Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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Our CACREP-accredited program that will prepare you for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC), which is essential for employment in the mental health field and private practice. You will develop the understanding and skills for working with people who are experiencing such issues/conditions as: anxiety, depression, trauma, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, relational conflict, grief/loss, etc.

You will learn a variety of theoretical approaches to promoting therapeutic change. Our stimulating curriculum includes experiential learning, self-reflection papers, case study analysis and group activities. Nearly all of our courses are taught in a traditional, rather than a distance education, format. 

Pursue Your Bigger Goals

Our M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree prepares you to make an impact in the field of mental health. After earning your degree in 2.5 years, many career pathways and work in various settings are possible, including:

  • Community mental health centers
  • Private practice
  • Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers
  • Mobile therapists
  • Family-based mental health therapists
  • Outpatient therapists
  • Behavioral specialists consultants (BSC)
  • Career counseling centers
  • Probation/parole officers

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Program Information

Our CACREP-accredited program will prepare you for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC), which is essential for employment in the mental health field and private practice. Graduates work in community mental health centers, private practice, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, careers counseling centers and many additional settings.

Degree

Master's

Academic Department

Counselor Education and School Psychology

Duration

2.5 years

Required Credit Hours

60

CACREP Accreditation

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) programs have rigorous curriculum and provide comprehensive fieldwork supervision. As a graduate of our CACREP-accredited program, you will have greater portability for licensure and certification. Some states require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program to obtain Licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC).

Prepare Here, Impact Anywhere

15%Tuition Award

You may be eligible to receive a 15% tuition award for taking six credits per semester.

LPCLicensure

Graduates of our Clinical Mental Health Counseling program satisfy the academic requirements for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) and for National Counseling Certification (NCC).

100%Job Placement Rate

Our alumni have a 100% job placement rate.

100%Exam Pass Rate

Our graduates have a 100% pass rate on the LPC exam.

Clinical Mental Health Graduate Statistics

Statistics 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Number of Graduates 36 22 22 22 22
Completion Rate  NA 100%  88% 85% 83%
LPC Examination Pass Rate 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Job Placement Rate 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

For additional information and statistics, please see the Annual Report.

Great Value, Great Education

In 2.5 years, our 60-credit program gives the you the flexibility, skills and experience so you can pursue your bigger goals.

Earning your master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling can be completed within 2.5 years by taking nine to 12 credits per semester.
You have the option to complete the program on a full-time, half-time or part-time basis, if desired.
Our program accepts students with bachelor's degrees in a variety of areas. There are no undergraduate prerequisites, other than having a bachelor's degree.
You have the opportunity to experience a variety of mental health agencies for fieldwork. Our students have held internships at agencies such as:
As a graduate of this program, you will be amongst more than 1,500 graduates who serve as leaders in the mental health profession.

The educational experiences of Duquesne's Counselor Education program:

  • Are grounded in theories of wellness, holism and development
  • Involve community engagement and are informed by an understanding of systemic context and multicultural theory
  • Focus on the core elements of an effective helping relationship
  • Emphasize self-awareness, personal development and experiential learning

Application Process

All Applicants

  • 3.0 GPA*
    *Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's academic competency.
  • Bachelor’s Degree
    All majors welcome to apply

International Applicants 

English Proficiency Requirements
Duquesne University requires submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores for all non-native English-speaking applicants who attended a university outside of the United States.

Score Requirements
The University requires the following minimum scores* for general admission consideration:

  • TOEFL (iBT) 80
  • IELTS 6.5**
  • Duolingo English Test 105

Transcript Credit Evaluation
If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report.

The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.

You may use the following services to request official foreign credential evaluations: World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.

 

All Applicants

  • Application for Fall 2025
  • Resume/curriculum vitae
  • Graduate education essay
    • The essay is limited to 250 words
    • Prompt: Discuss your professional plans upon acquiring a master's degree in counseling
  • Two (2) Recommendations
    • Names and email addresses of recommenders are needed
    • Recommender will receive an email prompting the recommender to upload their recommendation for the applicant
    • Recommendations must be from individuals who can speak about the applicant’s academic
      professional abilities (i.e. faculty/supervisor recommendations)
    • Note: Family, friends and professional colleagues are not acceptable references
  • Official transcripts
    Submit transcripts to one of the following:

Hard Copy:
Duquesne University
Office of Graduate Admissions
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Electronic:
gradadmissionsFREEDUQUESNE%C2%A0

International Applications 

  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo
    (please see score requirements in the previous section - "Admission Requirements, International Applicants")
  • Transcript Credit Evaluation
    • If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report.
    • The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.
    • You may use the following services to request official foreign credential evaluations: World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.

Fall 2025 Applicants

The Fall 2025 applications are open.

The deadline to apply is February 1, 2025.

Qualified applicants will be notified starting in the late fall for spring interviews.

Early Start Program - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.

Our M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers an early start option for School of Education undergraduate students. During your junior or senior year, you have the opportunity to take up to five courses in this master's-level program at the undergraduate tuition rate.

Connect with us to learn more and we will walk you through the application process. To get started, call (412) 396-6093.

Our Faculty Experts

Matthew Joesph, Ph.D.

Matthew Joesph, Ph.D.

Co-Program Director | Associate Professor

Jered Kolbert, Ph.D.

Jered Kolbert, Ph.D.

Co-Program Director | Professor

ZiYoung Kang, Ph.D.

ZiYoung Kang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Kathryn Linich, Ph.D.

Kathryn Linich, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor

John McCarthy

John McCarthy

Visiting Assistant Professor

Michael Sickels, Ph.D.

Michael Sickels, Ph.D.

Clinical Facilitator | Clinical Assistant Professor

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Mission Statement - Counselor Education

The mission of the Duquesne University Counselor Education program is to prepare professional counselors, educators, scholars and clinical supervisors who promote the well-being of individuals, families, organizations and communities. This mission aligns with the University’s Spiritan mission to serve God by educating counselors who value social justice, meet high personal and professional standards; and promote moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and emotional development.

It's Time for Bigger Goals

 
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Graduate Admissions

Learn about our admission requirements and the application process. Make an impact as a teacher, administrator, school psychologist, counselor and educator with our graduate programs and certificates.

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Graduate Education Programs

Make in impact as a teacher, administrator school psychologist, counselor, and educator with our graduate programs and certificates.

Explore Your Options

Contact Us

Counseling

Susan Burich

Assistant to the Program Director