Department of Counseling

https://www.montana.edu/counselingdepartment/index.html

Montana State University's Department of Counseling trains students to serve as mental health providers or paraprofessionals, utilizing a culturally attuned wellness lens.  Students are prepared to be facilitators of change for individuals, groups, families, and communities. 

The Department of Counseling offers a 60-credit Master of Science degree in counseling with options in clinical mental health counseling or marriage, couples, and family counseling and a 60-credit Master of Education degree in school counseling. All three programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and prepare students to be licensed counselors in schools and communities. The department also offers two graduate certificates: Addiction Counseling and Mental Health Support. The Addiction certificate is a 30-credit certificate preparing  students to become licensure eligible as an addiction counselor. The Mental Health Support certificate is a 12-credit, summer-only certificate providing mental health training for paraprofessional roles in schools and communities.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Counseling Department is to prepare interpersonally skilled and culturally attuned professionals who promote mental health and well-being. These professionals support the holistic well-being of individuals and families across the lifespan in communities and schools throughout Montana and beyond.

Degrees and Options

The M.Ed. in School Counseling and the M.S. in Counseling degrees are 60 credits and require a minimum of two years of study. Students obtain up to 1,500 hours supervised counseling experience and training in core counseling areas. Completed applications must be filed by February 1 as students are expected to begin their graduate program the following summer session. Applications are screened only once each year following the February 1 deadline. A maximum of 24-28 students shall be admitted into the counseling master’s degrees areas each year.

Certifications and Licensure

Licensure is dependent on the student's eligibility to sit for relevant licensing examinations and passing those examinations. The following certifications are related to counseling disciplines:

M.Ed. in School Counseling

Class 6 License (Specialist certificate)

The M.Ed. in School Counseling degree leads to the opportunity to become licensed as a Class 6 specialist through the Office of Public Instruction.  Following completion of the master’s degree, the student is eligible to apply for this license in the State of Montana.

M.S. in Counseling

Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor 

The M.S. in Counseling leads to the opportunity to become licensed in the state of Montana as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.  Following completion of a master's degree, the student must complete a minimum of 1500 hours of supervised counseling practice prior to sitting for and passing the NCE exam.

Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling

Licensed Addiction Counselor

The Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling prepares students to pursue licensure as a Licensed Addiction Counselor. State licensure requirements vary. Course credits often count toward interstate licensure; however, the student is encouraged to verify licensure requirements for the specific state they are pursuing licensure prior to applying.

Advisors

Students are assigned a faculty advisor upon acceptance into their program of study. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor to discuss issues and questions related to professional programs, career opportunities and academic concerns.

Financial Assistance

Teaching assistantships are available to 2nd Year counseling students within the Department of Counseling. Assistantships are nine-month appointments. Research assistantships may be available with individual faculty members who have funded grants or contracts. Stipends vary depending on the type of appointment.  See the costs section of the Graduate School website for detailed information on appointment criteria.  

Graduate Programs

Note: An asterisk next to the degree title indicates that the program is WRGP Eligible. *

Graduate Certificates