Master's Programs in Mental Health and Psychological Counseling

Demographic research indicates that growing societal problems will increase the demand for human services employees who understand the dynamics and psychological implications of modern crises. Monmouth University offers a unique graduate program in counseling to equip students with the theoretical and practical applications vital to positions in human service and mental health agencies.

The psychological and mental health counseling programs at Monmouth are devoted to counselor education with specializations in child/adolescent counseling, marriage/couples/family/sex therapy, substance abuse counseling, multicultural counseling, industrial/organizational counseling, spiritual counseling, and group counseling.

THE RIGHT PROGRAM AT THE RIGHT TIME

The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This is the first and only mental health counseling program in the State of New Jersey to be accredited. Accreditation is a significant consideration for the New Jersey State Board of Examiners for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

This 60-credit program is an especially good option for those who may move to another state and seek LPC licensure. Students complete a 45-credit core curriculum covering areas of study required for LPC licensure in New Jersey. In addition, the program provides 15 credits of elective courses where you can pursue specialty areas and further enhance your counseling expertise.

The 60-credit MS in Mental Health Counseling program meets academic requirements for licensure with the nine basic course areas:

1. Counseling Theory and Practice
2. The Helping Relationship
3. Human Growth and Development and Maladaptive Behavior
4. Lifestyle and Career Development
5. Group Dynamics, Processes, Counseling, and Consulting
6. Appraisal of Individuals
7. Social and Cultural Foundations
8. Research and Evaluation
9. Counseling Profession

The Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling is a 30-credit program focusing on counseling techniques, assessment methods, mental health, and community counseling issues. The core curriculum provides participants with a solid foundation in counseling procedure. Students can explore current practices in the field through 18 credits of guided electives. By combining academic course work with experiential study, the Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling equips you with proficiencies in traditional counseling as well as in emerging areas. The MA program is an excellent option for students who do not plan to seek a counseling license or for those who plan to pursue a PhD.

Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling: Addiction Studies Track

This 33-credit track prepares students to become addictions counselors who work with individuals, groups, couples, and families impacted by various types of substance use and addictive disorders. Graduates are prepared to work within a variety of addictions in treatment programs and agencies and eventually to practice privately. The addiction studies track was developed to meet the educational requirements for the LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor), which is a New Jersey state license. The program is accredited by INCASE (International Coalition of Alcohol Studies Educators) and by NASAC (National Association of Substance Abuse Education.)