{"id":5574,"date":"2025-09-11T11:04:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T15:04:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/?post_type=program-page&#038;p=5574"},"modified":"2026-01-26T16:36:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T21:36:19","slug":"ma-counseling","status":"publish","type":"program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/programs\/ma-counseling\/","title":{"rendered":"Counseling"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class='program-hero'><div class='top-part'><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-background\" data-original-image=\"\/academics\/wp-content\/plugins\/msu-program-finder\/2025-08-07_mosaic-background-high-res.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/academics\/wp-content\/plugins\/msu-program-finder\/2025-08-07_mosaic-background-high-res.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\"\/><div class='content-area'><h1 id=\"content-start\">Counseling<\/h1><p class=\"program-info\"><a href=\"\/academics\/program-finder\/?degree_type=ma\">MA<\/a> &bull; <a href=\"\/academics\/program-finder\/?program_type=masters\">Master's<\/a><\/p><div class='image-holder'><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/09\/032524_counseling-ma-hero.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/academics\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/09\/032524_counseling-ma-hero.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"A student wearing a blazer looks up at the projector screen and makes a gesture while asking a question\"\/><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='bottom-part'><div class='wrapper'><div class='content-area'>\n<p>The master\u2019s in Counseling program prepares you to support diverse populations across schools, colleges and a wide range of clinical and community settings. CACREP-accredited tracks include School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Addictions Counseling, and our respected Student Affairs\/Higher Education program rounds out your options. You\u2019ll gain the academic foundation and hands-on experience needed to make a lasting impact.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Choose Montclair for Counseling?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Working-Professional Friendly: Primarily evening, in-person courses with occasional afternoon and hybrid options<\/li>\n<li>State-of-the-Art Counseling Labs: Record and review sessions to sharpen your skills<\/li>\n<li>Expert Faculty: National leaders in counseling research and professional organizations<\/li>\n<li>Theory-to-Practice Learning: Gain hands-on experience in real counseling settings<\/li>\n<li>Social Justice Focus: Multicultural counseling practices infused in every course<\/li>\n<li>Strong Outcomes: 95% program completion rate; 90% job placement for school counseling grads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Programs follow state licensure and certification guidelines, ensuring you\u2019re ready to meet professional standards while making a meaningful difference.<\/p>\n<p class=\"prpl-button-row\"><span class=\"prpl-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/graduate.montclair.edu\/apply\/\">Apply Now<\/a><\/span><span class=\"prpl-button ghost-red\"><a href=\"https:\/\/graduate.montclair.edu\/register\/grad-inquiry\">Request Info<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><aside><p><strong>Program Format<\/strong><br \/><a href=\"\/academics\/program-finder\/?modality=in-person\">In-person<\/a><\/p><p><strong>College or School<\/strong><br \/><a href=\"\/academics\/program-finder\/?college=cchl\">College for Community Health<\/a><\/p><p><strong>Area of Study<\/strong><br \/><a href=\"\/academics\/program-finder\/?area_of_study=health-medicine-and-the-sciences\">Health, Medicine and the Sciences<\/a><\/p><p><strong>Concentrations Offered<\/strong><br \/>Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Addictions Counseling; School Counseling; Student Affairs\/Higher Education<\/p><p><span class='prpl-button full-width'><a href=\"https:\/\/graduate.montclair.edu\/portal\/graduate-events\">Upcoming Admissions Events<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/aside><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-band lt-gray no-margin\"><div class=\"text-content\">\n<div class=\"prpl-row program-page-expandables\"><div class=\"prpl-column one-third\">\n<h2>Counseling Concentrations<\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"prpl-column two-thirds\">\n<div class=\"prpl-drawer compact\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Clinical Mental Health Counseling<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Montclair\u2019s CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration will help you master assessment and treatment of mental health, family and developmental challenges. In 60 credit hours\u2014including three semesters of fieldwork\u2014you\u2019ll meet the academic requirements for initial counselor licensure (Licensed Associate Counselor, LAC), and eventually, towards an independent license (Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC). Faculty prepare students to apply\u00a0 for licensure upon completion of the degree. Evening, summer, full- and part-time options help you balance work and study, with most full-time students completing the degree in 2\u00bd to 3 years.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/catalog.montclair.edu\/programs\/counseling-clinical-mental-health-counseling-concentration-ma\/\">See the curriculum<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer compact\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Addictions Counseling<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Montclair State University\u2019s CACREP-accredited Addictions Counseling program prepares you to support individuals in recovery from substance use and behavioral addictions. Graduates perform fieldwork in treatment centers, transition homes and outpatient facilities. This 60-credit program includes coursework toward alcohol and drug counselor licensure (LCADC), professional counselor licensure (LAC\/LPC) and certification for alcohol and drug counselors (CADC). Flexible full- and part-time options, evening classes, and summer courses allow full-time students to complete the degree in as little as 2\u00bd to 3 years.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/catalog.montclair.edu\/programs\/counseling-addictions-counseling-concentration-ma\/\">See the curriculum<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer compact\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">School Counseling<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Montclair State University\u2019s CACREP-accredited School Counseling program prepares you to support students\u2019 academic, social, and emotional growth in K\u201312 public and private schools. Grounded in the ASCA National Model, this 60-credit program includes three semesters of fieldwork and qualifies graduates for New Jersey school counselor certification. Evening, summer, full- and part-time options help you balance work and study, with most full-time students completing the degree in 2 \u00bd to 3years.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/catalog.montclair.edu\/programs\/counseling-school-counseling-ma\/\">See the curriculum<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer compact\"><div class=\"prpl-drawer-header\">Student Affairs&sol;Higher Education<\/div><div class=\"prpl-drawer-content\">\n<p>Montclair State University\u2019s Student Affairs\/Higher Education concentration prepares you for a rewarding career supporting college students in areas like career services, academic advising, student activities and international programs. This 36-credit program blends counseling foundations with student affairs coursework, emphasizing a developmental approach to student support. With two semesters of fieldwork, evening classes and both full- and part-time optionsstudents can complete the program in as little as 1\u00bd to 2 years.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/catalog.montclair.edu\/programs\/counseling-student-affairs-counseling-higher-ed-concentration-ma\/\">See the curriculum<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-band no-margin\"><div class=\"text-content\">\n<h2>Admission Requirements<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor&#8217;s degree.<\/li>\n<li>Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/graduate\/how-to-apply\/international-applicants\/\">international applicants page<\/a> to review U.S. degree equivalency information.<\/li>\n<li>Applicants with a GPA below 2.9 will not be considered for admission.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Application Checklist<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Application Deadline<\/strong>: Final Date to complete applications for fall is <strong>February 1st<\/strong>. Final Date to complete applications for spring is <strong>October 1st<\/strong>. Any applications received after final deadlines or with missing information will be considered for the next semester.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Online Application<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/graduate.montclair.edu\/apply\/\">Submit application<\/a> and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deposit Required:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/graduate\/commit\/\">An enrollment deposit<\/a> is required upon admission and will be applied to your first semester\u2019s tuition.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transcript<\/strong>: 1 (one) from each college attended.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Essays\/Personal Statement<\/strong>: A central theme that guides the mission of the MA in Counseling program at Montclair State University is a strong commitment to train all students to work with and advocate for all marginalized and oppressed populations as professional counselors in an ethical and competent manner. In no more than two (2) double spaced pages, please respond to the prompt below based on your knowledge and aspirations as a professional counselor.\n<ul>\n<li><strong>QUESTION<\/strong>: Clients who have marginalized identities (for example, based on their race\/ethnicity, sex\/gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, religion\/spirituality, ability, geographic location, or intersections thereof) face health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. How do you envision yourself taking an active role in your future career as an addictions counselor, clinical mental health counselor, school counselor, or student affairs professional in supporting mental health equity for one specific marginalized population (for example, African Americans; LGBTQ+ individuals; Muslims; individuals experiencing poverty)<\/li>\n<li><strong>OPTIONAL<\/strong>: In no more than one (1) double spaced page, please share anything else you think is important for our admissions committee to know that is not represented elsewhere in your application.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Letters of Recommendation<\/strong>: Two (It&#8217;s preferred to have at least one letter from a professor who taught you. If you graduated from any academic program in the past three years, one letter must be from a professor who taught you).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resume<\/strong>: Required.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"prpl-band no-margin\"><div class=\"text-content\">\n<h2>Faculty Profiles<\/h2>\n<p class='a11y-label'><!-- fetch new: 208.51 ms --><!-- decode:  0.05 ms --><!-- output:  0.03 ms --><\/p><ul class=\"profile-grid\"><li><div class=\"card\"><div class=\"no-photo\"><\/div><div class=\"profile-text\"><span class=\"name\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/~sheelya\">Angela Sheely-Moore<\/a><\/span><span class=\"title\">Associate Professor<\/span><span class=\"email\"><a href=\"mailto:sheelya@montclair.edu\">sheelya@montclair.edu<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"card\"><div class=\"profile-photo\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-background\" alt=\"Matthew Shurts profile photo\" data-original-image=\"\/profilepages\/media\/464\/user\/0501178372matthewshurts.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/profilepages\/media\/464\/user\/0501178372matthewshurts.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" \/><\/div><div class=\"profile-text\"><span class=\"name\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/~shurtsm\">Matthew Shurts<\/a><\/span><span class=\"title\">Associate Professor<\/span><span class=\"email\"><a href=\"mailto:shurtsm@montclair.edu\">shurtsm@montclair.edu<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"program-contact-band\"><div class=\"background-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-background\" data-original-image=\"\/academics\/wp-content\/plugins\/msu-program-finder\/2025-08-07_mosaic-background-high-res.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/academics\/wp-content\/plugins\/msu-program-finder\/2025-08-07_mosaic-background-high-res.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\"\/><\/div><div class=\"content-container\">\n<h2>Questions? We&#8217;re Here to Help.<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"contact-card-holder\"><div class=\"contact-card\"><div class=\"narrative\"><p class=\"name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/graduate\/\">Office of Graduate Admissions<\/a><\/p>The office of Graduate Admissions will guide you every step of the way on your journey from learning about the University and its offerings, to applying for a program through to acceptance and enrollment.<\/div><div class=\"details\"><ul class=\"contact-list\"><li><svg title=\"envelope icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 64l512 0 0 80L256 320 0 144 0 64zM0 448L0 182.8 237.9 346.4 256 358.8l18.1-12.5L512 182.8 512 448 0 448z\"><\/path><\/svg><a href=\"mailto:graduate@montclair.edu\">graduate@montclair.edu<\/a><\/li><li><svg title=\"phone icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M164.9 24.6c-7.7-18.6-28-28.5-47.4-23.2l-88 24C12.1 30.2 0 46 0 64C0 311.4 200.6 512 448 512c18 0 33.8-12.1 38.6-29.5l24-88c5.3-19.4-4.6-39.7-23.2-47.4l-96-40c-16.3-6.8-35.2-2.1-46.3 11.6L304.7 368C234.3 334.7 177.3 277.7 144 207.3L193.3 167c13.7-11.2 18.4-30 11.6-46.3l-40-96z\"><\/path><\/svg><a href=\"tel:973-655-5147\">973-655-5147<\/a><\/li><li><svg title=\"map icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path d=\"M215.7 499.2C267 435 384 279.4 384 192C384 86 298 0 192 0S0 86 0 192c0 87.4 117 243 168.3 307.2c12.3 15.3 35.1 15.3 47.4 0zM192 128a64 64 0 1 1 0 128 64 64 0 1 1 0-128z\"><\/path><\/svg>The Graduate School, 4th Floor<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"contact-card\"><div class=\"narrative\"><p class=\"name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/counseling\/\">Counseling Department<\/a><\/p>Through opportunities to develop awareness, skills and professional dispositions, Montclair's Counseling Department prepares students to become counselors to serve diverse clients and their varied needs in a range of settings.<\/div><div class=\"details\"><ul class=\"contact-list\"><li><svg title=\"envelope icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 64l512 0 0 80L256 320 0 144 0 64zM0 448L0 182.8 237.9 346.4 256 358.8l18.1-12.5L512 182.8 512 448 0 448z\"><\/path><\/svg><a href=\"mailto:counselingma@montclair.edu\">counselingma@montclair.edu<\/a><\/li><li><svg title=\"phone icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M164.9 24.6c-7.7-18.6-28-28.5-47.4-23.2l-88 24C12.1 30.2 0 46 0 64C0 311.4 200.6 512 448 512c18 0 33.8-12.1 38.6-29.5l24-88c5.3-19.4-4.6-39.7-23.2-47.4l-96-40c-16.3-6.8-35.2-2.1-46.3 11.6L304.7 368C234.3 334.7 177.3 277.7 144 207.3L193.3 167c13.7-11.2 18.4-30 11.6-46.3l-40-96z\"><\/path><\/svg><a href=\"tel:973-655-7216\">973-655-7216<\/a><\/li><li><svg title=\"map icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path d=\"M215.7 499.2C267 435 384 279.4 384 192C384 86 298 0 192 0S0 86 0 192c0 87.4 117 243 168.3 307.2c12.3 15.3 35.1 15.3 47.4 0zM192 128a64 64 0 1 1 0 128 64 64 0 1 1 0-128z\"><\/path><\/svg>University Hall, Room 2128<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<div class=\"prpl-band no-margin next-steps\">\n\t<div class=\"text-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"prpl-row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"prpl-column one-half\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"next-steps-left\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Next Steps<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Wherever you learn\u2014on campus or online\u2014Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"prpl-button-row\"><span class=\"prpl-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/apply-to-montclair-state\/\" class=\"program-sock\">Apply Now<\/a><\/span><span class=\"prpl-button ghost-red\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/request-information\/\" class=\"program-sock\">Request Information<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"prpl-column one-half\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"next-steps-right\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Learn on Campus<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Immersive classes, vibrant campus life and hands-on experiences that put you at the center of it all. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"prpl-button-row\"><span class=\"prpl-button ghost-red\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/program-finder\/?modality[]=in-person\" class=\"program-sock\">Explore Majors &amp; Minors <\/a><\/span><span class=\"prpl-button ghost-red\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/red-hawk-life\/\" class=\"program-sock\">The Campus Experience<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Learn Online<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Montclair Online offers the same nationally recognized faculty, engaging coursework and supportive community as our on-campus classes - designed to fit your life. With multiple start dates each year, you can begin when the time is right for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"prpl-button-row\"><span class=\"prpl-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/program-finder\/?modality[]=online\" class=\"program-sock\">Explore Majors &amp; Minors<\/a><\/span><span class=\"prpl-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/online\/\" class=\"program-sock\">The Online Experience<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Montclair&#8217;s Master in Counseling programs prepare you to be a culturally competent social justice counselor who can work with diverse populations of all ages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":5575,"template":"","degree_type":[19],"program_type":[5],"modality":[7],"college":[32],"area_of_study":[41],"program_level":[12],"class_list":["post-5574","program-page","type-program-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","degree_type-ma","program_type-masters","modality-in-person","college-cchl","area_of_study-health-medicine-and-the-sciences","program_level-graduate"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/program-page\/5574","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/program-page"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/program-page"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/program-page\/5574\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9016,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/program-page\/5574\/revisions\/9016"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5575"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5574"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"degree_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/degree_type?post=5574"},{"taxonomy":"program_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/program_type?post=5574"},{"taxonomy":"modality","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/modality?post=5574"},{"taxonomy":"college","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/college?post=5574"},{"taxonomy":"area_of_study","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/area_of_study?post=5574"},{"taxonomy":"program_level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/program_level?post=5574"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}