2024-2025 Catalog

Master of Public Administration and Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

MPA/MSMHC Dual Degree Requirements: 28 courses, 90 credits

This 28-course program consists of:

  • Eight required MPA courses (24 credits)

  • Two MPA electives (6 credits)

  • Fourteen required Counseling courses (48 credits)

  • Four Counseling electives (12 credits)

The Mental Health Counseling degree requirements must be completed during the first two years of full-time program matriculation, beginning in the fall semester.

Upon completion of all MPA and MSMHC requirements, students receive two degrees.

MPA Requirements: 10 courses, 30 credits

MPA Core Requirements (8 courses, 24 credits)

P.AD-711Foundations of Public Service and Administration

3

P.AD-712Information Based Management

3

P.AD-713Managing Financial Resources

3

P.AD-715Quantitative Analysis

3

P.AD-716Public Service Human Resource Management

3

P.AD-717Organizational Change

3

P.AD-718Leadership Strategies for an Interconnected World

3

P.AD-890Strategic Management

3

MPA Electives (2 courses, 6 credits)

Choose from any PAD 800- or 900-level courses

Students must complete 30 credit hours in the Institute for Public Service; PAD and COUNS electives are not interchangeable.

Mental Health Counseling Requirements: 18 courses, 60 credits

MSMHC Core Requirements (5 courses, 15 credits)

COUNS-712Life Span Development

3

COUNS-715Methods of Research

3

COUNS-728Professional Orientation: Ethical and Legal Issues

3

COUNS-733Counseling Diverse Populations

3

COUNS-735Group Counseling

3

Counseling Requirements (8 courses, 30 credits)

COUNS-713Counseling: Theory and Practice

3

COUNS-716Psychological Diagnosis

3

COUNS-717Introduction to Psychological Testing

3

COUNS-737Counseling Skills Lab

3

COUNS-738Mental Health Counseling Practicum I

3

COUNS-739Mental Health Counseling Practicum II

3

COUNS-740Counseling Internship I

6

COUNS-741Counseling Internship II

6

Note: COUNS-740 and COUNS-741 are each taken for 6 credits.

All students are required to enroll in the year-long practicum course in the first semester of their matriculating into the program.

Special Treatment Issue Requirement (1 course, 3 credits)

Choose one of the following:

COUNS-727Substance Abuse and Treatment

3

COUNS-729Human Sexuality Seminar

3

Note: Other option may be taken as an elective.

MSMHC Electives (4 courses, 12 credits)

 
COUNS-714Psychology of Career Development

3

COUNS-726Family Therapy

3

COUNS-732Psychological Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence

3

COUNS-910Independent Study

3

Note: Students may choose COUNS-727 or COUNS-729 as an elective if not taken to fulfill the Special Treatment Issue Requirement.

MSMHC Practicum and Internship

It is during the Counseling Skills Lab (COUNS-737) and the Counseling Practica (COUNS-738 and COUNS-739) that a student demonstrates the ability to translate training into professional judgments and techniques. Students are required to apply formally for the Counseling Internship and to consult with their faculty advisors regarding their field placements. The Counseling Skills Laboratory and the Practicum must be completed with a grade of “B” (3.0) or higher. After two failed attempts to satisfactorily complete the clinical practicum and/or internship, students will be subject to dismissal from the program at the discretion of faculty. Student engagement in unethical behavior as defined by the American Counseling Association (ACA) will be subject to discipline, including potential dismissal from the program, at the time the indiscretion occurs.

About the Dual Degree

Learn more about the experiences and opportunities available within this dual degree program.

View the Program Page