The NSU master's degree in counseling is a two-year plus two-summer program, with specializations in clinical mental health and school counseling.

The NSU counseling program leads to a master’s of science in education degree, preparing you for K-12 school or clinical mental health counseling certification/licensure. Our Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Northern State University's counseling master's program is certified by the CACREP to be offered in a HyFlex delivery format. For the majority of classes being offered, this gives students the option to attend class in person or digitally during the scheduled class time (Zoom). These sections are offered at the on-campus tuition rate (see tuition and costs). A select few classes in the program are available fully online; Only these sections are subject to the online tuition rate.

 

As an NSU counseling student, you can choose your career path:

Clinical Mental Health

Prepare to work in an agency or private practice setting and become certified to work with children, adults, families and groups. (Earn a degree in clinical mental health counseling – 60 credits)

School counseling

Prepare to counsel K-12 children in private, public, or parochial schools. Your degree prepares you for a career in school guidance. (Earn a degree in school counseling – 60 credits)

Forensic Counseling (specialization)

Prepare to work in the criminal justice system and become certified to work with victims, first responders, and perpetrators. (Earn a degree in clinical mental health counseling with a specialization in forensic counseling – 72 credits)

 

Mission Statement

The counseling program at Northern State University emphasizes the development of counseling professionals who are competent in their counseling knowledge, skills, and practice. Utilizing a creative, strength-based approach, the program endorses self-reflective, theory-based, intentional counseling. The pillars of NSU's program include the celebration of human diversity, a belief in the dignity and inherent worth of others, and a commitment to fostering students' identities as professional counselors.

Clinical Mental Health program objectives

The program objectives for students enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health specialization include:

  • To describe the foundations of the clinical mental health counseling profession
  • To demonstrate self-awareness and sensitivity to others, seeking supervision when appropriate
  • To implement culturally appropriate counseling practice
  • To adhere to professional standards and codes of ethical conduct
  • To articulate a theoretically based philosophy of counseling
  • To demonstrate effective and therapeutic use of research relevant to the practice of clinical mental health counseling
  • To demonstrate knowledge of various approaches to clinical evaluation and to select appropriate assessment interventions, and
  • To demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the principles of the diagnostic process and use of diagnostic tools
School Counseling program objectives

The program objectives for students enrolled in the School Counseling specialization include:

  • To describe the foundations of the school counseling and educational system
  • To demonstrate self-awareness and sensitivity to others, seeking supervision when appropriate
  • To implement culturally appropriate counseling practice
  • To adhere to professional standards and codes of ethical conduct
  • To articulate a theoretically based philosophy of counseling
  • To demonstrate effective and therapeutic use of research relevant to the practice of school counseling
  • To demonstrate knowledge of various needs assessments and to select appropriate assessment strategies to evaluate academic, career, and personal/social development
  • To implement appropriate pedagogical strategies, including differentiated instruction, to promote student achievement
  • To show knowledge of, and ability to work with, school and community resources to promote academic, career, and personal/social development, and
  • To assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a school counseling program
NSU Counselor Education Student Handbook

2023-2024 Northern State University Counselor Education Student Handbook

PLC Disclosure Statements

Please visit PLC Disclosure Statements.

 

ACTIVE MINDS

Active Minds supports mental health awareness and education for young adults. Active Minds is about helping others begin a conversation surrounding mental health and creating lasting change in the way mental health is talked about, cared for, and valued. 

 

For more information, visit NSU Active Minds (Instagram)

 

Careers

Students selecting school counseling will be prepared to counsel K-12 children in private, public or parochial schools.

 

Students selecting clinical mental health counseling will be prepared to enter into an agency setting working with children, adults, families and groups. They also may work in a career guidance or employment setting.

 

Students will be prepared to take a state licensure or national certification exam in their preparation area.

 

Admission

Admission to the counseling program requirements include the following:

  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.75
  • Completed graduate application
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A statement of career goals
  • An official transcript
  • $35 application fee

 

Accreditation

CACREP Accreditation

Both the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master of Education degree and School Counseling Master of Education degree are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and have been since July 2017. 

NSU Counseling Programs Receive CACREP Accreditation

Hyflex Delivery

 

Annual Reports

2020-2021 Vital Statistics Report

2021-2022 Vital Statistics Report

2020-2021 Counselor Education Annual Program Report

2021-2022 Counselor Education Annual Program Report

2022-2023 Counselor Education Annual Program Report

 

Supervision Training Information

Orientation to Clinical Supervision and Professional Development (OCSPD)

 

Internships

Students must complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship in either a clinical mental health setting or a school setting, depending on their specialization.

 

Students in this program will have the opportunity for a variety of graduate assistantships. Students will also have opportunities to work with people in their chosen field in practicum and internship.

 

Scholarships

The annual Janice Jirouch Counselor Education Scholarship and Clara Leap Graham Memorial Scholarship are available for students in this program. Each of these need-based scholarships is awarded around April 1 to current or incoming students. Applications are distributed during the interview process in January or March.

 

Courses

Counseling Master's Degree (MSEd) Course Requirements

 

Plan of Study

Counseling Master's Degree (MSEd) Plan of Study