The Counseling and Mental Health Services master's program opens the door to professional training in psychology, mental health counseling, school counseling, and/or research in these areas. The degree prepares students either to enter the Professional Counseling program at Penn GSE or to continue in a doctoral program at another university.
In introducing students to counseling and mental health services, this program's coursework and training emphasize three primary themes: social justice, diversity in its many forms, and a person- or student-centered counseling orientation.
Fall: 4 courses; Spring: 4 courses; Summer: 2 courses
Certificate/Licensure OfferedNot until completion of Professional Counseling Program (M.Phil.Ed.) in the second year
Culminating experienceComprehensive exam
Practical Experience ComponentPracticum (8–10 hours per week)
The program’s innovative format combines coursework with practical field experience to prepare students for future roles as mental health professionals who provide counseling services for children, adolescents, college students, families, and adults. Students take core courses in counseling and human development in preparation for professional training in mental health counseling and related fields.
After successfully completing this one-year program, many students move into the M. Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling (Year 2) to qualify for licensure and school certification. Please visit the Professional Counseling page for information on licensure and certification.
We welcome international students into our program, though we cannot guarantee that our degree requirements will match the professional requirements in other countries. International students who wish to pursue certification/licensure options in their home countries after the completion of the degree should research what those requirements are prior to entering the program. Our degree programs are designed to meet U.S. certification/licensure requirements. Also, students seeking to stay in the U.S. after graduating in order to complete post-graduate requirements for professional licensure are subject to all U.S. regulations regarding foreign nationals seeking employment in the U.S.
Students in the Counseling and Mental Health Services M.S.Ed. program take ten required courses to provide a foundation in mental health counseling. For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Counseling and Mental Health Services M.S.Ed. program in the University Catalog.
The M.S.Ed. in Counseling and Mental Health Services is a gateway to professional training in psychology, mental health counseling, school counseling, and research. Our alumni work as counselors in a variety of school and community settings. Many go on to pursue doctoral study.
Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements, as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.
Contact us if you have any questions about the program.
Graduate School of Education
University of Pennsylvania
3700 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-6415
admissions@gse.upenn.edu
finaid@gse.upenn.edu
Elizabeth Mackenzie
Adjunct Associate Professor, Program Manager
(215) 898-4176
emackenz@upenn.edu
Maryetta Rowan
Program Assistant
(215) 573-6851
rowanm@upenn.edu
Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.
Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
