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MASTER'S

Master of Science in Counseling · MSCO

Limited-Residency | 2 1/2 To 3 Years | Zoom Evening Classes
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Curriculum

This 60-credit course of study, designed to meet CACREP standards, prepares you to counsel a wide range of client populations in a variety of professional environments. Work in community agencies, such as mental health centers, private counseling agencies, substance abuse treatment centers, and child and adolescent counseling clinics. Or provide counseling within business, industry, or private practice. You’ll become a flexible, capable counselor ready to serve nearly wherever you see an opportunity.

Integrate Your Skills and Knowledge

Become a complete counselor by combining all facets of your practice into a cohesive skillset. We embrace periodic opportunities to assess our students’ knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions to prepare you for the complete clinical experience. This helps you identify your weaknesses and build on your strengths to develop your personal counseling approach.

3 Onsite Immersions

Over the course of our roughly 2-year program, you will make three trips to our campus in Provo, Utah for a 2-day academic immersion experience. Connect with faculty and students, gain intensive in-person training, and take advantage of RMU’s many on-campus resources. It’s an opportunity to build your skills, make lasting professional connections, and fully focus on your long-term career goals.
Curriculum PDF
Sample Syllabus

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Our 36-credit core counseling curriculum teaches the fundamentals of clinical mental health counseling practice. Learn the foundations of human development, psychodiagnosis, social and cultural counseling, and other areas as you gain a versatile base of practical knowledge. These theoretical frameworks and techniques will sustain your practice for years to come.

Core Courses

Code

Course

Credits

A review of the historical, philosophical, societal, cultural, economic and political dimensions of and current trends in the community mental health movement; a historical perspective of the counseling profession, counselor roles and functions, professional affiliations, and professional legal and ethical decision-making skills.

Present the cultural context of the counseling relationship; examination of issues and concerns related to such factors as culture, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religious and spiritual values, socioeconomic status and other various unique characteristics.

Theories of human development; developmental crises, tasks and transitions across one’s lifespan; theories of learning and personality development; strategies for facilitating optimal human development.

An overview of the qualitative and quantitative research methods, including the ability to critically examine research and the basic principles of disseminating professional knowledge.

Exploration of educational and career planning – theories, decision-making models, assessment inventories, and resources, and its integration with human development.

Examination of the most frequently used assessment and testing procedures in counseling, outcome evaluation, multicultural issues, ethical and legal issues.

Examination of the development of diagnostic and case conceptualization skills, major theories of etiology & treatment, and diagnostic principles and skills.

An introduction to the theories, principles and concepts of crisis intervention; contemporary techniques of crisis intervention and resolution used in community, school, family and individual counseling settings and the prevention and treatment of trauma.

Examination of substance abuse and process addictions in multiple populations – the effects of drugs and/or other addictive behaviors on the client and others. The various etiologies – including diagnosis and implications for counseling and treatment.

Examination of the major models of counseling and psychotherapy, theoretical integration, review of outcome research, and its implication with the counseling relationship.

Introduction to the knowledge, techniques, skills, and processes basic to initiating and conducting an effective counseling relationship; discussion and attention to the specific nature and process of helping, as well as the unique attitudes and skills required of the effective helper.

Overview of the theoretical and experiential components of the nature of group counseling, group dynamics, and group leadership.

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Concentrations

To complete the master’s degree in Addictions Counseling, students will complete the Core Counseling Curriculum as well as the specialized training in Addictions Counseling. Also, there is the option to take additional courses as electives (to reach the required 60 credit hours). Finally, clinical courses (practicum and internship) will help students become competent and confident mental health counselors that specialize in Addictions. See below for the required courses.

Code

Course

Credits

Introduction to the field of psychopharmacology. Integration of diagnostic, case conceptualization, and treatment planning skills; review of best practice guidelines.

In depth look at the historical and current evidence-based treatment procedures and techniques of substance abuse and addictions treatment.

Examination of the biopsychosocial aspects of substance abuse and addictions; with a focus on the physical predispositions, family history and systemic trauma as well as current social mores and legal perspectives.

To complete the master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, students will complete the Core Counseling Curriculum as well as the specialized training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Also, there is the option to take additional courses as electives (to reach the required 60 credit hours). Finally, clinical courses (practicum and internship) will help each student become competent and confident to be an effective counselor. See below for the required courses.

Code

Course

Credits

Overview of the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully operate in mental health care treatment systems.

Introduction to the field of psychopharmacology. Integration of diagnostic, case conceptualization, and treatment planning skills; review of best practice guidelines.

Choose one of the following:

A review of systems theories and techniques, issues related to family and couples, theoretical foundations, ethical, and legal issues.

The practical application of system theory in use with counseling couples and families with a focus on effective skills and techniques.

The application of development and system theory in counseling children and adolescents and circular causality with the family and other systems.

To complete the master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, students will complete the Core Counseling Curriculum as well as the specialized training in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. Also, there is the option to take additional courses as electives (to reach the required 60 credit hours). Finally, clinical courses (practicum and internship) will help students become competent and confident mental health counselors that specialize in working Rehabilitations. See below for the required courses.

Code

Course

Credits

Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling focuses on the history and philosophy of rehabilitation counseling, including legislation concerning vocational rehabilitation and independent living mandates; with focus on attitudinal, physical and systems barriers to social integration, including the current range of services provided for persons with disabilities, and on informed consumer review, choice, and personal responsibility in the rehabilitation process.

Examination of the biopsychosocial aspects of impairment and disability; with a focus on social and family systems of support for those differently-abled. Additional legal, social advocacy, vocational and treatment components will be addressed.

Introduction to the field of psychopharmacology. Integration of diagnostic, case conceptualization, and treatment planning skills; review of best practice guidelines.

To complete the master’s degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, students will complete the Core Counseling Curriculum as well as the specialized training in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling. Also, there is the option to take additional courses as electives (to reach the required 60 credit hours). Finally, clinical courses (practicum and internship) will help students become competent and confident mental health counselors that specialize in working with families and couples. See below for the required courses.

Code

Course

Credits

A review of systems theories and techniques, issues related to family and couples, theoretical foundations, ethical, and legal issues.

The practical application of system theory in use with counseling couples and families with a focus on effective skills and techniques.

The application of development and system theory in counseling children and adolescents and circular causality with the family and other systems.

To complete the master’s degree in School Counseling, students will complete the Core Counseling Curriculum as well as the specialized training in School Counseling. Also, there is the option to take additional courses as electives (to reach the required 60 credit hours). Finally, clinical courses (practicum and internship) will help each student really learn how to be an effective School Counselor. See below for the required courses.

Code

Course

Credits

Foundation of school counseling, including; history, comprehensive guidance, and the politics of counseling services in schools.

Theories and techniques for developmental counseling with children, including college and career readiness, social development, normal and abnormal development and other issues such as bullying, suicide, substance use and so forth, that children and adolescents face.

The organization, administration and delivery of school counseling services in grades PK-12 (elementary, middle, and secondary schools).

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Elective Courses (2 courses, 6 credits required)

Code

Course

Credits

This School Counselor course is an overview of lesson planning, curriculum organization and delivery. Students will attain the skills necessary to establish and maintain an effective school counseling program using the framework specific to the delivery system of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model.

The Field Work in School Counseling will allow students to gain knowledge and develop an understanding of the environment and culture of the school. Students will be exposed to and be able to observe and shadow various school administrative and teaching personnel. This immersive experience will be facilitated by school personnel and supervised by an experienced school counselor.

This course seeks to foster healthy attitudes toward sexuality by providing knowledge and having discussions about the formation of sexual attitudes and myths, the physiology of human sexual systems, psychological aspects of sex roles, love and human sexuality, sexual minorities, and the legal aspects of sexuality.

This course is an overview of the Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Aspects of Mindfulness and Meditation, including the history, current research, major theories, and therapeutic benefits of mindfulness; with a primary focus on mindfulness application in counseling and wellness settings.

This course is focused on the use of therapeutic play in counseling. History of play in counseling, theoretical orientations to play counseling, foundations of play counseling, practice of play counseling, and assessment are major areas of focus of the course.

This course will explore the application of creativity in mental health counseling, with a focus on the principles and practices endorsed by the American Counseling Association’s Division, the Association for Creativity in Counseling. It will provide a comprehensive survey of creativity as an inherent capacity, examining it from a relational perspective through the counseling paradigms. Students will also be introduced to the field of creative arts therapies, including drama, dance, music, art, and poetry therapy. The course will cover appropriate techniques from these modalities that counselors can integrate into their practice. Designed to be both didactic and experiential, the course will support students in developing and exploring their creative identity as counselors. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical application, students will gain a deeper understanding of how creativity can enhance their counseling practice.

Special topics course will address current developments or special-interest topics within the counseling profession. Each offering will include section-specific learning objectives. Students may repeat this course by taking different sections. Topic, learning objectives, and credits will be determined prior to registration and outlined in a unique section- specific syllabus.

To be determined with program advisor

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Clinical Experience Courses (3 courses, 9 credits required)

Work with faculty to secure a preceptor and clinical location that enables you to develop your skills under professional supervision. Gain a combined total of at least 700 clock hours and 280 client contact hours to grow into an independent clinician. Practice within a context that fits your professional interests and goals.

Code

Course

Credits

Supervised counseling with clients, including development of counseling skills through intensive weekly group and individual supervision. Completion of a minimum of 100 clock hours, with at least 40 client contact hours. Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their practice at a clinical placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities.

Supervised counseling with clients, continued development of student counseling skills.
Includes weekly group and individual supervision. Must complete a minimum of 600 clock hours including at least 240 client contact hours in each specialized area (Mental Health,School, Addictions, Clinical Rehabilitation or Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling).Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their specialty at an approved placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities.Students must demonstrate competence of the integration of all knowledge and skills in counseling.

Code

Course

Credits

Supervised counseling with clients, including development of counseling skills through intensive weekly group and individual supervision. Completion of a minimum of 100 clock hours, with at least 40 client contact hours. Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their practice at a clinical placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities.

Supervised counseling with clients, continued development of student counseling skills. Includes weekly group and individual supervision. Must complete a minimum of 600 clock hours including at least 240 client contact hours in each specialized area (Mental Health, School, Addictions, Clinical Rehabilitation or Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling). Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their specialty at an approved placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities. Students must demonstrate competence of the integration of all knowledge and skills in counseling.

Code

Course

Credits

Supervised counseling with clients, including development of counseling skills through intensive weekly group and individual supervision. Completion of a minimum of 100 clock hours, with at least 40 client contact hours. Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their practice at a clinical placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities.

Supervised counseling with clients, continued development of student counseling skills. Includes weekly group and individual supervision. Must complete a minimum of 600 clock hours including at least 240 client contact hours in each specialized area (Mental Health, School, Addictions, Clinical Rehabilitation or Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling). Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their specialty at an approved placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities. Students must demonstrate competence of the integration of all knowledge and skills in counseling.

Code

Course

Credits

Supervised counseling with clients, including development of counseling skills through intensive weekly group and individual supervision. Completion of a minimum of 100 clock hours, with at least 40 client contact hours. Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their practice at a clinical placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities.

Supervised counseling with clients, continued development of student counseling skills. Includes weekly group and individual supervision. Must complete a minimum of 600 clock hours including at least 240 client contact hours in each specialized area (Mental Health, School, Addictions, Clinical Rehabilitation or Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling). Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their specialty at an approved placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities. Students must demonstrate competence of the integration of all knowledge and skills in counseling.

Code

Course

Credits

Supervised counseling with clients, including development of counseling skills through intensive weekly group and individual supervision. Completion of a minimum of 100 clock hours, with at least 40 client contact hours. Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their practice at a clinical placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities.

Supervised counseling with clients, continued development of student counseling skills. Includes weekly group and individual supervision. Must complete a minimum of 600 clock hours including at least 240 client contact hours in each specialized area (Mental Health, School, Addictions, Clinical Rehabilitation or Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling). Students develop conceptual and professional skills related to their specialty at an approved placement site and practice various specified counseling- and related-activities. Students must demonstrate competence of the integration of all knowledge and skills in counseling.

Dual Degree Option

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions offers 5 separate counseling master’s degrees that you can pursue alongside one another. Our dual-degree programs allow you to pair clinical mental health counseling with a master’s in either school counseling, addiction counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or marriage, couples, and family counseling. This 72-credit dual-degree option requires only 12 extra credits—alongside the additional corresponding clinical hours—to equip you with a rare and flexible skillset.

Requirement (See outline above for course detail)

Credits

Counseling Core

36

First program specialty of choice - Concentration Courses

9

Second program specialty of choice - Concentration Courses

9

Co 670 Counseling Practicum

3

First program specialty of choice - Counseling Internship

6

Second program specialty of choice - Counseling Internship

6

Elective Course

3