Curriculum
Oregon State University’s Master of Counseling (M.Coun.) with an option in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 90-credit program. The core curriculum is based on eight knowledge areas required by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP):
- Professional counseling orientation and ethical practice
- Social and cultural diversity
- Human growth and development
- Career development
- Counseling and helping relationships
- Group counseling and group work
- Assessment and testing
- Research and program evaluation
You can find a wealth of program information in the College of Education's Master of Counseling Program Handbook.
Degree requirements
A minimum of 90 quarter credits are required to graduate with your M.Coun. degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Curriculum details are available on Oregon State's academic catalog.
Sample course topics
- Applied psychopharmacology for counselors
- Foundations of mental health counseling
- Trauma-informed counseling
- Group counseling
- Counselor supervision
Please note: Only Oregon State students who are enrolled in a counseling degree program are eligible to register for online COUN courses at the 500 and 600 levels.
Additional program features
Internship
You are required to complete a minimum of 600 hours of internship, totaling 12 credits, although you may choose to complete up to 25 credits of field experience. This is a great opportunity to serve your community while learning how to provide services that will help others. You are also required to complete a minimum of 100 hours (8 credits) of practicum to develop counseling skills prior to enrolling in an internship.
The online practicum and internship courses during years 2 and 3 are synchronous, which require “live” online attendance during specific dates and times.
Personal counseling
You are required to attend 10 individual counseling sessions and to participate in 10 hours of a group membership experience. These personal growth experiences allow you to observe and work with a practicing professional to achieve a greater understanding of the counseling process from a client’s perspective. This requirement is essential for personal growth.
Conferences and training
You are required to earn 6 contact hours (CEUs) of professional development activities by attending an approved professional conference.
Nationally administered exam
You must successfully pass a comprehensive national exam as determined by program faculty. You will be financially responsible for the cost of the exam.
Important dates
These are the start dates for OSU’s next two terms. However, this program only admits for summer term.
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree quick facts
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 90 quarter credits are equal to 60 semester credits.
† Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
‡ You can complete this program in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with in-person classes held periodically in Corvallis, Oregon. View the curriculum.
Application deadline
View all application deadlines on our admissions page.
Ready to apply?
Once you've gathered the information you need to know before you apply to Oregon State University, take the next steps.
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