Mental Health Counseling, MS

Pace University has grown into a university offering undergraduate, graduate, and online study across several settings. Its academic areas include business, nursing, computer science, game development, cybersecurity, law, and arts and entertainment management. Students learn through practical experiences that include internships, co-ops, practicums, field experiences, and clinicals. Connections with global partners provide additional opportunities beyond regular coursework.

The university offers distinct experiences in New York City, Westchester County, at the Haub Law Campus in White Plains, and through Pace Online. The New York City Campus places students near Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Silicon Alley, while the Westchester Campus provides a traditional college setting and is home to Pace Athletics. Haub Law includes faculty, centers, and clinics, with a focus on environmental law. Pace Online supports students who are not studying physically on campus. International students should consider which setting best fits their program and goals. Locations in New York and the surrounding metropolitan area connect students with internships, clinical placements, and research opportunities. Students can also pursue international and professional experiences through programs such as the NYC Design Factory, which links participants with teams in the Design Factory Global Network.

This Master of Science program equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel as licensed counselors. It combines theoretical coursework with hands-on practical application, including 700 hours of supervised internships and practicum experiences. The program emphasizes cultural competence, ethical practice, and evidence-based approaches, preparing students for practice in various clinical settings.

The curriculum requires 60 credits and emphasizes hands-on skills development through coursework, role-playing, group exercises, research methods, and includes 700 hours of supervised internships and practicum experiences.

Graduates are prepared for professional counseling positions, eligible for New York State certification, and gain diagnostic privilege for client assessment. They find employment in hospitals, agencies, and private practice settings.

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field; prerequisites may be required for other majors. Required documents include a personal statement, resume detailing employment history and activities, two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references that can comment on graduate study ability (including recognitions and achievements), and official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

The programme totals about 60 credit hours. This is an in-person program offered in Westchester, with a duration of 30-36 months for full-time and part-time study. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 77% of applicants.