity: Students will demonstrate an understanding of counseling as a profession, develop a professional identity, and demonstrate their ability to function effectively within the ethical guidelines established by both the American Counseling Association and the American School Counselors Association, in settings rendering counseling and related services to diverse populations
- Counseling Theory: Students 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.
- Helping Relationships: Students will develop skills to work with individuals, groups, couples, families, children, and those experiencing disability that promote therapeutic change and demonstrate their ability to evaluate progress in meeting counseling objectives.
- Social and Cultural Diversity: Students will develop an awareness of the impact of social and cultural factors on human behavior and recognize the role of individual differences in establishing and working toward counseling objectives.
- Human Growth and Development: Students will learn stages of development throughout the life span and the importance of assessing and considering developmental goals when working with both children and adults.
- Career Development: Students will learn the role of career development theory as applied to working with both children and adults and the impact of economic and cultural factors on career decisions, job performance, and lifestyle.
- Group Dynamics: Students will learn the purpose and function of groups, group dynamics, and the application of counseling theories and leadership skills within the group setting to promote decision making and growth.
- Assessment: Students will learn to determine appropriate assessment techniques when working with individuals, groups, couples, families, children, and those experiencing disability and to utilize relevant information within the counseling process.
- Research and Program Evaluation: Students will develop the ability to read and evaluate professional research literature and incorporate such information into their professional development.
- Specialization: Students will develop specific knowledge relevant to the student’s area of interest (e.g., addictions, mental health, children, school, etc.) and will learn from their area of interest how to provide professional services including assessment, prevention, referral, and program development, implementation, management, and evaluation.
- Experiential Learning: Students will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective professional counselor through supervised practicum and internship experiences.
- Personal Growth and Understanding: Students will be provided the opportunity to explore values and beliefs as they pertain to their evolving roles as professional counselors and develop a level of self-understanding that leads to an integrated personal approach to counseling and client advocacy.
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
- Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Individuals whose undergraduate GPA are less than 2.75 are encouraged to apply but if accepted will remain on a probationary status until they successfully complete 18 graduate credit hours while maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- Submit three letters of reference
- The Graduate School Application process includes forms that are emailed to your references.
- Submit resume/C.V.
- A personal statement as outlined in the department application.
- Your personal statement must include what it means for you to have a commitment to diversity and social justice.
- TOEFL or IELTS Scores for International Students
- Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU)
- Mail To: WVU Hub P.O. Box 6004 Morgantown, WV 26506
- or Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu.
- 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
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Connect with an Admissions Coach
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 ann.clayton@mail.wvu.edu
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Careers and Employment
Your Future in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The counseling program the College of Applied Human Sciences offers a curriculum at the master’s degree level. All students will complete coursework in core counseling knowledge and skill development as well as knowledge associated with addiction, couples/families, and grief. The clinical mental health counseling specialization prepares students in individual and group counseling with a diverse population across a wide scope of developmental stages and backgrounds in various community settings.
Career Paths
- Correctional Counsellor
- Mental Health Facilities
- Schools
- Higher Education
- Treatment Centers
- Hospitals