A Past Student Reflects:
“The program and the administration exceeded my expectations by not only teaching me how to be an effective, and responsible counselor, but also how to advocate for myself and others. I absolutely loved my time at ODU due to the support I received from numerous professors and seeing how much they care for each student. I will forever be grateful for my time at ODU, and I am so proud to be an alum of this program!”
-2026 graduate
The master’s program in counseling has two delivery types, “in-person” and “online.” and two specialty areas, school counseling (in-person only) and clinical mental health counseling (in-person or online). All programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation in Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The in-person program offers masters' degrees in school counseling and clinical mental health counseling and is offered on the main campus of the university.
The online program only offers a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and is delivered asynchronously in eight-week terms.
Students in the in-person and online delivery modes complete the same core curriculum that prepares counselors for professional practice. This core provides course work in professional orientation and ethics; counseling techniques; counseling theory; testing and assessment; group counseling; career development; lifespan development; research; and social and cultural issues.
In addition, each specialty area has specialty courses and electives. Finally, all students participate in field placement experiences that contain a practicum and an internship.
Online students may complete their practicum and internship in their local areas, pending the site being approved by the clinical coordinator. Syllabi for the in-person and online programs are parallel, so the content learned is the same and addresses the same CACREP accreditation standards.
Accreditation
The School Counseling master's degree at Old Dominion University prepares students to practice as professional school counselors in K-12 educational settings and meets the school counseling licensing requirements in Virginia. Come learn, grow, and make a difference. Why school counseling?
School Counseling students are exposed to Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) training standards and the American School Counselor Association National Model.
Students can elect to take courses in our School Counseling program as a full-time or part-time student. Our courses are offered in the late-afternoons and evenings to accommodate students with multiple responsibilities.
Interested students may have the opportunity to work as graduate assistants for the program faculty, engaging in both research and instructional support. Student graduate assistantships include tuition waivers and a stipend.
Prospective students have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with our nationally-recognized faculty, including Dr. Christopher Sink, Dr. Tim Grothaus, and Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott. These school counseling faculty bring a wide-array of experiences and expertise in school counseling and school counselor leadership nationally and in the state of Virginia, such as journal editor of the American School Counselor Association's Professional School Counseling journal, president and board member of the Virginia School Counselor Association, as well as author of several school counseling textbooks and journal articles, as well as presentations at national and state conferences. Further, they collaborate with school districts and school counseling supervisors at the state and district level as well as national school counseling leaders. Faculty enjoy teaching and partnering with students to present at conferences, conduct research, and write professional articles and book chapters.
While attending the School Counseling program, student will have the opportunity to attend Study Abroad programs internationally and within the U.S. as part of their coursework. Previous programs have included institutes in New York City, Italy and Ireland.
ODU school counseling students who wish to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Virginia may take courses required to achieve this license. Three additional courses are typically required to meet the LPC coursework requirement in Virginia, in addition to the school counselor requirements: (1) COUN 685: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Mental Health Counseling; (2) COUN 691: Family Systems and Family Development; and (3) COUN 647: Addictive Disorders.
For students interested in pursuing doctoral studies after their master's in School Counseling, ODU offers a nationally known Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Counseling. School counseling master's and doctoral students have held positions as school counselors, district wide school counseling supervisors, head of testing and assessment, faculty members, and much more.
The School Counseling master's program offers a variety of experiences, including:
- 60 semester hours of coursework including 9 in Practicum and Internship.
- Two 300-hour internships in K-12 school settings (total of 600 hours of internship)
- Five specified school counseling courses
- Opportunities for graduate assistantships
- Enrollment as a full or part-time student
- Opportunities for unique study experiences such as in Italy and Ireland. These opportunities may substitute for a required course.
- Funding opportunities for conferences
- Opportunities to attend local, state, and national conferences and professional development
- Possibilities to collaborate with nationally-known faculty and doctoral students, including national presentations, research studies, journal articles, and textbook chapters
- Several course observations and activities in local K-12 settings
- As part of the School Counseling curriculum, complete the majority of courses required toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, with the option of taking the final three courses as electives
- Chance for membership in ODU's chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society
- Chance to take the National Counselor Exam before graduation
A minimum of 60 semester credits is required for the Master of Science in Education - Counseling with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. Toward the conclusion of the program, all students must pass a comprehensive exam. All students are required to take 30 credits of common-core course work. Additional course work in concentration areas is required. All students complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship. Students are also required to complete the Responsible Conduct of Research Training (visit the ODU Office of Research webpage for additional information).
| Code | Title |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses |
|
|
| COUN 601 | Principles of Professional Counseling and Ethics |
3 |
| COUN 631 | Counseling for Lifespan Development |
3 |
| COUN 633 | Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques |
3 |
| COUN 634 | Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques, Crisis, and Trauma |
3 |
| FOUN 611 | Introduction to Research Methods in Education |
3 |
| COUN 645 | Testing and Client Assessment |
3 |
| COUN 648 | Foundations of Career Development |
3 |
| COUN 650 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy |
3 |
| COUN 655 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 669 | Practicum in Counseling (100 hrs min) |
3 |
| Concentration Courses |
30 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
60 |
|
School Counseling Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Coursework | ||
| COUN 642 | Structured Counseling Groups |
3 |
| COUN 676 | Professional Issues in School Counseling K-12 |
3 |
| COUN 677 | School Culture, Learning, and Classroom Management |
3 |
| COUN 678 | Counseling Children and Adolescents in School Settings |
3 |
| COUN 679 | School Counseling Program Development K-12 |
3 |
| COUN 668 | Internship in School Counseling (600 hrs minimum) |
6 |
| COUN Electives |
9 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
30 |
|
Student perspectives gathered over the years consistently endorse the program and their experiences.
For example, our graduates have said:
"I had high expectations entering the school counseling program at ODU... The program exceeded my expectations. The counseling program at ODU has shaped both my professional and personal aspirations through its paramount curriculum, dedicated professors, and extensive resources. The opportunities in the school counseling program have been unbounded." -2014 graduate
"The most meaningful part of ODU's school counseling graduate program was having the opportunity to bond with professors. I felt like my professors and mentors genuinely cared about my experience in the graduate program. Without them, I would not be the school counselor that I am today!" -2015 graduate
"As a high school counselor] I know every day that I'm doing something meaningful. You can't change every student's life and you certainly cannot do it quickly. However, having a student know that you genuinely believe in them, even when they don't believe in themselves, makes a difference over time."
-2014 graduate
"I really appreciated the professors who pushed me to take on new challenges (like presenting at VSCA [the state school counseling conference]) and talking about topics outside of my comfort zone. I think ODU is unique in that we're exposed to a very low income population, so as a counseling student, you quickly learn what that looks like and how to handle those student circumstances. That's a very attractive quality to employers." -2014 graduate
"[Being enrolled in this school counseling program] was worth all of the time, hard work and money spent on this program. My eyes have been opened to many issues important to me surrounding the education system, mental health, multicultural issues and advocacy. Throughout the program I have also valued the emphasis on self-awareness and reflection and in doing so I have learned much about myself- how to be an effective parent, a better listener, an effective communicator and so much more. Most importantly, I have built my confidence up and acquired the competence to help others which has always been my passion. I truly feel this program has been the perfect fit for me and I am sincerely thankful to have been accepted." -2016 graduate
"I think my experience at ODU prepared me as much as possible for the real world of school counseling. School counseling is a learn-by-doing profession. My graduate experience provided a solid foundation on which to begin my career. The biggest thing I learned from this program is to never be afraid of asking questions or seeking answers because we always have room for growth." -2015 graduate
Our School Counseling master's graduates go on to work a variety of settings, including:
- School counselors in elementary, middle, and high schools
- Directors of school counseling departments
- District-level school counseling supervisors and leaders
- Enroll in counseling doctoral programs
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's at Old Dominion University prepares students to practice as Licensed Professional Counselors in diverse contexts. The nationally-recognized faculty bring a wide-array of clinical expertise to the training students receive in the program, both in terms of standard competencies as well as new and emerging areas of counseling practice. The professional relationships which the faculty have help students find exciting placements for practicum and internship experiences throughout the Hampton Roads region, and our students go on to work in community mental health agencies, college counseling centers, military-affiliated counseling programs, hospitals, and in private practice. As a nationally-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, the coursework is aligned with both the requirements for the LPC in Virginia and with training standards recognized around the United States at both the state and federal level. Interested students may have the opportunity to work as graduate assistants for the program faculty, engaging in both research and instructional support. As part of the overall counseling program community, Clinical Mental Health Counseling students are exposed to CACREP training standards, professional identity development and advocacy, and multicultural-social justice principles. Our students can expect to be challenged, supported, and encouraged to excel throughout their learning experience toward earning their master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and begin their residency towards the LPC.
- 60 semester hours of coursework including 9 in Practicum and Internship.
- 100 hours of Practicum and 600 of Internship in clinical mental health counseling settings required as part of the degree.
- Opportunities for study abroad in Italy and Ireland to count for select classes.
- Chance for membership in Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society.
- Possibilities for graduate assistantships.
- Chance to take the National Counselor Exam before you graduate.
- Opportunities for research collaboration with nationally-known counseling faculty.
Curriculum Requirements
A minimum of 60 semester credits is required for the Master of Science in Education - Counseling with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. Toward the conclusion of the program, all students must pass a comprehensive exam. All students are required to take 30 credits of common-core course work. Additional course work in concentration areas is required. All students complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship. Students are also required to complete the Responsible Conduct of Research Training (visit the ODU Office of Research webpage for additional information).
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| COUN 601 | Principles of Professional Counseling and Ethics |
3 |
| COUN 631 | Counseling for Lifespan Development |
3 |
| COUN 633 | Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques |
3 |
| COUN 634 | Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques, Crisis, and Trauma |
3 |
| FOUN 611 | Introduction to Research Methods in Education |
3 |
| COUN 645 | Testing and Client Assessment |
3 |
| COUN 648 | Foundations of Career Development |
3 |
| COUN 650 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy |
3 |
| COUN 655 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 669 | Practicum in Counseling (100 hrs min) |
3 |
| Concentration Credit Hours |
30 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
60 |
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Coursework |
|
|
| COUN 644 | Group Counseling and Psychotherapy |
3 |
| COUN 647 | Addictive Disorders |
3 |
| COUN 670 | Introduction to Counseling Supervision |
3 |
| COUN 680 | Mental Health Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 685 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Mental Health Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 691 | Family Systems and Family Development |
3 |
| COUN 667 | Internship in Mental Health Counseling (600 hrs minimum) |
6 |
| COUN Electives |
6 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
30 |
|
Our clinical mental health counseling master's graduates go on to work a variety of settings, including:
- Community Service Boards and other mental health agencies.
- Private treatment programs and private practices.
- College Counseling centers.
- Intensive in-patient and crisis response programs
- Military and veteran-affiliated mental health care settings.
The online Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's at Old Dominion University prepares students to practice as Licensed Professional Counselors in diverse contexts. The nationally-recognized faculty bring a wide-array of clinical expertise to the training students receive in the program, both in terms of standard competencies as well as new and emerging areas of counseling practice. The professional relationships which the faculty have help students find exciting placements for practicum and internship experiences in the area in which they reside. Our students go on to work in community mental health agencies, college counseling centers, military-affiliated counseling programs, hospitals, and private practice. As a nationally-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, the coursework is aligned with both the requirements for the LPC in Virginia and with training standards recognized around the United States at both the state and federal level. If you are not a Virginia resident, please check on your state's specific requirements for licensure. Interested students may have the opportunity to work as graduate assistants for the program faculty, engaging in both research and instructional support. As part of the overall counseling program community, Clinical Mental Health Counseling students are exposed to CACREP training standards, professional identity development and advocacy, and multicultural-social justice principles. Our students can expect to be challenged, supported, and encouraged to excel throughout their online learning experience toward earning their master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and begin their residency towards the LPC.
- 60 semester hours of coursework including 9 in Practicum and Internship.
- 100 hours of Practicum and 600 of Internship in clinical mental health counseling settings required as part of the degree.
- Opportunities for study abroad in Italy and Ireland to count for select classes.
- Chance for membership in Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society.
- Possibilities for graduate assistantships.
- Chance to take the National Counselor Exam before you graduate.
- Opportunities for research collaboration with nationally-known counseling faculty.
Curriculum
A minimum of 60 semester credits is required for the Master of Science in Education - Counseling with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. Toward the conclusion of the program, all students must pass a comprehensive exam. All students are required to take 30 credits of common-core course work. Additional course work in concentration areas is required. All students complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship. Students are also required to complete the Responsible Conduct of Research Training (visit the ODU Office of Research webpage for additional information).
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses |
|
|
| COUN 601 | Principles of Professional Counseling and Ethics |
3 |
| COUN 631 | Counseling for Lifespan Development |
3 |
| COUN 633 | Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques |
3 |
| COUN 634 | Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques, Crisis, and Trauma |
3 |
| FOUN 611 | Introduction to Research Methods in Education |
3 |
| COUN 645 | Testing and Client Assessment |
3 |
| COUN 648 | Foundations of Career Development |
3 |
| COUN 650 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy |
3 |
| COUN 655 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 669 | Practicum in Counseling (100 hrs min) |
3 |
| Concentration Credit Hours |
30 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
60 |
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Coursework | ||
| COUN 644 | Group Counseling and Psychotherapy |
3 |
| COUN 647 | Addictive Disorders |
3 |
| COUN 670 | Introduction to Counseling Supervision |
3 |
| COUN 680 | Mental Health Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 685 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Mental Health Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 691 | Family Systems and Family Development |
3 |
| COUN 667 | Internship in Mental Health Counseling (600 hrs minimum) |
6 |
| COUN Electives |
6 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
30 |
|
Our clinical mental health counseling master's graduates go on to work a variety of settings, including (but not limited to):
- Community Service Boards and other mental health agencies.
- Private treatment programs and private practices.
- College Counseling centers.
- Intensive in-patient and crisis response programs.
- Military and veteran-affiliated mental health care settings.
The School Counseling master's degree at Old Dominion University prepares students to practice as professional school counselors in K-12 educational settings and meets the school counseling licensing requirements in Virginia. Come learn, grow, and make a difference. Why school counseling?
School Counseling students are exposed to Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) training standards and the American School Counselor Association National Model.
Students can elect to take courses in our School Counseling program as a full-time or part-time student. Our courses are offered in the late-afternoons and evenings to accommodate students with multiple responsibilities.
Interested students may have the opportunity to work as graduate assistants for the program faculty, engaging in both research and instructional support. Student graduate assistantships include tuition waivers and a stipend.
Prospective students have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with our nationally-recognized faculty, including Dr. Christopher Sink, Dr. Tim Grothaus, and Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott. These school counseling faculty bring a wide-array of experiences and expertise in school counseling and school counselor leadership nationally and in the state of Virginia, such as journal editor of the American School Counselor Association's Professional School Counseling journal, president and board member of the Virginia School Counselor Association, as well as author of several school counseling textbooks and journal articles, as well as presentations at national and state conferences. Further, they collaborate with school districts and school counseling supervisors at the state and district level as well as national school counseling leaders. Faculty enjoy teaching and partnering with students to present at conferences, conduct research, and write professional articles and book chapters.
While attending the School Counseling program, student will have the opportunity to attend Study Abroad programs internationally and within the U.S. as part of their coursework. Previous programs have included institutes in New York City, Italy and Ireland.
ODU school counseling students who wish to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Virginia may take courses required to achieve this license. Three additional courses are typically required to meet the LPC coursework requirement in Virginia, in addition to the school counselor requirements: (1) COUN 685: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Mental Health Counseling; (2) COUN 691: Family Systems and Family Development; and (3) COUN 647: Addictive Disorders.
For students interested in pursuing doctoral studies after their master's in School Counseling, ODU offers a nationally known Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Counseling. School counseling master's and doctoral students have held positions as school counselors, district wide school counseling supervisors, head of testing and assessment, faculty members, and much more.
The School Counseling master's program offers a variety of experiences, including:
- 60 semester hours of coursework including 9 in Practicum and Internship.
- Two 300-hour internships in K-12 school settings (total of 600 hours of internship)
- Five specified school counseling courses
- Opportunities for graduate assistantships
- Enrollment as a full or part-time student
- Opportunities for unique study experiences such as in Italy and Ireland. These opportunities may substitute for a required course.
- Funding opportunities for conferences
- Opportunities to attend local, state, and national conferences and professional development
- Possibilities to collaborate with nationally-known faculty and doctoral students, including national presentations, research studies, journal articles, and textbook chapters
- Several course observations and activities in local K-12 settings
- As part of the School Counseling curriculum, complete the majority of courses required toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, with the option of taking the final three courses as electives
- Chance for membership in ODU's chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society
- Chance to take the National Counselor Exam before graduation
A minimum of 60 semester credits is required for the Master of Science in Education - Counseling with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. Toward the conclusion of the program, all students must pass a comprehensive exam. All students are required to take 30 credits of common-core course work. Additional course work in concentration areas is required. All students complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship. Students are also required to complete the Responsible Conduct of Research Training (visit the ODU Office of Research webpage for additional information).
| Code | Title |
Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses |
|
|
| COUN 601 | Principles of Professional Counseling and Ethics |
3 |
| COUN 631 | Counseling for Lifespan Development |
3 |
| COUN 633 | Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques |
3 |
| COUN 634 | Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques, Crisis, and Trauma |
3 |
| FOUN 611 | Introduction to Research Methods in Education |
3 |
| COUN 645 | Testing and Client Assessment |
3 |
| COUN 648 | Foundations of Career Development |
3 |
| COUN 650 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy |
3 |
| COUN 655 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 669 | Practicum in Counseling (100 hrs min) |
3 |
| Concentration Courses |
30 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
60 |
|
School Counseling Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Coursework | ||
| COUN 642 | Structured Counseling Groups |
3 |
| COUN 676 | Professional Issues in School Counseling K-12 |
3 |
| COUN 677 | School Culture, Learning, and Classroom Management |
3 |
| COUN 678 | Counseling Children and Adolescents in School Settings |
3 |
| COUN 679 | School Counseling Program Development K-12 |
3 |
| COUN 668 | Internship in School Counseling (600 hrs minimum) |
6 |
| COUN Electives |
9 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
30 |
|
Student perspectives gathered over the years consistently endorse the program and their experiences.
For example, our graduates have said:
"I had high expectations entering the school counseling program at ODU... The program exceeded my expectations. The counseling program at ODU has shaped both my professional and personal aspirations through its paramount curriculum, dedicated professors, and extensive resources. The opportunities in the school counseling program have been unbounded." -2014 graduate
"The most meaningful part of ODU's school counseling graduate program was having the opportunity to bond with professors. I felt like my professors and mentors genuinely cared about my experience in the graduate program. Without them, I would not be the school counselor that I am today!" -2015 graduate
"As a high school counselor] I know every day that I'm doing something meaningful. You can't change every student's life and you certainly cannot do it quickly. However, having a student know that you genuinely believe in them, even when they don't believe in themselves, makes a difference over time."
-2014 graduate
"I really appreciated the professors who pushed me to take on new challenges (like presenting at VSCA [the state school counseling conference]) and talking about topics outside of my comfort zone. I think ODU is unique in that we're exposed to a very low income population, so as a counseling student, you quickly learn what that looks like and how to handle those student circumstances. That's a very attractive quality to employers." -2014 graduate
"[Being enrolled in this school counseling program] was worth all of the time, hard work and money spent on this program. My eyes have been opened to many issues important to me surrounding the education system, mental health, multicultural issues and advocacy. Throughout the program I have also valued the emphasis on self-awareness and reflection and in doing so I have learned much about myself- how to be an effective parent, a better listener, an effective communicator and so much more. Most importantly, I have built my confidence up and acquired the competence to help others which has always been my passion. I truly feel this program has been the perfect fit for me and I am sincerely thankful to have been accepted." -2016 graduate
"I think my experience at ODU prepared me as much as possible for the real world of school counseling. School counseling is a learn-by-doing profession. My graduate experience provided a solid foundation on which to begin my career. The biggest thing I learned from this program is to never be afraid of asking questions or seeking answers because we always have room for growth." -2015 graduate
Our School Counseling master's graduates go on to work a variety of settings, including:
- School counselors in elementary, middle, and high schools
- Directors of school counseling departments
- District-level school counseling supervisors and leaders
- Enroll in counseling doctoral programs
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's at Old Dominion University prepares students to practice as Licensed Professional Counselors in diverse contexts. The nationally-recognized faculty bring a wide-array of clinical expertise to the training students receive in the program, both in terms of standard competencies as well as new and emerging areas of counseling practice. The professional relationships which the faculty have help students find exciting placements for practicum and internship experiences throughout the Hampton Roads region, and our students go on to work in community mental health agencies, college counseling centers, military-affiliated counseling programs, hospitals, and in private practice. As a nationally-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, the coursework is aligned with both the requirements for the LPC in Virginia and with training standards recognized around the United States at both the state and federal level. Interested students may have the opportunity to work as graduate assistants for the program faculty, engaging in both research and instructional support. As part of the overall counseling program community, Clinical Mental Health Counseling students are exposed to CACREP training standards, professional identity development and advocacy, and multicultural-social justice principles. Our students can expect to be challenged, supported, and encouraged to excel throughout their learning experience toward earning their master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and begin their residency towards the LPC.
- 60 semester hours of coursework including 9 in Practicum and Internship.
- 100 hours of Practicum and 600 of Internship in clinical mental health counseling settings required as part of the degree.
- Opportunities for study abroad in Italy and Ireland to count for select classes.
- Chance for membership in Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society.
- Possibilities for graduate assistantships.
- Chance to take the National Counselor Exam before you graduate.
- Opportunities for research collaboration with nationally-known counseling faculty.
Curriculum Requirements
A minimum of 60 semester credits is required for the Master of Science in Education - Counseling with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. Toward the conclusion of the program, all students must pass a comprehensive exam. All students are required to take 30 credits of common-core course work. Additional course work in concentration areas is required. All students complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship. Students are also required to complete the Responsible Conduct of Research Training (visit the ODU Office of Research webpage for additional information).
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| COUN 601 | Principles of Professional Counseling and Ethics |
3 |
| COUN 631 | Counseling for Lifespan Development |
3 |
| COUN 633 | Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques |
3 |
| COUN 634 | Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques, Crisis, and Trauma |
3 |
| FOUN 611 | Introduction to Research Methods in Education |
3 |
| COUN 645 | Testing and Client Assessment |
3 |
| COUN 648 | Foundations of Career Development |
3 |
| COUN 650 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy |
3 |
| COUN 655 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 669 | Practicum in Counseling (100 hrs min) |
3 |
| Concentration Credit Hours |
30 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
60 |
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Coursework |
|
|
| COUN 644 | Group Counseling and Psychotherapy |
3 |
| COUN 647 | Addictive Disorders |
3 |
| COUN 670 | Introduction to Counseling Supervision |
3 |
| COUN 680 | Mental Health Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 685 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Mental Health Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 691 | Family Systems and Family Development |
3 |
| COUN 667 | Internship in Mental Health Counseling (600 hrs minimum) |
6 |
| COUN Electives |
6 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
30 |
|
Our clinical mental health counseling master's graduates go on to work a variety of settings, including:
- Community Service Boards and other mental health agencies.
- Private treatment programs and private practices.
- College Counseling centers.
- Intensive in-patient and crisis response programs
- Military and veteran-affiliated mental health care settings.
The online Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's at Old Dominion University prepares students to practice as Licensed Professional Counselors in diverse contexts. The nationally-recognized faculty bring a wide-array of clinical expertise to the training students receive in the program, both in terms of standard competencies as well as new and emerging areas of counseling practice. The professional relationships which the faculty have help students find exciting placements for practicum and internship experiences in the area in which they reside. Our students go on to work in community mental health agencies, college counseling centers, military-affiliated counseling programs, hospitals, and private practice. As a nationally-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, the coursework is aligned with both the requirements for the LPC in Virginia and with training standards recognized around the United States at both the state and federal level. If you are not a Virginia resident, please check on your state's specific requirements for licensure. Interested students may have the opportunity to work as graduate assistants for the program faculty, engaging in both research and instructional support. As part of the overall counseling program community, Clinical Mental Health Counseling students are exposed to CACREP training standards, professional identity development and advocacy, and multicultural-social justice principles. Our students can expect to be challenged, supported, and encouraged to excel throughout their online learning experience toward earning their master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and begin their residency towards the LPC.
- 60 semester hours of coursework including 9 in Practicum and Internship.
- 100 hours of Practicum and 600 of Internship in clinical mental health counseling settings required as part of the degree.
- Opportunities for study abroad in Italy and Ireland to count for select classes.
- Chance for membership in Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society.
- Possibilities for graduate assistantships.
- Chance to take the National Counselor Exam before you graduate.
- Opportunities for research collaboration with nationally-known counseling faculty.
Curriculum
A minimum of 60 semester credits is required for the Master of Science in Education - Counseling with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling or school counseling. Toward the conclusion of the program, all students must pass a comprehensive exam. All students are required to take 30 credits of common-core course work. Additional course work in concentration areas is required. All students complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship. Students are also required to complete the Responsible Conduct of Research Training (visit the ODU Office of Research webpage for additional information).
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses |
|
|
| COUN 601 | Principles of Professional Counseling and Ethics |
3 |
| COUN 631 | Counseling for Lifespan Development |
3 |
| COUN 633 | Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques |
3 |
| COUN 634 | Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques, Crisis, and Trauma |
3 |
| FOUN 611 | Introduction to Research Methods in Education |
3 |
| COUN 645 | Testing and Client Assessment |
3 |
| COUN 648 | Foundations of Career Development |
3 |
| COUN 650 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy |
3 |
| COUN 655 | Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 669 | Practicum in Counseling (100 hrs min) |
3 |
| Concentration Credit Hours |
30 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
60 |
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Coursework | ||
| COUN 644 | Group Counseling and Psychotherapy |
3 |
| COUN 647 | Addictive Disorders |
3 |
| COUN 670 | Introduction to Counseling Supervision |
3 |
| COUN 680 | Mental Health Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 685 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning in Mental Health Counseling |
3 |
| COUN 691 | Family Systems and Family Development |
3 |
| COUN 667 | Internship in Mental Health Counseling (600 hrs minimum) |
6 |
| COUN Electives |
6 |
|
| Total Credit Hours |
30 |
|
Our clinical mental health counseling master's graduates go on to work a variety of settings, including (but not limited to):
- Community Service Boards and other mental health agencies.
- Private treatment programs and private practices.
- College Counseling centers.
- Intensive in-patient and crisis response programs.
- Military and veteran-affiliated mental health care settings.
Internship Information
- Join the COUN Fieldwork Hub
- Due: Within the first semester of enrollment in the Counseling Program
- Review the M.S.Ed./Ed.S. Practicum and Internship Handbook
- Due: Within the first year of enrollment in the Counseling Program
- Review the Fieldwork Orientation Information and Attend a Fieldwork Q&A Session
- Due: Within the first year of enrollment in the Counseling Program
- Complete the Background Check Requirement(s) for Fieldwork Clearance
- Due: Within the first year of enrollment in the Counseling Program
- Complete the Necessary Intent to Enroll Application(s)
- February 1: Due Date for Fall Semester Approval
- August 1: Due Date for Spring and Summer Semester Approvals
In compliance with federal disclosure regulations, The Old Dominion University Counseling master's program provides all prospective students with information in the online handbook regarding licensure. As licensure can vary state-to-state, prospective and current students must check with the Boards of Counseling and Department of Education for specific educational requirements in the respective state(s) in which they desire to practice.
More information is available at the American Counseling Association site and the U.S. Department of Education.