Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Advance your knowledge in a field that can bring immense personal satisfaction as well as excellent career opportunities.

This CACREP-accredited program is designed to prepare you for positions as a mental health counselor in institutional, community, and private practice settings. You'll receive academic preparation and clinical training intended to instill high standards for professional practice. Develop the ability to apply varied approaches, wellness theory, and research to mental health assessment and treatment.

Outcome goals and graduates’ proficiency levels

These results show recent Capella graduates' proficiency levels in the expected learning outcomes for this program. Faculty make this assessment in the capstone course—the final course in which Capella students demonstrate what they’ve learned.

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Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling1, 2, 3, 4 specialization

  • General Mental Health Counseling

Quality and Professional Relevance

  • Capella offers three CACREP-accredited master's programs in counseling: Mental Health Counseling; Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy; and School Counseling.
  • Capella is the leader in online counseling education and offers a broad portfolio of counseling-related specializations.
  • All members of Capella's counseling faculty hold doctoral degrees from accredited institutions.

1Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states.

2State regulations vary regarding course requirements for professional licensure. For assistance with state-mandated course requirements for licensure, contact the designated school representative.

3Graduates of this program are not eligible for licensure in South Carolina. Learners residing in South Carolina should check with the state licensing agency for specific requirements for professional licensure.

4New York residents are currently not eligible to enroll in this program

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Master's Degree Graduates

Data from graduates across all Social and Behavioral Sciences masters programs have been combined for these Career Outcomes results.

Capella's Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences master's graduates report satisfaction with responsibilities and career growth potential. About 40% of graduates are employed in government/public sector or mental health industries. An additional third are employed in higher education, healthcare, non-profit, or social/community service settings.

Satisfaction with Capella Social & Behavorial Sciences Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who answered "satisfied" or "very satisfied"
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q4 2009 - Q3 2010.

Approximately half the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences master's graduates report advancing in their careers or receiving salary increases. They also say assumed a leadership role or changed careers.

Improvement in Skills & Abilities Social & Behavorial Sciences Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who indicated they had accomplished each item
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q4 2009 - Q3 2010.

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Master's Degree Graduates

Data from graduates across all Social and Behavioral Sciences masters programs have been combined for these Student Experience results.

Most graduates of the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences master's degree programs report that earning a master's degree has helped them meet program and career goals. They are likely to recommend Capella to friends and family.

Satisfaction with Capella Social & Behavorial Sciences Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who answered affirmatively
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q4 2009 - Q3 2010.

School of Social & Behavioral Sciences master's degree graduates say that they gained valuable skills and abilities which are applicable in a range of professional settings.

Improvement in Skills & Abilities Social & Behavorial Sciences Master's Graduates

Percentage of respondents who rated themselves as "proficient" or "distinguished" on ability to demonstrate the skill or ability on the job.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q4 2009 - Q3 2010.

Expense, completion, &
career information

Expected time to completion:

  • Calendar quarters: 14
  • Active academic quarters: 14

On Time Completion Rate:

54%

SOC codes:

Program cost

  • Average: $39,950
  • Minimum: $39,950
  • Maximum: $43,470

Books

$3,321-3,821

Fees:

$75

Median Debt:

  • Federal Financial Aid: $50,381
  • Private loans: $0
  • Capella pay plan: $0
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Earn Your Master's Degree

Four graduate schools. More than 40 specializations. Enroll in an online master’s degree program at Capella.


Alumni Success Story Quote

Photo of Miriam Napolitano-Magaw, MS Miriam Napolitano-Magaw, MS

"I cherish the time I had at Capella. The education far exceeded anything I expected."

Read Miriam's story »