The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program prepares its graduates to be professional practitioners in a variety of community settings and institutions: hospitals, schools, rehabilitation agencies, career planning centers, employee assistance programs, clinics, residential treatment facilities, and other mental health agencies. It is a 60-credit master's which meets the academic requirements for licensure in the state of Massachusetts as a Mental Health Counselor (there are additional post graduate clinical experience requirements for licensure).
The program operates on a cohort model whereby all participants complete the same program of study. Two weeks of on campus study is required during the first summer of the program to complete two required clinical courses. They are generally taught in the middle of July. The remaining coursework is online. The sessions are held at UMass Dartmouth and housing is available at a reasonable rate (Housing information will be provided by the program upon request).
Program Highlights:
- First - Rate Faculty
- Commitment to the Student Experience
- Prepares students for the licensure through the MA Board of Allied Health Professions
Learn more about this program:
To receive more information and connect with the program manager, please click on inquire now to the right.
Sample a Course
Click here for more information on the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Program.
Registration is administered through Division of Corporate, Continuing, and Distance Education at UMass Boston. Payment is due upon registration. Please see Fee Schedule below.
| Type of Fee |
Amount |
| Fee per credit |
$445 |
| Late Reg. Fee per semester* |
$25 |
| Returned Check Fee per semester** |
$25 |
| Total for course*** |
$1335 ( 445x3 credits = 1335) |
Click here to browse our course listings.
*applicable when you register after deadline; non-refundable unless course has been cancelled
** applicable when checks returned unpaid
*** Courses can vary from one to six credits; this total represents a standard 3 credit course
The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Program prepares students to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) through the Board of Allied Mental Health through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Did you know?
University of Massachusetts has earned several awards for its distance learning programs, faculty and technology including:
- University of Massachusetts Ranked Among Top 28 Best Value in Online Education for Human Services & Psychology Professionals, 2009 by Get Educated
- Ranked Top 10 Online Degrees Colleges- September 2009 (Online Degree Reviews.com)
- UMassOnline Awarded Public Sector of the Year by Mass Technology Leadership Council , 2008
- Most Outstanding Online Teaching and Learning Program, UMass Lowell’s Online Graduate Behavioral Intervention in Autism Program, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
- ‘Excellence in Online Teaching’ Award, Dr. Jeannette E. Riley, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
- 21st Century Best Practices Award, United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- Program of Excellence, University Continuing Education Association (UCEA)-Journalism Certificate
- Excellence in Faculty Development, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
- Excellence in Online Programming, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
- Excellence in Online Teaching, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
- UMass Amherst Isenberg MBA, Top 10 national rankings, #4 Best Professors (2005, 2006, 2007 Princeton Review: Best Business Schools rankings)
- 4th in Primary Care Education, U.S. World Reports
- Ranked 45th Best University System in the World - London Times
- Excellence in Distance Teaching Education - United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
The Counseling program will recommend admission for applicants who present evidence of their ability to complete a graduate course of studies with distinctions. Such evidence will normally include: 1) a Bachelor's degree from institutions of recognized standing, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, 2) a minimum of five social science courses, 3) at least one year of paid or volunteer work in a mental health or equivalent setting is recommended, and 4) the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, and Rehabilitation Counseling. A test score is not required if the applicant holds a graduate degree from a US accredited institution. An applicant who holds a graduate degree and received only pass-fail grades in graduate study, must provide test scores.
Admission is competitive - Apply early! Here's how…
- A completed Graduate Application form (pdf).
- An official transcript from each institution attended (both graduate and undergraduate).
- Undergraduate transcript with at least a 3.0 cumulative average.
- Bachelor's degree equivalent to U.S. bachelor's degree (a 3-year bachelor's degree plus a two-year master's is also accepted or students can complete additional undergraduate courses).
- A minimum of five undergraduate social science courses.
- Submission of Test Scores: Applicants must submit the Graduate Record Exam, GRE unless the applicant already holds a graduate degree from an accredited U.S. institution.
- International students must submit scores for the TOEFL or IELTS.
- Three strong letters of recommendation indicating the applicant's ability to work well with others.
- A two-part statement of interests and intent. The first part (300 words) gives a student's reasons for wishing to pursue graduate study; the second part (at least 1,200 words) describes a student's interests and discusses the kind of work s/he would like do to in the intended field.
- At least one year of paid or volunteer work in a mental health or equivalent setting is recommended.
- For more details on admissions requirements, please refer to the instructions in the application.
This Program only admits for Summer only
Availability of financial aid varies depending on matriculation and course status. Please check with your program manager or advisor to determine your eligibility. Generally, if you are matriculated in a degree program and are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits each semester, you may qualify for financial aid. Please review our Financial Aid Checklist below.
- Fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is important to list the University of Massachusetts Boston school code number 002222.
- Next, download your required Financial Aid Forms here.
- Check your financial aid status using WISER.
- For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu
Tips:
- Please renew your FAFSA form every year.
- When you register for classes, please contact the Division of Corporate, Continuing, and Distance Education at UMass Boston (617) 287-7916) to let them know you that you have applied/are applying for financial aid. Also, it is in your best interest to register for your classes either by phone or fax ((617) 287-7916 ph; (617) 287-7902). You can download the registration form here. If you do not intend to apply for financial aid, you can register online.
Contact:
For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu.
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