Overview
Program Coordinator: Dr. Beth Aitken
Program Delivery Format: Online and Hybrid (mix of online and in-person), 8-week sessions
Total Credits: 51-60
Specializations:
- Mental Health Counseling (60 credits)
- School Counseling (51 credits)
Average Completion Time: 36 months
Admission: Fall, Spring
Priority Application Deadline:
- Fall - February 15
- Spring - October 15
For more information contact:
Graduate Admissions: Crystal Perry, Assistant Director, Graduate Enrollment Management
cperry@mcdaniel.edu
(410) 857-2516
McDaniel Graduate and Professional Studies - gpsadvising@mcdaniel.edu or 410.857.2500.
The purpose of the Master of Science in Counseling program is to prepare mental health professionals to work in mental health clinics, counseling centers, addictions clinics, human service agencies and schools. Through a combination of research, theory, and practice, the counseling program encourages graduate students to become reflective practitioners.
The Master of Science degree in Counseling (School Counseling Specialization) is 51 credits and ensures the student is eligible to apply for School Counseling Certification through the Maryland Department of Education. This will occur upon successful completion of the school counseling practicum (100 hours in a school setting), internship (600 hours in a school setting), and all degree requirements. The counseling program has been evaluated and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and is approved by the Pennsylvania State Department of Education.
The Master of Science degree in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Specialization) is 60 credits and ensures eligibility for licensure in both MD upon successful completion of required courses, to include a practicum (100 hours) and an internship (600 hours). Students are eligible to sit for their National Counselor Exam upon graduation and are able to apply for their respective states for licensure (see relevant State Board requirements for NCE and other exams required).
Professional Licensure and Certification:
McDaniel’s MS in Counseling offers both 100% online and hybrid (mix of online and in-person) delivery format. While the program meets licensure and certification requirements of Maryland, it may not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states.
Students who plan to enroll in this program and pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Maryland should contact gpsadvising@mcdaniel.edu to verify if McDaniel is authorized for licensure or certification in that state.
We also recommend students check with the appropriate licensing board in the state in which students intend to pursue licensure or certification. You can find more information about various states for Mental Health Counseling here. School Counseling information can be found here.
Our licensure disclosure can be found here. Admitted students must also contact the Graduate and Professional Studies and the Counseling Program Coordinator to discuss any change in location prior to relocation. Please be advised that continued enrollment cannot be guaranteed if a student moves to a state in which McDaniel is not authorized to offer education programs.
