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Education, Mental Health Counseling

Master of Science in Education

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Program Intro

This program prepares you to create a strong professional identity, provide individual and group counseling, and offer consultation to diverse populations. We have our own student-driven counseling center that serves the Northwest Indiana community. Studies predict a 36 percent increase in the mental health counseling field by 2026.

School of Education and Counseling

PNW’s Mental Health Counseling MSEd degree program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Our students are highly sought after for practicums, internships and job opportunities.

Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to become a licensed mental health counselor. Pass rates for licensure are exceptional among our alumni.

Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum integrates the theory, skills and multicultural knowledge you need to become an ethical and culturally competent counselor. We teach evidence-based treatment practices and reinforced throughout the program.

You can currently complete this degree at PNW’s Hammond campus.

Begin with core courses that prepare you for the practicum and internship field experiences.

See the Full Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • EDPS 50000 – Group Counseling Theories And Techniques
  • EDPS 50300 – Introduction To Mental Health Counseling
  • EDPS 50500 – Foundations Of Career Development And Assessment

Continue taking core courses and begin your practicum experience of counseling students at a school and in our program’s counseling center.

See the Full Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • EDPS 52100 – Counseling And Psychopathology
  • EDPS 52200 – Crisis Intervention And Emergency Management
  • EDPS 52800 – Research In Counseling

Complete your internship experience at a school and in our counseling center.

See the Full Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • EDPS 61000 – School Counseling Practicum
  • EDPS 62000 – Counseling Seminar (Electives); Diverse Topics (3 electives, 9 credit hours)
  • EDPS 69500 – Internship In Education (900 hours; 9 credit hours)

Highlights

Our faculty members establish a learning environment that promotes counselor competence, professional ethics, personal integrity and multicultural fluency. Many of our students complete the department’s Expressive Arts Certificate, or a few of the classes, to take those counseling skills into their practice. You can also complete an additional four courses to be eligible to become a licensed school counselor.

A lion statute with a brick wall and windows in the background Two students pose in commencement regalia in front of the Nils Building

Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, you’ll be eligible to become a licensed mental health counseling associate or counselor. You can add the Addictions Certification, which allows you to become licensed as an addictions counselor.  This degree qualifies you for certain positions that require master’s-level training and licensure, such as roles with Veterans Affairs.

Scholarships

Funding opportunities available to MSEd in Mental Health Counseling students include:

See All CHESS Scholarships

Beyond the Classroom

We encourage you to get involved in activities like:

  • American Counseling Association (ACA)
  • Indiana Counseling Association (ICA)
  • National Board for Certified Counselors

Career Paths

This program prepares you for a range of careers, including roles in:

  • Mental health agencies
  • Private practice
  • The criminal justice system

Employers

Graduates of this program are employed in:

  • Public health agencies, including Regional Mental Health, Porter-Starke Hospital and Edgewater Behavioral Health Services
  • Private agencies, such as Crown Counseling and Northstar Services
  • Private practice

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Our curriculum includes classes in CACREP’s core areas as well as electives, a practicum and an internship. A CACREP-accredited degree demonstrates that you meet training standards for ethical and competent counselors who are prepared to work with diverse students.

Marilyn Thomas

As an individual who is hoping to make a difference in this world, I know my dream is becoming a reality because I had the best teaching and training.

Marilyn Thomas, ’22, MSEd, Mental Health Counseling, Expressive Arts Counseling Post-Master’s Certificate

Eric Stanford

As a musician, it was an incredible experience to integrate my passion for creative and expressive art forms with the clinical counseling skills I was developing. I gained invaluable experience and grew not only as a mental health counselor, but a person as a whole.

Eric Stanford, MSEd, Mental Health Counseling, Expressive Arts Counseling Post-Master’s Certificate

Sonja Pierson

PNW has created networking opportunities and professional relationships that I am grateful for, with mentors that are wonderful role models.

Meet the Faculty

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Lisa Hollingsworth, Psy.D.

Associate Professor of Education

Lisa Hollingsworth is the program coordinator for the graduate counseling programs. She teaches courses in all of the program areas and researches in the area of existential approaches to counseling.

Didelot

Mary J. Didelot, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Education

Mary J. Didelot, Ph.D., is an associate professor of education, School of Education and Counseling. Her teaching and research centers on the implementation of counseling techniques in addictions and art.

A student sits on a couch and smiles. There is a laptop and notebook on the couch next to them and many students sitting and walking around in the background of the photo

Take the Next Step

Our graduate studies staff is ready to help you take the next step! Contact us at (219) 989-2257 or grad@pnw.edu to see how PNW’s flexible programs can meet your needs.