Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Marriage and Family Counseling Concentration, MA


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Program Code: MA_709F
CIP Code: 13.1102

Learn more about the Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling .

Program of Study for the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling


Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; complete application to the Graduate School ; official general GRE exam scores (unless waived); a completed Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling questionnaire; and attendance of an on campus group interview.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate School . Meeting this condition does not guarantee admission.

Standardized Exam Waiver Eligibility: The standardized exam (GRE) requirement may be waived for applicants who earned a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Location: On Campus

Additional Standardized Exam Waiver Eligibility Information


Standardized exam (GRE, GMAT, MAT) waiver eligibility for graduate degree programs at Appalachian State varies by program, but requires that applicants hold a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in their last earned bachelor’s degree or 3.3 or higher in an earned graduate degree. No exam waiver is automatic but will require review and approval by the program and by the Graduate School upon submission of a complete application. An approved waiver request does not guarantee acceptance into the program. A denied waiver request does not mean that a candidate is denied admission to the program, only that a standardized exam score is needed to more fully evaluate the application.  More complete information about standardized exam waivers can be found in the Admissions Requirements section of this Bulletin .

Concentration Requirements (9 Hours)


The Marriage and Family Counseling concentration is not designed to meet clinical membership requirements of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or licensure in North Carolina as a marriage and family therapist. The program designed to meet these requirements is described in the bulletin under Marriage and Family Therapy, MA .

Thesis Option (9 Hours)


Choose one:

With Thesis


Without Thesis


Other Requirements for the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling


  • Thesis: Optional
  • Proficiency: Not required
  • Candidacy: Required; see the program director for specific timeline and requirements for admission to candidacy
  • Comprehensive: Required; students should take the required courses (excluding the Internship) prior to taking the comprehensive exam
  • Product of Learning: Not required

Reminders for ALL Concentrations in the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling


Prerequisites: Students should pay particular attention to the prerequisites listed in each course description; the curriculum is carefully structured to ensure that students have the necessary prerequisite knowledge before enrolling in courses.

Program of Study: It is the student’s responsibility to develop a written plan of study with her/his advisor after completing 9 hours. In planning this program, students should take the required courses (excluding Internship) prior to taking the comprehensive exam.

Internship: The internship (HPC 6902 ) is designed to be a full-time learning experience (600 clock hours) in an agency setting. These placements are arranged through consultation with the student’s advisor and in most cases will be with agencies outside of the immediate Boone area. Students employed in agency settings may, with permission, complete their internship within the context of their work setting.

Students must preregister to insure their places in the courses they select.

National Accreditation: This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and, thus, graduates are immediately eligible to take the examination to become a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Graduates of this program with appropriate experience will be eligible to take an examination given by the National Academy of Clinical Mental Health Counselors. Successful completion of the examination will qualify the individual to become a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor.

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