Master of Science in Education

As a UD clinical mental health counseling student, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful counselor in community-based and private counseling sessions. We embrace a holistic approach to working with individuals, families and communities, and you will learn to use leading methodologies to practice effectively in any environment.

Practicum experiences offer students the opportunity to hone the skills needed for professional practice. Students also participate in an internship where they can diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders. All practicum and internship experiences are completed in a clinical mental health agency setting, with supervision by a professional clinical counselor and a UD faculty supervisor.

Fast Facts

96% first-time pass

rate on the National Counselor Examination

Two campuses

available: Dayton or Columbus


Program Overview

Degree Information and Courses

The flexibility of the program structure allows you to choose from two tracks — 2.5 years or 3.5 years — with a summer or fall start. You'll also participate in a practicum and internship.

Licensed Professional Counselor

To receive your Licensed Professional Counselor license (LPC), you are required to pass an exam and apply for licensure from the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT). After completing two additional years of supervised experience and passing a second test (NCMHCE), you can apply for independent licensures as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

Certificate Option for School Counseling Students

Students from UD's school counseling master's program who are interested in earning their LPC are eligible to enroll in the clinical mental health counseling certificate program, instead of requiring a second master's degree.

Program Faculty

Additional Information

Visit the Catalog to view additional details about the clinical mental health counseling graduate program, including degree requirements and course descriptions.

Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program:

  • Summer enrollment: Nov. 10
  • Fall enrollment (early admission): Jan. 10
  • Fall enrollment (late admission): Rolling

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the UD clinical mental health counseling program should submit the following information in addition to the online application:

  • Official academic records of all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked Issued to Student and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
  • Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
  • A personal statement regarding career goals and aspirations.
  • Results from the GRE or MAT are required for applicants with an undergraduate grade-point average below 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants must have attained an undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants who have less than a 2.75 cumulative GPA may be admitted if they achieve a raw score of 40 or higher or a scaled score of 396 or higher on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or scaled scores of 149 or higher on the verbal ability and 4.0 or higher on the analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). For tests administrations prior to Aug. 1, 2011, a scaled score of 430 or higher on the analytical ability section is required.

Once you've successfully met the required admission criteria outlined, there will be a faculty review. Following the review of these materials, you may be invited to interview with department faculty.

International Admission

International students must submit English proficiency, visa and financial documentation and a WES credential evaluation, along with the items listed.

Dual License in Counseling

Students enrolled in the clinical mental health counseling master's program can earn a certificate in school counseling and become dual-licensed.

Related Degrees and Programs

Tuition and Financial Aid

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success.

Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking graduate students, file the FAFSA to be considered. Once you have applied and been accepted to a graduate program, we will prepare your applicable aid for the upcoming year.


Ecotherapy Certificate

As a clinical and mental health counseling student, you'll have the opportunity to earn a certificate in ecotherapy. Ecotherapy encompasses diverse ways of healing through the reciprocal relationship that we, as humans have with nature.

Why UD?

As a UD clinical mental health counseling student, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful counselor in community-based and private counseling sessions. We embrace a holistic approach to working with individuals, families and communities, and you will learn to use leading methodologies to practice effectively in any environment.