The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an entry level program focused on the development of professional mental health counselors. This six-semester program consists of both didactic and process courses that encourage engagement in the classroom and involvement in the community through course, program, and field experiences. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and
dispositions of a professional counselor. The curriculum is aligned with the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students enrolled in the program can expect course work that includes counseling skills and techniques development, theory application, clinical diagnosis, career counseling and co-occurring illnesses, testing and assessment, and program evaluation. The CMHC program may also be pursued as part of an approved dual-degree pathway for students seeking to combine counseling preparation with graduate business study (MBA).

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling + Master of Business Administration (MA+MBA) Dual Degree
In keeping with the mission of Spalding University, the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) Dual Degree is a combined degree pathway designed for students who wish to integrate clinical mental health counseling preparation with advanced study in leadership, business, and organizational practice. Students complete the requirements for both degrees through a coordinated course of study that combines counseling knowledge and preparation with leadership, communication, and management competencies.

Students will have the options between two tracks:
Track 1: CMHC students will complete the CMHC program, followed by the MBA
Track 2: Students will take the MBA and CMHC portions simultaneously.

• The Core CMHC courses will fulfill the elective requirements for the MBA program for both program track options.
• All CMHC courses (60 credits total) are offered through either 6 or 9 semesters synchronously with the option to enroll in either the Summer or Fall semester. The MBA courses are offered in 8-week online sessions, with the option to start during any session.
• Grading policies and dismissal policies in each course will apply to both programs.
• Students must remain in good academic standing as defined by each program. If the CMHC degree is not successfully completed, students will have the option to complete 9 credit hours of MBA elective coursework to earn the MBA degree separately.

Admissions Criteria for Clinical Mental Health Counseling

To be considered for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, you’ll need to complete an online application and meet or submit the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
• A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher or a Miller’s Analogies Test score of 410 or higher
• Official transcripts from every college or university previously attended
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• Three recommendations from unrelated persons are required. Recommendations must complete the online recommendation form.
• A personal essay describing how a clinical mental health degree fits into your career journey

Selected candidates will be invited to participate in the program admissions interview.

Application process/eligibility for Dual Pathway: Students applying to the dual CMHC/MBA pathway will submit one application for both programs through the standard application process. Applicants will complete the admission requirements for the CMHC program, including submission of a completed online application, official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities, a resume or curriculum vitae, three recommendations from unrelated persons submitted through the online recommendation form, and a personal essay describing how the clinical mental health counseling degree fits into their career journey. Applicants must also submit the additional supplemental materials required for the MBA program, including the School of Business essay addressing personal and professional goals and preparation for graduate study in business. Admission to the dual pathway is contingent upon meeting the requirements for both programs.

*The CMHC courses will fulfill the elective requirements for the MBA program if completing the dual pathway with MBA*

Degree Requirements
For all advanced graduate degree programs, a minimum of 24 hours must be taken at Spalding University.  Requirements vary for non-degree advanced programs.

Two grades of C, one grade of C in a course of six or more hours, or one grade of F, will result in automatic dismissal from the program and the University. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all courses, including electives, must be maintained. No grades under that of C will be accepted as transfer credit in any graduate program.

Completion of any advanced graduate degree program within a five-year period is required, including removal of all incomplete grades.

Continuous Assessment
Candidates in any advanced graduate degree program are assessed at various stages of their programs, including admission, continuation, program completion, and recommendation for certification/licensure.

Program Sheet
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
MACMHC+MBA: Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling + Master of Business Administration