M.S.Ed. in Counseling

https://eps.edu.miami.edu/graduate/masters/c-msed/index.html

Overview

The mental health counseling program provides extensive and in-depth training and supervision in counseling theory, research, and practice in order to effect change in this diverse, global society. 

Application Requirements

Admission to all graduate-degree concentrations in the School of Education and Human Development is based on the recommendation of the faculty. Admissions decisions are based on faculty review of the following general requirements that apply to all Graduate Programs in the School as well as specific documents listed under each concentration.

Applicants must:

•  International applicants whose native language is not English or applicants whose degrees are from a non-U.S. University must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS); 
• provide official transcripts showing completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and an acceptable undergraduate grade point average. A minimum of 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required. Official transcripts from every institution attended by an applicant, whether or not the applicant completed a degree program at the institution, are required;
• provide three letters of recommendation that address the issues and meet the criteria established by the program being applied to;
• provide a personal statement that addresses the mission and purpose of the program being applied to;
• resume/CV;
• take part in an admissions interview (required); and
• exhibit personal and professional experiences and characteristics that are relevant to the profession and/or field and/or degree program for which the application is being submitted.

International Applications

All international applications must provide additional information and meet additional requirements as required by the UM Graduate School and the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. For an appropriate link to these requirements, please visit the Graduate School website.

Admission Decision

Once an applicant has been admitted to graduate study, that individual should meet with the faculty advisor who was appointed to serve in that capacity and whose name appears in the admissions letter. This advisor will help the student enroll in courses that are appropriate to the program; to develop and to refine a Course Sequence Plan that must be on file in the Office of Graduate Studies by the end of the first semester of enrollment.

Honor Code/Handbook of Policies and Procedures

The School of Education and Human Development follows the Graduate School’s Honor Code. All students are required to review the Graduate Student Honor Code and the School of Education and Human Development’s Handbook of Policies and Procedures for Graduate Students and submit the signed Acknowledgement of Receipt located on page 3 by the end of their first semester of enrollment. All students of the counseling program are required to review the MSEd in Counseling Handbook of Policies and Procedures and submit the signed Acknowledgement of Receipt located on the last page by the time they register for their first semester of classes. 

Curriculum Requirements

This variable 60-credit hour program provides the academic and pre-degree supervision requirements for licensing as a Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida.

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See Graduate Academic Advisor for guidance.

These are sample Plans of Study. Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings. Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.

Sample Plan of Study

Mission

To nurture the development of mental health counseling graduate students and faculty as reflective practitioners committed to promoting psychological well-being in a multiculturally complex world based on an integration of theory, clinical skills, and science-based training..

Goals

The Master’s program prepares students to function as culturally responsive, research-informed, ethical counselors ready to address the mental health needs of a diverse client population.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate in-depth understanding of the DSM-5-TR criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. They will be proficient in identifying clinical symptoms and providing corresponding diagnoses in alignment with DSM-5-TR guidelines. (Objective 1. Knowledge and Application of DSM-5-TR)
• Students will display cultural humility, responsiveness, and sensitivity in all aspects of their work as counselors-in-training, including (but not limited to) cultural and individual differences related to age, race, ethnicity, language, national origin, culture, religion/spirituality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, social class, disability, and geographic background. This responsiveness will be integrated into all aspects of students’ interactions and work. (Objective 2. Cultural Responsiveness)
• Students will develop the competence to create theoretically based, comprehensive case conceptualizations and treatment plans that are individualized to each client's unique needs and circumstances. (Objective 3. Comprehensive Case Conceptualizations and Treatment Plans)
• Students will become proficient in implementing evidence-based treatments. They will skillfully integrate assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment planning to provide holistic and effective therapy services. (Objective 4. Competent Providers of Treatment)
• Students will exhibit an in-depth understanding and adherence to the ethical guidelines governing the practice of mental health counseling, showcasing professionalism and integrity in all aspects of their practice. (Objective 5. Ethical Practice)