Counseling, M.S.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling program prepares students with a high level of evidence-based, ethical, and culturally responsive skill sets to serve clients. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration prepares you to conceptualize, assess, diagnose, and treat individuals, groups, and families in a variety of settings. These settings include, but are not limited to, inpatient, outpatient, in-home care, and private practice settings.

Program Distinctions

• The CED department has consistently been recognized as a top graduate education program by the U.S. News & World Report, ranking third in the nation in 2023. The program has rated in the Top 10 list for more than two decades.
• Within North Carolina, CED is the Top Graduate Program for Counseling.
• Within CED is the Nicholas Vacc Counseling and Consulting Clinic, an in-house training clinic where all students engage in the practical experiences working with clients.
• In our counseling program, master’s students are provided with intensive clinical supervision from the department as they develop their counseling skills in clinical practicum and internships.

The Student Experience

Our students gain real-world experience through internships in a variety of settings, including K-12 schools, college counseling and support services, community agencies and other outpatient settings, hospitals and integrated care facilities, inpatient treatment centers, private practice, and more. They provide clinical and supportive services for a range of clients, including children, couples and families, immigrants and refugees, trauma survivors, sexual minorities, individuals with addictions, individuals with chronic illnesses, and underserved populations.

After Graduation

Graduates of the master’s program are well-prepared for success in careers in areas including:

• Outpatient mental health
• Private counselor
• Hospital or medical setting
• College counseling center
• Elementary, middle or high school counselors
• Group homes
• Couples and family counselor
• Foster care system