Frequently Asked Questions
A professional counselor serves the community in a variety of counseling capacities. Training emphasizes prevention of dysfunction, interdisciplinary collaboration, and direct service. Services are typically provided in mental health agencies and clinics, substance abuse clinics, hospices, hospitals, educational settings, and private practices.
Professional counselors can assist individuals dealing with such issues as stress management, self-esteem, aging, job and career concerns, educational decisions, mental, emotional and relational issues, trauma, as well as family, parenting, and marital problems. Counselors work closely with other mental health specialists, including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counselors.
For more information, visit the American Counseling Association, 5999 Stevenson Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304-3300 or the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., 3 Terrace Way, Suite D, Greensboro, NC 27403-3660.
A concentration allows you to focus on a specific area of counseling. Each area is generally aligned to professional standards in the particular field of counseling and/or state certification or licensing requirements. Note that state standards vary from state to state so you should verify the eligibility of this training to those you are trying to meet.
The Department of Counseling currently offers five concentrations in the master's program:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 credit hours)
- Traditional, ground-based on the Fort Lauderdale/Davie Main Campus
- Hybrid format at the Miami, Orlando, and Tampa Bay Regional Campuses, with online and intensive weekend courses.
- Online, with a weekend campus residency required during the student’s second or third semester
School Counseling (48 credit hours)
- Fully online with synchronous and asynchronous courses. Including two (2) weekend campus residency requirements.
Substance Abuse Counseling (48 credit hours)
- Fully online
Substance Abuse Counseling and Education (60 credit hours)
- Fully online
Applied Behavior Analysis (51-63 credit hours)
Fully online
- The master’s degree in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration (60 credit hours) provides education and training for those who will seek employment in such diverse settings as social agencies, mental health clinics, hospitals, personnel offices, and schools. This program is offered on the main campus in a ground-based semester format, at one of five other NSU regional campuses in an intensive weekend format, or online. Currently, there are regional campus programs offered in Florida at Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Many graduates go on to seek licensure in Florida as mental health counselors (LMHC).
- The master’s degree in Counseling with a School Counseling concentration (48 credit hours) provides training to individuals seeking positions as school counselors in Pre-K to 12 grade school systems. The program is offered fully online. The School Counseling program curriculum is approved by the Florida Department of Education (DOE). Upon degree conferral, School Counseling graduates qualify for Florida certification in Guidance and Counseling.
- The master’s degree in Counseling with a Substance Abuse Counseling concentration (48 credit hours) or Substance Abuse Counseling and Education concentration (60 credit hours) is an innovative academic program designed for the working professional actively involved in or entering the field of Substance Abuse Counseling or related fields. The online format is particularly designed to serve the training needs of administrators and practitioners who seek advanced training, but who cannot access quality training without the interruption of ongoing work responsibilities. Upon degree conferral, Substance Abuse Counseling graduates qualify for Florida MCAP certification as a Certified Master’s Level Addiction Professional.
- The master’s degree in Counseling with an Applied Behavior Analysis concentration (51 required credit hours) is an innovative academic program designed for the working professional actively involved in or entering the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The online format is particularly designed to for those who seek advanced training and the convenience of distance education. The program focuses on developing clinicians informed by science, with classes taught by professors who are active clinicians and researchers in the field. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB) has approved the Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take either the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Examination. Students wishing to fulfill BACB requirements for professional certification should contact the BACB for specific information and advisement. It is recommended that students register with the BACB in order to receive monthly newsletters and stay well-informed of credentialing requirements. Please check with an academic advisor regarding course planning and selection. The Applied Behavior Analysis concentration meets the academic and experience exam eligibility requirements as per the BACB.
After completing their master’s degree, professional counselors work in many different types of mental health facilities, schools, and medical settings where individuals, families, and groups of people may seek help for a variety of personal, social, career, or emotional issues.
The Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is offered in three formats:
The traditional ground-based format is offered at the Fort Lauderdale-Davie campus. Courses are offered weekly for the duration of the academic semester, typically held Monday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration is offered in this format.
The clinical mental health counseling and school counseling concentrations are offered in the hybrid format at one of NSU's regional campuses in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Students admitted to this format will have the option to pursue the “regular course sequence,” 6 credits per term (one 8 week course and a 15 week online course) or the “accelerated course sequence,” 9 credits per term (one/two 8 week course and one/two 15 week online course). The eight week term courses meet on- campus twice a semester on an assigned weekend. The class weekends occur on a Friday evening from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. (via Zoom), Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. (in-person, on campus), and Sunday from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. (in-person, on campus). Weekend intensive courses require a one-hour course orientation provided by the course instructor via Zoom during the first week of the term. Students also engage via Canvas an average of two hours of asynchronous instructional activity (e.g. recorded lectures, webinars/videos, discussion posts) weekly throughout the term. Click here for information on course sequence options.
In the online format, all coursework is offered online. Courses are generally asynchronous, meaning that the student has the flexibility to self-pace their work within the course deadlines. Occasionally, some courses may have synchronous (i.e., live) class meetings, which are arranged between the instructor and the class. Note: The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration requires a 3-day mandatory face-to-face residency (part of PYCL 0511, Introduction to Counseling Techniques), typically taken in the second semester of the program. Currently, this residency may be completed at either the Orlando or Fort Lauderdale-Davie campuses.
Please note: The Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Substance Abuse Counseling and Education concentrations all require a supervised practicum and/or internship experience in order to complete the degree (the ABA Practicum is optional). This field experience requires placement in a qualified agency where the student will provide face-to-face counseling services under the direction of a qualified supervisor. All practicum and internship courses meet synchronously (i.e., live, either in person or via videoconference, if an online course), which is a departure from the typical weekend and online schedules.
While the Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum is identical, currently the program cannot allow students to ‘mix and match’ their course formats. Students apply to and enter their program in a particular format/campus and remain throughout their degree. Students may apply to change formats by completing the required documentation.
Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. A professional counselor seeks to improve the overall wellbeing of clients by using a strength-based treatment approach that leads to healthy growth and development. In doing so, different interventions are used to increase independent living and promote a better quality of life. Counselors often work in mental health agencies, hospitals, college counseling centers, schools, medical settings, well-being clinics, group practices, and private practice. Other helping professions, such as marriage and family counselors, psychologists, and social workers also work toward assisting clients in gaining healthier life styles, but use different approaches. For instance, marriage and family counselors focus on family systems, while psychologists utilize testing instruments, diagnosis, and the medical model to treat clients. Depending on their specialty, social workers focus on social justice and look at community resources to assist clients with basic surviving skills including food, shelter, and safety.
Clinical Mental Health Counselors hold a master's degree in mental health or a closely related field. Many trained clinical mental health counselors work in a variety of agencies, clinics, and schools and provide counseling services.
Some graduates elect to pursue licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) or mental health counselor (LMHC) in their particular state. Most states also have specific licensing regulations for individuals wishing to have an independent practice. They typically include educational requirements at the master's level, post master's supervised experience and an examination.
For example, licensure as a mental health counselor in Florida requires "a master's degree with a major related to the practice of mental health counseling or related field. Applicants must also have two (2) years of post-master's supervised experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor or the equivalent (64B4-31.007(1)a,b,c,d,e F.A.C.) who is qualified as determined by the Board."
Prospective applicants should determine the eligibility of this program with the state requirements they are seeking. Generally, states provide several options for meeting their standards.
School counselors are master-level counselors that specifically chose to work in Pre-K to 12 grade schools. Because they specialize in the personal/social, academic, career, and emotional needs of children and adolescents, they possess unique training and skills to be able to function within complex educational systems. Their training focuses on program development, leadership, collaborative work, consultation, individual, small group, and large group counseling, and program evaluation. School counselors typically carry large student case-loads and work closely many stakeholders, including parents, school personnel, and the community at large.
Addiction professionals have a unique knowledge and set of skills to assist substance abusers (persons affected by problems related to addictions). They also inform and provide programs to the general public for whom the prevention of addiction is a major issue.
Counselors assist clients in determining whether or not their clients have a substance abuse problem, provide experienced, professional counseling; assist and support clients in developing and/or maintaining a responsible and functional lifestyle, refer individuals to appropriate resources, and assist the client’s family and supporters.
States have varied levels of certification and /or licensure requirements for substance abuse counselors, addictions professionals, supervisors and prevention specialists. In addition, there are national and international certifications.
- State of Florida Levels of Certification
Florida CAP (Certified Addiction Professional): This classification is viewed as the title for the addiction treatment professional primarily involved in providing direct treatment services in addictions. In addition, there are international and national certifications that can be obtained. Interested students should study the regulations in their particular state and learn about national and international certifications.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at:
- (800) 541-6682, ext. 23380
- finaid@nova@edu
- http://www.nova.edu/financialaid.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Substance Abuse Counseling and Education: The clinical mental health counseling and substance abuse counseling and education practicum/internship experiences are designed to provide students with a sequential, supervised field experience in an appropriate counseling setting. Students will be required to complete the designated clinical training experiences in their concentration. Students outside Florida are responsible for providing information on appropriate agencies in their local or surrounding areas. An NSU representative will contact the agency on behalf of the student. While many students can complete the requirement while working, they should be prepared to make whatever arrangements are necessary to complete this requirement including a leave of absence, adjustment of the work schedule, etc. Prospective students should determine in advance of their enrollment their ability to access appropriate practicum training.
Applied Behavior Analysis: The ABA practicum experiences are designed to meet the supervision requirements for the certification process. They are provided as electives in the concentration so that students have the option of getting their supervision through the concentration practica or on their own as supervised independent fieldwork experience. The BCBA requires completion of supervised fieldwork (1500 hours), practicum (1000 hours) or intensive practicum (750 hours) using the principles of applied behavior analysis with supervision from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Successfully completing the first course of the sequence in the Advanced ABA concentration is a prerequisite for students to apply for practicum. A list of practicum sites will be provided to students once they become eligible and they may choose from these sites or identify their own. If students decide to accrue their experience hours through supervised independent fieldwork instead of a practicum (e.g., a work place), they will be responsible for outlining their clinical training experience with their supervisor and obtaining permission from their employer or on-site supervisor. Students will be required to meet with their supervisors weekly. More information about acceptable supervised experience requirements can be found at www.bacb.com.
International students are required to complete their clinical training experience in the United States.
Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, doctoral, and professional degrees. Nova Southeastern University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nova Southeastern University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
View all of NSU's accreditations.
According to the 2017 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, counselors held about 671,000 jobs in 2017. About 260,200 were identified as mental health and substance abuse counselors. The demand for counselors is expected to be “much faster than average” for mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors, and marriage and family therapists.
Median annual earnings of mental health and substance abuse counselors in 2017 were $43,300. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,210 and $50,600. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,310, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,840. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of mental health and substance abuse counselors in 2017 were as follows:
| Government | $50,600 |
| Hospitals; state, local and private | $47,000 |
| Individual and family services | $42,190 |
| Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers | $42,140 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | $37,210 |
More information can be obtained in the National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (Community and Social Services Occupations) at the site http://www.bls.gov, as well as web sites for professional counseling and substance abuse organizations.
NSU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program meets the requirements for licensure as a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).
Most graduates elect to pursue licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) or mental health counselor (LMHC) in their particular state. Most states also have specific licensing regulations for individuals wishing to have an independent practice. They typically include educational requirements at the master's level, post master's supervised experience and an examination.
For example, licensure as a mental health counselor in Florida requires "a master's degree with a major related to the practice of mental health counseling or related field. Applicants must also have two (2) years of post-master's supervised experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor or the equivalent (64B4-31.007(1)a,b,c,d,e F.A.C.) who is qualified as determined by the Board."
Prospective applicants should determine the eligibility of this program with the state requirements they are seeking. For example, California requires an additional psychopharmacology course, and Ohio requires a second assessment course. Generally, states provide several options for meeting their standards.
Students are responsible for verifying periodically their individual eligibility for licensure, certification, internship, and employment through careful review of the applicable requirements of specific states, agencies, and employers, as such requirements are subject to change without notice.
Candidates should consult their state’s licensure guidelines for their specific requirements toward obtaining a license as a professional counselor. A listing of all state counseling boards can be found at www.nbcc.org/directory. Although these requirements vary from state to state, the successful completion of the clinical mental health counseling master’s program often allows graduates to apply for the initial level of a professional counseling licensure in many states.
A degree conferred by any College of Psychology program may not automatically mean that any given state would accept the program curricula for the purpose of professional licensure or certification. Students are responsible for verifying periodically their individual eligibility for licensure, certification, internship, and employment through careful review of the applicable requirements of specific states, agencies, and employers, as such requirements are subject to change without notice.
Students interested in pursuing national addictions certification should review requirements of the National Association for Addiction Professionals at www.naadac.org.
Students interested in obtaining the title “Florida Certified Addiction Professional” (CAP) and “Florida Master’s Level Addiction Professional” (MCAP) should review the requirements for certification at http://flcertificationboard.org/certification/available-certifications.
The Master's of Science in Counseling degree program with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis will allow students to meet both the academic coursework and acceptable degree criteria for certification as long as the student completes a single BACB approved course sequence as part of their degree requirement.
A degree conferred by any College of Psychology program may not automatically mean that any given state would accept the program curricula for the purpose of professional licensure or certification. Students are responsible for verifying periodically their individual eligibility for licensure, certification, internship, and employment through careful review of the applicable requirements of specific states, agencies, and employers, as such requirements are subject to change without notice.
For information regarding the requirements for certification in Applied Behavior Analysis, students should review the requirements for certification at http://www.bacb.com
As of May 9, 2019, the Florida Department of Education no longer requires passing scores on the General Knowledge Test (GKT) of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam (FTCE) for School Counselors. As a result, the NSU Department of Counseling is removing the requisite passing score on the GKT as a matriculation or graduation requirement. Please note that prior to graduation, school counseling candidates are still required to successfully complete the two additional sub-tests of the FTCE: (1) Professional Education (PEd) examination, and (2) Subject Area Test (SAE), which are unaffected by this change.
School Counseling candidates are encouraged to complete the 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 advisors, 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.