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.

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.

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