M.S. in Mental Health Counseling

The M.S. in Mental Health Counseling Program is designed for individuals who want to become a NYS licensed counselor focusing on the treatment of adults and/or children. This program prepares students for work in community agencies, clinics, hospitals, managed behavioral healthcare organizations, outpatient mental health programs, residential treatment and rehabilitation settings, employee assistance programs, substance abuse treatment programs, colleges, and private practice. The Mental Health Counseling program is designed to emphasize the strengths of individuals and families in order to facilitate recovery and resilience when faced with emotional, mental, or physical challenges. The program offers two options: Masters in Science (M.S.) in Mental Health Counseling and an Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling.

Program Highlights

• 60 credit hour program
• 2 years to complete full-time program
• 3 1/2 years to complete part-time program
• Classes are offered late afternoon/evenings
• Starts in Fall semester only

Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling

The Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling is intended to build on the educational foundation of persons who already possess a master's degree in counseling or a related field and employs similar methods of training to help students meet the full educational requirements for licensure as mental health counselors in New York State.

General Application Requirements

• Completed Online Application or Application Form [pdf]
• Application fee
• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work (if applicable)
• Two Letters of Recommendation [pdf] Note: You can now submit recommendation letters online. Please refer to the Online Application for instructions.
• Current résumé
• Personal statement*
• Results of the (TOEFL) for students whose native language is not English
• Graduate Transfer Credit Request Form [pdf] and supporting documents (if applicable)

Program-Specific Application Requirements

• Applicants whose undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0 must take the GRE exam and provide evidence of ability and motivation to successfully complete graduate level studies
• Interview with the Admissions Committee of the Mental Health Counseling Program
• Life experience relevant to the work of a mental health counselor (such as personal experience, and/or paid or volunteer experience)

*Provide information about yourself, your goals and plans for the future, and reason for graduate study in your chosen field. The personal statement should be approximately 300-500 words in length. You may submit your personal statement electronically to grad@sjfc.edu or mail it to St. John Fisher College, Office of Graduate Admissions.