Academics

Counseling

MA • Master's

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The master’s 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’ll gain the academic foundation and hands-on experience needed to make a lasting impact.

Why Choose Montclair for Counseling?

  • Working-Professional Friendly: Primarily evening, in-person courses with occasional afternoon and hybrid options
  • State-of-the-Art Counseling Labs: Record and review sessions to sharpen your skills
  • Expert Faculty: National leaders in counseling research and professional organizations
  • Theory-to-Practice Learning: Gain hands-on experience in real counseling settings
  • Social Justice Focus: Multicultural counseling practices infused in every course
  • Strong Outcomes: 95% program completion rate; 90% job placement for school counseling grads

Programs follow state licensure and certification guidelines, ensuring you’re ready to meet professional standards while making a meaningful difference.

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Counseling Concentrations

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Montclair’s 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—including three semesters of fieldwork—you’ll 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  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 2½ to 3 years.

See the curriculum.

Addictions Counseling

Montclair State University’s 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 2½ to 3 years.

See the curriculum.

School Counseling

Montclair State University’s CACREP-accredited School Counseling program prepares you to support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth in K–12 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 ½ to 3years.

See the curriculum.

Student Affairs/Higher Education

Montclair State University’s 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 1½ to 2 years.

See the curriculum.

Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • Applicants with a GPA below 2.9 will not be considered for admission.

Application Checklist

Application Deadline: Rolling admission. Final Date to complete applications for fall is February 1st.* Final Date to complete applications for spring is October 1st.*Any applications received after final deadlines or with missing information will be considered for the next semester.

  1. Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  2. Deposit Required: An enrollment deposit is required upon admission and will be applied to your first semester’s tuition.
  3. Transcript: 1 (one) from each college attended.
  4. Essays/Personal Statement: 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.
    • QUESTION: 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)
    • OPTIONAL: 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.
  5. Letters of Recommendation: Two (It’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).
  6. Resume: Required.

Faculty Profiles

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Office of Graduate Admissions

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.

Counseling Department

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.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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Learn on Campus

Immersive classes, vibrant campus life and hands-on experiences that put you at the center of it all.

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Learn Online

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.

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