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.

Core Courses
EPS 667Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling3
EPS 668Social and Cultural Diversity and Counseling3
EPS 669Psychopathology for Counselors3
EPS 676Counseling Process and Practice3
EPS 677Assessment Strategies for Counselors I3
EPS 678Counseling Theories and Practice3
EPS 679Lifespan Human Development3
EPS 680Theory and Practice with Children and Adolescents3
EPS 681Counseling and Sexuality3
EPS 684Research and Program Evaluation in Counseling3
EPS 685Substance Abuse and Addictions: Theories and Counseling3
EPS 674Lifestyle and Career Counseling3
EPS 675Therapeutic Group Procedures3
Elective6
Select 6 credit hours to fulfill elective requirement 1
Practicum15
Practicum in Counseling I
Practicum Laboratory I
Total Credit Hours60
1

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

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
EPS 676 Counseling Process and Practice 3
EPS 677 Assessment Strategies for Counselors I 3
EPS 678 Counseling Theories and Practice 3
EPS 684 Research and Program Evaluation in Counseling 3
 Credit Hours12
Spring
EPS 667 Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling 3
EPS 674 Lifestyle and Career Counseling 3
EPS 680 Theory and Practice with Children and Adolescents 3
EPS 685 Substance Abuse and Addictions: Theories and Counseling 3
 Credit Hours12
Summer I
EPS 675 Therapeutic Group Procedures 3
EPS 681 Counseling and Sexuality 3
 Credit Hours6
Summer II
EPS 668 Social and Cultural Diversity and Counseling 3
EPS 669 Psychopathology for Counselors 3
EPS 679 Lifespan Human Development 3
 Credit Hours9
Summer III
Start Practicum  
EPS 682 Practicum in Counseling I 3
EPS 802 Practicum Laboratory I 2
Elective  
Select 3 credits to fulfill the elective requirement 3
 Credit Hours8
Year Two
Fall
EPS 682 Practicum in Counseling I 3
EPS 802 Practicum Laboratory I 2
Elective  
Select 3 credits to fulfill the elective requirement 3
 Credit Hours8
Spring
EPS 682 Practicum in Counseling I 3
EPS 802 Practicum Laboratory I 2
 Credit Hours5
 Total Credit Hours60

Mission

To prepare students for professional practice at the Master’s level in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) through the integration of theory, research and clinical skills derived from science-based education and 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

  • Our counseling students will demonstrate knowledge of DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- 5th Edition) symptom criteria for mental disorders. They will accurately identify clinical symptoms and provide the corresponding diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria.
  • Students are expected to demonstrate competence in developing case conceptualizations. Specifically, students should be able to incorporate theories in developing comprehensive case conceptualizations of practicum patients.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge in the application of ethical guidelines governing the practice of mental health counseling.