Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

A Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree will help you advance your career by providing you with the skills to help others overcome mental health challenges.

Quality counseling can help alleviate many common mental health issues and help people suffering from them to lead happier, more productive lives. Through our master’s in counseling program focused on clinical mental health, you will gain the skills and credentials you need to help those facing serious challenges. It’s a meaningful way to take your career further, and our blended classes make it possible.

Credentialing and Licensure

Our program prepares you for professional credentialing and licensure as a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in North Dakota. If you wish to be licensed in a different state, please get in touch with our admission representatives to discuss how our program can meet licensure requirements in your state.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.

After you're admitted to the university as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

18%
Projected 10-year job growth for mental health counselors

Program Length

  • Between 20 and 32 months, depending on your choice of track.

Format

  • In-person
  • Online
  • Blended, with courses online and classes one time per week on our main campus in Bismarck, ND, or via online video conferencing.

Tuition per Credit

$640

Next Start Date: 9/1/2025

Apply

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Professionals seeking to gain the skills necessary to help others overcome mental health challenges
  • Professionals with high empathy and the ability to listen compassionately to others
  • Those looking for a career that helps people overcome challenges

Career Paths

  • Mental Health Counselor or Educator
  • Public Health Specialist
  • Mental Health Clinic Director
  • Policymaker

What You’ll Learn

In our Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, you’ll learn from scholar-practitioners and gain the knowledge and experience you need to provide counseling services to those with mental health issues and lead programs aimed at improving the mental health of communities.

 In addition, when you graduate, you’ll be prepared to:

  • Communicate effectively, practice cultural sensitivity, and build healthy patient relationships.
  • Apply critical thinking, analysis, and strong decision-making to various challenges.
  • Exhibit the ability for self-understanding, growth, and personal enrichment.
  • Integrate Christian and Benedictine values with professional ethics.
  • Demonstrate competent skill in psychological assessment, evaluation, treatment planning, caseload management, and knowledge of current diagnostic classification systems.

Accreditations

  • CACREP

    The University of Mary’s Master of Science programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling have received specialized accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

    View Accreditation (CACREP)

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. After acceptance to the University as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

CORE COUNSELING FACULTY
ADDITIONAL FACULTY

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

  • View additional information regarding the accreditation of this program, including program statistics, objectives, data, and the counseling student handbook.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.
    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:

        Office of Admissions

        University of Mary

        7500 University Drive

        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Get Started Today

Apply Online