Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
100%
job placement rate for the last five years*
*For Valpo CMHC graduates from May 2021 to May 2025.
24 months to program completion
97% average National Counselor Examination (NCE) pass rate on first attempt for the last five years*
*For Valpo CMHC graduates from May 2021 to May 2025.
In Valpo’s clinical mental health counseling master’s program, you’ll receive personal training and mentorship from practicing clinicians dedicated to helping you build your career in this field and make a profound impact on people’s lives.
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with a graduate admission counselor today! Email us at grad@valpo.edu or call 219.464.5313.
In Valpo’s master of arts in clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) program, expert professors prepare you to make a real difference in lives and communities, helping to meet the growing demand for licensed mental health counselors. Our accredited program has a reputation for excellence, with exceptional job placement rates and National Counselor Examination (NCE) pass rates for our students. Valpo’s 60-credit-hour program can be completed either full-time in as little as two years or part-time to give you flexibility. Students complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experiences throughout the program, building confidence essential to their practice. Our faculty have close relationships with sites across the region — including hospitals, community agencies, counseling centers, addiction recovery facilities, private practices, and more — and we’ll work closely with you to connect you to internship opportunities and a practicum placement based on your interests. Students can also enhance their expertise with Valpo’s trauma-informed care certificate or by pursuing credentials as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) during the program. With small class sizes, you’ll be supported every step of the way by professors and peers who are committed to helping you grow, lead, and pursue your calling in this profession.
Successful completion of core classes and a pre-practicum review are required prior to enrolling in any experiential training courses.
“My word for the program is 'flourish'. By definition, flourish means to grow, to be successful, and to prosper. While that definition certainly applies to the program and the tools it provides, I’ve also discovered that my personal definition of flourishing means being successful with confidence. This program gave me the space to build that confidence and to find my voice, both as a future counselor and as an individual.”
BRIELLE WILKINS ’25 M.A., LMHC-A, NCC GRADUATE PROGRAM: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
ADMISSION CHECKLIST
Valparaiso University graduate application (online)
Official bachelor’s degree transcript, plus transcripts for all other degrees earned and/or coursework completed
15 credits of specialty electives are required in applied courses (six credits recommended), business management, research, or supporting courses. Please refer to the graduate catalog for courses.
Nine CMHC elective
Students can do the 15 credit trauma certificate as part of their CMHC electives.
*International students are required to take GRD 500 Graduate Academic Success in their first semester of enrollment.
**May be taken concurrently with practicum and internship.
Two letters of recommendation
A reflective essay indicating your anticipated career goals and reasons for undertaking graduate study in the particular program you are applying for at Valpo
Additional application requirements may apply. For more information, visit valpo.edu/grad
Shine at Valpo
Take the next step toward your bright future by visiting valpo.edu/cmhc or by scanning the QR code.
Valparaiso University admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. (For a full statement, see valpo.edu .)
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN 46383
web: valpo.edu/grad
email: grad@valpo.edu