The Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling is designed primarily for those who wish to engage in the practice of professional counseling in a community-based setting.

This program does not prepare students to counsel in a public school setting (see the M.Ed with a concentration in School Counseling) or to do psychological assessments (see the M.Ed. with a concentration in Counseling Psychology).

This program prepares mental health professionals with the knowledge base and skills to provide mental health services through counseling and consultation in a variety of work settings.

See also, Educational & Counseling Psychology (ECPY) Master's Degrees.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must submit an online application for admission to the University of Louisville Graduate School.

The minimum requirement for admission is the baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicant are required to submit all official transcripts as verification of coursework and degree(s).

Each applicant is required to submit at least two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic and/or professional capabilities and potential.

Each applicant is required to submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). To be considered for unconditional admission, students are required to have a minimum combined score of 800.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all foreign students from countries in which English is not the native language. Students holding a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution in the United States are exempt from this requirement.

For unconditional admission, students are required to have a 2.75 cumulative grade point average, or 2.75 grade point average for the senior college years.

Prospective students must submit a professional goal statement [PDF] appropriate to their stated area of concentration for admission to the degree program.

In addition, prospective students must demonstrate evidence of having completed undergraduate coursework in abnormal psychology.

Faculty may require interviews in addition to written credentials as part of the admission process.

Application Deadlines

Spring Term Admission: October 1
Fall and Summer Term Admission: March 1
Note: If spaces are available in the program afater the March 1 deadline, fall applications will be considered until June 15.

Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of the program find employment in various human service and counseling agencies including mental health agencies, residential treatment centers, drug/alcohol treatment facilities, family resource and youth service centers, hospitals, employee assistance programs, and career placement centers. Graduates perform a variety of job tasks including individual and group counseling, intake assessments, program development, and consultation.

Certification

The coursework for this program fulfills the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) educational requirements to sit for the exam for National Counselor Certification.

A graduate of this program can apply to the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors to have his/her credentials evaluated to become a licensed professional counselor associate (LPCA). LPCAs can engage in the practice of professional counseling in Kentucky under an approved clinical supervisor. LPCAs with appropriate supervised experience can apply to the Board to become a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC). An LPCC can engage in the independent practice of professional counseling in Kentucky.