Dual License
Earn a Dual License in Counseling
The demand for school-based mental health practitioners is growing, particularly in Ohio. Earning dual licensure in school counseling and clinical mental health counseling provides professionals with expanded expertise and career opportunities. This path equips counselors to support both the academic and emotional needs of K-12 students while also addressing broader mental health concerns in various clinical settings.
At the University of Dayton, students begin by enrolling in either the School Counseling degree program or Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree program. After completing the core coursework and degree requirements for their primary program, they take an additional 20-24 credits to fulfill the requirements of the second licensure.
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate – Qualifies students to sit for the National Counselor Exam (NCE) for licensure in Ohio.
- School Counseling Certificate – Qualifies students to sit for the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) to become licensed as a school counselor.
This comprehensive training, which includes coursework, practicum experiences, and internships in both fields, prepares graduates to pursue dual licensure and broaden their professional impact.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree
This degree is 60 semester hours and can be completed in 2.5 years (full time) or 3.5 years (part time). CMHC students are also eligible to earn an ecotherapy certificate concurrent with their degree. Courses can be taken in Dayton or Columbus.
Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The CMHC certificate program is 24 credit hours (nine courses) and takes two full years to complete. Students must start in the summer semester. Courses can be taken in Dayton or Columbus.
School Counseling master's degree
The master's degree in school counseling is a 60-credit-hour program that can be completed in two years (full time) or three years (part time). Courses can be taken in Dayton, Columbus or online.
Certificate in School Counseling
The certificate in school counseling is 23 credit hours (seven courses) and can be completed in four or five semesters. Courses can be taken in Dayton, Columbus or online. This certificate is open to anyone with an LPC, not just UD graduates.