MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) is designed to provide students with a practitioner model that fulfills the 60-hour educational requirements for students to obtain counseling licensure in many states. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program has a mission of training reflective, ethical practitioners who work in a variety of mental health settings. The counseling program faculty is committed to providing a dynamic education that prepares students to promote health and wellness in an ever-changing world. An emphasis is placed on both professional and personal development, recognizing that well-prepared counseling professionals are those who possess relevant academic training, as well as the self-understanding and awareness needed to facilitate growth, development, and healing among others. The counseling faculty provides an open and stimulating intellectual climate that prepares professional counselors who:

• Respect cultures, values, beliefs, and talents of all people.
• Conceptualize human behavior and the change process through the application of theory.
• Develop appropriate knowledge and skills to effectively affect wellness and facilitate change.
• Reflect the American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics.
• Commit to professional development essential for growth in learning, advocacy, and service.
• Commit to clinical mental heath counseling based upon lifelong reflection and learning.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication.

Why McKendree University?

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at McKendree University focuses on academic excellence through didactic coursework as well as courses that focus on the counselor-in-training developing skills through the use of live supervision. Students achieve competency in counseling skills on campus by participating in Practicum I skill experiences within the Stress Management Clinic. Students in the program gain skill development opportunities in the clinical courses taught and while participating in the Practicum and Internship courses. Practicum II and Internship experiences are completed off campus through pre-approved clinical sites.

Admission

McKendree University admits students who present evidence of their potential to complete graduate level work. Applicants are considered on an individual basis without regard to sex, race, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion. The following documentation is required for consideration of admission:

1. A completed graduate admission application (no fee).

2. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

3. Official transcripts from each college or university attended. Official transcripts are those sent from institution to institution.

4. A minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale in undergraduate studies.

5. A current resume or vita.

6. Three recommendation forms from master’s or doctoral level professionals who can attest to the applicant’s ability to pursue graduate work in a clinical program. Recommendations from personal acquaintances (e.g., friends, church leaders, family members) are not acceptable. This form will be provided to applicant after application has been submitted. 

7. Essay describing interests in counseling as a career, personal strengths and weaknesses, perceived ability to successfully pursue/complete graduate work, and future career goals.

8. The successful completion of the equivalent of six undergraduate credit hours in a behavioral science, of which three must be in introduction to psychology. 

9. Applicants who meet initial qualifications will be interviewed.

 Application Deadline

The program admits students once a year, for the fall semester. Applicants should use the deadline of July 1st in order to receive consideration for admission to the program.