CACREP accredited curriculum. 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: Jump start your career by enrolling in our CACREP accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration or our other rewarding M.S. in Counseling concentrations. We need you now more so than ever.
Accreditations
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted 8-year accreditation to the M.S. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) concentration at Nova Southeastern University.
CACREP accreditation of the CMHC concentration includes the online delivery format, the traditional format offered at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus, and the weekend intensive/hybrid format offered at the Miami, Orlando, and Tampa Bay regional campuses.
M.S. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration students will be considered graduates of a CACREP-accredited specialty area if they completed the accredited program of study, including KPI assignments, AND if they received their degree on or after January 10, 2019. If you have questions, please see our FAQ page.
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
In May 2022, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) granted Nova Southeastern University's School Counseling concentration "Accreditation" at the advanced-level.
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
In Feb 2023, the M.S. Counseling: School Counseling concentration earned national recognition through the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Specialized Professional Association (SPA) under the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). NSU is the first-ever program to be awarded this national recognition by ASCA.
Explore Five Rewarding Counseling Concentrations
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling
CAEP-accredited and ASCA-Recognized School Counselor Preparation program. Field experiences approved by the FDOE and aligned with eligibility certification requirements as a school counselor in Florida.
(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, and Tampa (Fall only). School Counseling: online (Fall only). Substance Abuse Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling and Education, and Applied Behavior Analysis: online (Fall/Winter/Summer).
Start Dates
Start your M.S. in Counseling in August (apply by 7/7); January (apply by 11/15); or May (apply by 3/29). Program enrollment may be achieved prior to the deadline date.
Tuition
Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.
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
