M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling
Master of Science in Education
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M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program Overview
Purdue University Northwest’s Mental Health Counseling Program prepares reflective, ethical and culturally responsive counselors committed to justice and advocacy. Grounded in humility, curiosity and collaboration, students are prepared to serve clients across multiple settings.
Graduates strive to recognize clients as experts in their own lives and seek to create counseling relationships that embody hope, resilience and empowerment.
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.
M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program Curriculum
Rooted in a postmodern and social constructionist foundation, the counselor education program believes that a well-prepared counselor is committed to a process of intentional, life-long growth that promotes prosocial action, curiosity and ethical behavior.
The course progression reflects a scaffolded approach to learning, beginning with foundational courses followed by focused application.
The first year emphasizes coursework from the core areas of ethics, theory, group work, career development, assessment, research, diversity and human growth and development.
Sample Courses
- EDPS 50300 – Introduction to Mental Health Counseling
- EDPS 53900 – Ethics And Professional Identity For Mental Health Counselors
- EDPS 60000 – Counseling Theories And Techniques
- EDPS 50700 – Counseling Multicultural And Diverse Populations
Year two marks the beginning of the clinical training sequence. Students obtain 100 hours of supervised, hands-on training in our state-of-the-art Community Counseling Clinic.
Sample Courses
- EDPS 61000 – School Counseling Practicum
- EDPS 52200 – Crisis Intervention And Emergency Management
Students in year three complete a 600-hour off-site internship experience. Elective coursework also allows students to develop advanced knowledge of specialized topics.
Sample Courses
- EDPS 69500 – Internship In Education (600 hours; 6 credit hours)
- Elective Coursework
M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program Highlights
Our program is offered entirely on campus, with courses in the evenings to accommodate adult learners. Smaller class sizes let students form supportive relationships with peers and faculty.
Faculty are actively licensed professional counselors and school counselors, bringing practical experience into the classroom.
M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track will have met the curricular and clinical experience requirements to seek mental health licensure in the state of Indiana.
Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and skills to interface with community health systems, advocate for multiple client populations and collaborate with interdisciplinary client care teams.
M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program Career Paths
Clinical mental health counselors are prepared to work in public or private mental health settings, including agencies, group practices, hospitals or residential settings.
Graduates are also qualified to apply to doctoral programs in Counselor Education.
M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program Beyond the Classroom
After the first semester of coursework, students who have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible to apply for membership in the counseling national honor society, Chi Sigma Iota.
Students are also highly encouraged to join the American Counseling Association (ACA).
M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program Employers
Graduates of this program are employed in organizations and companies like:
- 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
M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships available to all PNW applicants, students seeking an M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling may also apply for program-specific scholarship awards, such as:
- NBCC Foundation scholarships
- American Counseling Association Graduate Student Awards of Excellence
M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program Accreditation
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling Programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Our curriculum reflects the core educational and clinical training standards set forth by this national accrediting body.
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.
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.
PNW has created networking opportunities and professional relationships that I am grateful for, with mentors that are wonderful role models.
Meet the Faculty
Shawn Patrick, NCC, LCPC, LMHC
Associate Professor
I serve as the Program Coordinator for the Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling programs. I teach a variety of courses, including Theories, Multicultural Counseling and Internship.
Assistant Professor of Counselor Education
Oliver Camacho is a culturally responsive educator who teaches courses for both school counselors and mental health counselors in the School of Education and Counseling.
Earn a Master's Degree in Education in Mental Health Counseling at PNW
Whether you just completed your undergraduate studies or are looking to take the next step to advance your career, Purdue University Northwest’s M.S.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling degree program prepares you to become a mental healthcare leader in your community.
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 can meet your needs.
