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College of Psychology

Focus on the People and Issues that Inspire You Most

Counsel Pre-K-12 students, active military soldiers and veterans, people struggling with substance abuse or families who need help. Use your expertise to promote wellness and assist people with mental health, behavioral, educational, or substance-related concerns. Apply your skills to guide and support individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings.

The Nova Southeastern University M.S. Counseling curriculum spans 33 semester hours of graduate credit, in addition to your chosen concentration. The curriculum provides you with both a comprehensive foundation – and your choice of five specialized paths, so you can truly make this educational journey your own. 

It’s designed to prepare you to:

  • Counsel those with stress management, self-esteem, aging, job and career concerns, educational decisions, mental, emotional and relational issues, trauma, family, parenting, and marital problems.
  • Empower diverse individuals, groups, and families to strive toward their mental health, recovery, wellness, relationship, educational, or career goals.
  • Confidently collaborate with treatment teams including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, medical professionals, school counselors and other mental health professionals. 

See required courses and descriptions below. Please note the curriculum is subject to change.

M.S. in Counseling Courses

 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Be the Support That Changes Lives

Your empathy is more than a strength, it’s your calling. Transform your passion for helping others into a meaningful career.  

Shape your future by earning your M.S. in Counseling degree in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration at Nova Southeastern University. 

Our CACREP-accredited program equips you to assess and support clients, develop treatment plans, and apply evidence-based interventions. Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue licensure as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) in Florida and as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in other states. They are equipped to serve individuals, couples, and families across a wide range of environments.  

Invest in your future and become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities while opening doors to diverse and rewarding career opportunities. Take the first step and apply today. 

 

Overview of Clinical Mental Health Counseling 

Clinical Mental Health Counselors are highly trained, caring professionals who walk alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward greater well-being. They support clients facing concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, grief, and personal growth, always with compassion and respect. 

Rooted in empathy and guided by evidence-based practices and cultural awareness, counselors create safe and supportive spaces where people feel heard, understood, and empowered. In this environment, clients can cultivate resilience, build on strengths, and develop strategies for lasting change. 

The CACREP-accredited M.S. in Counseling degree, Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration is offered in three delivery formats:

  1. In-person at the main campus in Fort Lauderdale/Davie, Florida
  2. Weekend intensive-hybrid format at the Miami, Orlando, and Tampa Bay regional campuses
  3. Online with required in-person Residential Institutes

Click here to learn more about each format. Applicants select a specific campus/format in which to apply for admission. If admitted, students will complete the program in the format to which they applied. 

Click here to learn more about the application process for this program.

Click here to learn more about the CMHC curriculum.

 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Formats

We are proud to offer our CACREP-accredited CMHC curriculum across multiple delivery formats to promote access to quality counselor education to exceptional students. CMHC Students select a specific campus/format in which to apply for admission. Upon admission, students will complete the program in the format to which they applied.

  • Main campus: in-person format in Fort Lauderdale/Davie
    • This campus-based format offers in-person instruction across a full semester in a traditional, face-to-face academic format. In-person attendance is required for all courses.
  • Weekend Intensive: hybrid format at NSU Campuses in Miami, Orlando, & Tampa Bay
    • The regional campus weekend intensive-hybrid format involves a set course sequence with courses delivered in one of the two following formats:
      • Primarily asynchronous online courses that span a full semester
      • Hybrid courses that span 8-week terms and involve two weekends of in-person, campus-based classroom instruction with online instructional activities before, between, and after the intensive weekend class meetings. Attendance is required for all in-person weekend-intensive class meetings
      • Click here for a full description and sample course sequence: [Insert Link to Program Sheet]
  • Online format with Residential Institutes
    • The online format is delivered with a combination of asynchronous and synchronous online instruction with two required in-person Residential Institutes (RI). During each RI, students connect with their classmates and faculty at the NSU main or Orlando campus as part of their required coursework to learn essential counseling skills.
    • More information about the Residential Institutes can be found here

If you have questions about any of these formats, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 954-262-7563 or by email.

 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Curriculum

  • PYCL 0502 Counseling Theories and Practice
  • PYCL 0507 Research and Evaluation for Counselors
  • PYCL 0511 Introduction to Counseling Techniques
  • PYCL 0512 Human Growth and Development
  • PYCL 0570 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues for Counselors
  • PYCL 0582 Human Sexuality
  • PYCL 0584 Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Psychopathology
  • PYCL 0586 Diagnosis and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
  • PYCL 0608 Psychological Testing for Individual Evaluation
  • PYCL 0612 Substance Abuse
  • PYCL 0631 Career and Lifestyle Assessment
  • PYCL 0632 Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling
  • PYCL 0635 Group Theory and Practice
  • PYCL 0645 Couples and Family Counseling Strategies
  • PYCL 0660 Community Mental Health
  • PYCL 0667 Case Conceptualization and Advanced Treatment Interventions
  • PYCL 0670 Trauma, Crisis, and Resilience Counseling
  • PYCL 0680 Counseling Practicum
  • PYCL 0681 Counseling Internship
  • PYCL 0682 Continuing Counseling Internship 

  • PYCL 0680, 0681, and 0682 involve three sequential semesters of supervised professional practice experience at a community-based clinical site placement
  • Students must apply for practicum and be approved; following approval students are guided through the site selection and placement process by their designated clinical coordinator
  • Students gain essential experience in the role of a counselor; attendance is required at the community-based clinical site for approx. 20 hrs/week for the full semester.

Students must pass Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam (CPCE) to complete their degree and graduate

 

Course delivery format will correspond to the format and campus in which the student began the CMHC program. Click here for more information about M.S. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration Formats.

 

 

School Counseling

At Nova Southeastern University, our School Counseling program prepares caring, skilled, and dedicated professionals to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and their communities. Designed for individuals passionate about supporting the academic, social-emotional, and career growth of children and adolescents, our program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on experiences that reflect the real-world demands of today’s schools. 
Guided by expert faculty with extensive P–12 and higher education experience, students engage in dynamic learning opportunities that emphasize advocacy, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration with families, educators, and community partners. 

Our hybrid model combines the convenience of online learning with two weekend residential institutes, and individualized attention from faculty advisors.  Our Florida Department of Education-approved program is both CAEP-accredited and ASCA SPA recognized, ensuring the highest standards of professional preparation and national credibility.

The need for school counselors in Florida has never been greater, and graduates of our program are in high demand. Whether you are just beginning your journey or looking to advance your career, you will be well-prepared to step into leadership roles that empower students to thrive and succeed.

Join a program where your commitment to student success becomes the foundation for a rewarding career, and where you will gain the tools, confidence, and professional network to transform schools and lives.

Click here to learn more about School Counseling concentration Curriculum.

Click here for information about the application process for this program.

 

Accreditation

Florida Department of Education Approved Program

The Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling concentration meets the educational degree completion requirements for certification in the state of Florida, and is a state-approved program by the state of Florida Department of Education. Currently, this program is only accepting applicants from the state of Florida seeking Florida certification. 

CAEP

In May 2026, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) granted Nova Southeastern University’s Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice Accreditation at the advanced-level. Counseling (M.S.): School Counseling Concentration was included in this accreditation. This accreditation status is effective from Spring 2026 through Spring 2033.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
1140 19th St. NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 223-0077

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). Attaining this specialty recognition was an essential component of maintaining CAEP accreditation as an advanced program, and it required the program to demonstrate they meet each of the ASCA School Counselor Preparation Program Standards. NSU is the first-ever program to be awarded this national recognition by ASCA.

More information about the ASCA SPA can be found here.

 

School Counseling Curriculum

  • PYCL 0503 Counseling Theories for School Counseling (Synchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0507 Research and Evaluation for Counselors (Asynchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0510 Career Development and College Planning (Asynchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0511 Introduction to Counseling Techniques (Online with a Required In-Person Residential Institute)
  • PYCL 0512 Human Growth and Development (Asynchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0515 Principles of School Counseling (Asynchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0550 Contemporary Clinical Interventions (Synchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0560 Appraisal & Evaluation in School Counseling (Asynchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0571 Ethical, Legal, & Professional Issues for School Counselors (Asynchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0585 Psychology of Exceptional & At-Risk Children (Asynchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0632 Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling (Synchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0635 Group Theory and Practice (Online with a Required In-Person Residential Institute)
  • PYCL 0665 School Consultation Skills (Synchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0685 School Counseling Practicum (Synchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0688 School Counseling Internship (Synchronous Online)
  • PYCL 0689 Continuing School Counseling Internship (Synchronous Online) 

  • PYCL 0685, 0688, and 0689 require in-person supervised professional practice experience at a K-12 school placement, in addition to synchronous online class meetings with NSU faculty.
  • Students must apply for practicum and internship and be approved; following approval students are guided through the site selection and placement process by their designated placement coordinator.
  • Students gain essential experience in the role of a school counselor under supervision; attendance is required at the community-based school for each semester of practicum and internship.

Prior to graduation, school counseling candidates are required to successfully complete two sub-tests of the FTCE: (1) Professional Education (PEd) examination, and (2) Subject Area Test (SAE).

School Counseling candidates are encouraged to complete the General Knowledge Test (GKT) on their own accord, as some post-masters employment opportunities in certain school districts may require successful completion of the GKT as part of an Unrestricted License, as described here:

General Knowledge Requirement Limited to Classroom Teachers

The requirements to hold a professional certificate have been amended for persons who do not serve as a classroom teacher. Persons who are not classroom teachers, such as student advisers, social workers, school psychologists, librarians and learning resource specialists, will not have to demonstrate mastery of GK to hold a professional certificate; however, they will not be eligible to serve as a classroom teacher. Therefore, these persons may apply for a “restricted” professional license; however a “restricted” professional license cannot be used to qualify a person to serve as a classroom teacher. (Line 1953; s. 1012.56(2)(g), F.S.) State Board of Education rule revision is required to implement this new “restricted” professional license.

 

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)

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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 February 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.

View CACREP FAQ