Work in social agencies, schools, mental health clinics, hospitals or in corporate HR. Many graduates pursue Florida licensure as mental health counselors. (60 credit hours)
Go Where Your Dedication Will Be Needed – and Valued
Just earned your bachelor’s degree? Looking to advance your career or explore a new direction? Harness your passion to change lives by embarking on one of the fastest-growing career paths today: earn your M.S. in Counseling.
As more public and private sector leaders prioritize the urgent need for trained counselors in today’s volatile world, your growth opportunities in the field are both promising and diverse. Pick your passion: our five rewarding M.S. in Counseling concentrations empower you to help the people and issues that inspire you most.
Explore Five Rewarding Counseling Concentrations
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling
Help Pre-K-12 kids: graduation from this Florida Department of Education-approved program qualifies you for state guidance and counseling certification. (48 credit hours)
Substance Abuse Counseling
Counsel people and their families struggling with substance abuse – this online program is ideal for working professionals balancing busy job schedules. (48 credit hours)
Substance Abuse Counseling & Education
Build expertise to counsel those with substance abuse, combined with a 12-credit educational track concentration. (60 credit hours)
Applied Behavior Analysis
Build clinician skills with professors who are active field clinicians and researchers. Meets current BACB academic and experience exam eligibility requirements. (54-63 credit hours)
Non-Degree Option
For students seeking a non-degree program, including those looking for courses to complete their Florida School Counseling Certification, NSU offers non-degree courses in counseling and psychology.
Earning Potential and Job Growth
| Florida | Georgia | Southeast | National | |
| Base year | 21,270 | 13,530 | 112,520 | 324,500 |
| Projected Year | 26,100 | 16,300 | 135,370 | 351,700 |
| Growth Rate | 22.7% | 20.5% | 20.3% | 8.5% |
| Total Annual Openings | 2,910 | 1,800 | 14,950 | 37,300 |
| Aggregate Growth - All Occupations | 15.7% | 11.7% | 11.1% | 5.2% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Note: State and regional projections refer to the years 2016-2026, national projections refer to the years 2018-2028.
Quick Facts
Delivery Options
Clinical Mental Health Counseling: online and on campus in Fort Lauderdale/Davie (Fall/Winter/Summer); Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach and Tampa (Fall only). School Counseling/Substance Abuse Counseling: online and on campus in Fort Lauderdale/Davie (Fall/Winter); offered in a hybrid format in Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach and Tampa (Fall only). Applied Behavior Analysis is offered online.
Start Dates
Start your M.S. in Counseling in August (apply by 7/7); January (apply by 12/1); or May (apply by 3/29).
Tuition
Tuition for the degree program is $790 per credit hour.
Degree Completion
NSU’s Master in Counseling program is 48-60 total credits to complete, depending upon concentration chosen and undergraduate coursework to date.
Three-Day Residency Benefit for All Online Counseling Students
The Residential Institute enhances your online distance program with three days of professional onsite engagement, including face-to-face personalized faculty mentoring and feedback, team counseling activities, clarification around required clinical field experiences, protocols, and professional expectations and other goals designed to maximize your academic and professional success.
- Required attendance for all online M.S. Counseling program students
- Held Friday morning through Sunday afternoon
- Choice of NSU Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus or NSU Regional Campus in Orlando
- Part of PYCL 0511, Introduction to Counseling Techniques, typically taken in 2nd program semester
In December 2018, NSU's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program applied for secondary specialty accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and is published on CACREP's Directory section of their website as "Accreditation Status: In Process."
