Counseling MS (CED)

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, and is approved by the Pennsylvania State Department of Education. McDaniel College is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. McDaniel is working toward Initial Accreditation Status for its educator preparation programs with an anticipated accreditation review in Spring 2024.

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.

Admissions Requirements

• Application for graduate study (online) - www.mcdaniel.edu/grad
• Official transcripts conferring bachelor’s degree (minimum of 3.00 GPA*) from an accredited institution; graduate transcripts if applicable.
• Professional Resume
• Goal Statement Essay
• Final criterion when all the above has been met: invitation for an interview

Upon admission students must also must complete a criminal background disclosure statement and may be required to undergo a criminal background check and finger printing at the student’s expense.  Students should be aware that a criminal background may prohibit practicum and internship placement and therefore may be a barrier to program completion. Students should also be aware that it may also be a barrier to obtaining licensure. All incidents of criminal history must be self-reported to both the program and to the practicum and internship sites prior to enrollment and at any time throughout the program. All students may be subject to criminal background and finger printing by McDaniel College and by the practicum and internship site at any time.

Mental Health Counseling Specialization (60 credits)

Total Credits: 60

School Counseling Specialization (51 credits)

Total Credits: 51

State Authorization

McDaniel is an approved institutional member of the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). Membership in SARA is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses/programs offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. For more information about SARA, including the states currently participating in the agreement, visit http://www.nc.sara.org.

SARA membership allows McDaniel to accept and deliver our programs/courses online to students in 49 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students who reside in California, currently the only state not a member of SARA, should contact the admissions office prior to application to verify if you are eligible to participate in the online program of interest.

For more information about state authorization requirements and complaint resolution, visit https://www.mcdaniel.edu/academics/graduate-professional-studies/state-authorization-requirements-complaints-resolution

Professional Licensure

Requirements for professional licensure in fields such as accounting, education, counseling, psychology, and social work vary from state to state. McDaniel’s academic programs listed below are designed to meet Maryland’s licensure requirements and may not meet requirements from other states. Before beginning any academic program that leads to licensure, McDaniel highly recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing board where you wish to seek licensure to determine whether the program you are considering will meet that state’s licensing requirements. You may also contact McDaniel at gps@mcdaniel.edu to inquire.

For more important information regarding professional licensure and the completion of McDaniel degrees, please review our Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement.