Online Master’s in Counseling

Program Overview

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Marquette University's Online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students for careers in mental health counseling. The program emphasizes individual and group work, prevention, intervention, and consultation across various contexts. Students receive comprehensive training in effective counseling methods, including individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care. Graduates are well-prepared for roles as licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and school counselors.

Program Outline

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Program Content: The program focuses on individual and group work, prevention, intervention, and consultation across biological, psychological, social, and cultural contexts. It delves into various therapeutic approaches, assessment practices, ethical and legal considerations, and multicultural influences in counseling.

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Students receive comprehensive training in effective counseling methods, including:

• Individual Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Crisis Intervention
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Multicultural Competency
• Career Counseling
• Family Counseling

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Program Structure: Students take online and synchronous coursework, engage in practicum and internship experiences, and complete a final project. The curriculum covers both general clinical mental health counseling topics and a specialized child and adolescent counseling option.

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Course Schedule and Modules:

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Foundations:

• Introduction to Counseling
• Human Growth and Development
• Theories of Counseling
• Social and Cultural Diversity in Counseling
• Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues

Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning:

• Psychopathology
• Assessment and Testing
• Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis
• Treatment Planning and Case Management

Counseling Skills and Intervention Strategies:

• Individual Counseling Skills
• Group Counseling Skills
• Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling
• Multicultural Counseling
• Career Counseling
• Family Counseling

Practicum and Internship: Students complete supervised practicum and internship experiences totaling at least 600 hours, gaining hands-on experience under professional supervision.

• Additional Notes on Modules
• Students may replace one elective course with approved research opportunities.
• All courses have asynchronous online components with some including interactive live sessions.

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Assessment:

• Examinations:
Written and oral tests evaluate understanding of key concepts and application of learned skills.
• Assignments:
Essays, case studies, group projects, and presentations assess various writing abilities and research and analytical skills.
• Clinical Supervision:
Regular supervision sessions with faculty or qualified practitioners guide students' professional and personal development and assess clinical practice and therapeutic competency.
• Final Project:
Students complete a comprehensive project demonstrating mastery of core competencies in the field.

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Teaching:

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Instructional Methods:

• Interactive lectures:
Asynchronous online lectures followed by synchronous discussions enhance active learning and engagement.
• Case presentations:
In-depth review of real-world client cases for analysis, application, and development of counseling interventions, strategies.
• Role-playing:
Simulated client interactions enhance practical skill acquisition and communication development for improved therapeutic encounters.

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Faculty:

Renowned scholars and seasoned counselors with real-world experience and cutting-edge research expertise in various areas of mental health counseling teach courses. Their specialties include human development, addiction treatment, multicultural issues, family and group dynamics, and trauma counseling. Each faculty member contributes to a dynamic learning environment through active engagement and personalized support, fostering an effective learning experience that translates seamlessly into professional practice.

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Special Approaches:

• Emphasis on Social Justice:
Marquette's commitment to social justice is embedded in the curriculum through exploration of diversity issues, bias reduction, and culturally sensitive counseling techniques.
• Focus on Reflective Practice:
Self-awareness exercises and self-reflection activities help students navigate personal and professional growth as counselors, ensuring responsible and ethical practices.
• Personalized Support:
Each student receives dedicated mentorship and continuous support from a Student Success Coordinator through program navigation, academic challenges, and career development assistance.

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Careers:

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Careers Overview:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for various roles in the mental health field, with a high pass rate on licensing exams and positive employment outcomes. They have secured careers in diverse settings like:

• Hospitals
• Community Mental Health Centers
• Schools and Universities
• Nonprofit organizations
Many pursue roles as:
• Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
• Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)
• School Counselors
• Mental Health Professionals in Private Practice
• Rehabilitation Counselors
• Substance Abuse Counselors
The program also equips graduates for leadership opportunities within the profession and doctoral studies in related fields.

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Other:

The program cultivates leadership skills and encourages personal and professional growth throughout the program. It focuses on building social justice perspectives within the counseling practice, preparing graduates to advocate for equity and inclusivity in mental health service delivery. Students gain critical skills in self-awareness and reflection for continuous improvement as compassionate and ethical practitioners.