Westfield State University’s Master of Arts in Counseling curriculum covers theory, research, and applied skills that encourage you to develop critical-thinking, inquiry, and reasoning skills. You’ll build a solid foundation in general counseling knowledge, methods, and best practices while also specializing in a specific counseling concentration to match your career goals.
No matter which concentration you select, you’ll learn from expert faculty with real-world experience in a supportive learning environment dedicated to exploring diverse perspectives and ideas. Your counseling master’s degree will help you develop career-targeted skills, as well as a broad skillset transferrable to a variety of jobs and professional settings.
Available concentrations:
Mental Health Counseling
Completion of the Mental Health Counseling track is the first step toward fulfillment of a Massachusetts mental health counselor license. Successful completion of these 60 credits will offer you the opportunity to apply for licensure as a mental health counselor. The program of study for mental health counselors consists of 36 credits of required core courses, 12 credits of electives, and 12 credits of internship (600 hours). Practicum requirements for licensure are included in several core courses, as well as two supervision classes.
Forensic Mental Health Counseling
A concentration in Forensic Mental Health will prepare you for jobs that address the mental health needs of offender populations. Our curriculum is designed to provide you with specialized training in theory, assessment, and treatment, as well as applied experience in criminal justice settings.
If you are interested in research or continuing your graduate education, you will have the opportunity to complete a thesis or independent study project. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for licensure in mental health counseling.
School Counseling, Initial Licensure
The School Counseling concentration prepares you for Massachusetts licensure as a school counselor at the Initial level. This program of study for school counselors consists of 40 credits of required core courses and eight credits of practicum (450 hours). In addition, 12 credits in electives are required for the Master of Arts degree program. Pre-practicum requirements for certification are included in several core courses.
School Adjustment Counseling
School Adjustment Counselors provide social, emotional, academic, and personal support to students. As a counselor in this field, you’ll meet with students one-on-one in a confidential setting and in small groups and provide other services like bullying prevention, crisis intervention, and collaboration with parents, teachers, and school administrators.