Home Page
Home Page

University of Montana Catalog 2024-2025

Counselor Education M.A. - Mental Health Counseling

General Graduate Program Requirements

Graduate School policies and standards can be found on the Graduate School Policies page

The minimum GPA for any graduate program is 3.0. Individual programs may require more than a 3.0 to remain in good standing. 

The minimum grade for a course to be accepted toward any requirement is C. Individual programs may require higher grades for specific courses.

MASTER OF ARTS - COUNSELOR EDUCATION; MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING CONCENTRATION

The Department of Counseling does not require specific undergraduate degree for admission. However, the following undergraduate prerequisites are required and must be complete prior to enrollment or during the first year of graduate study. These can be completed for credit/no credit rather than for letter grades.

  • Developmental Psychology or equivalent
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Basic statistics and/or educational measurement

Course Requirements

Core Courses
Complete all of the following courses:
COUN 510Introduction to Counseling1
COUN 511Theories & Techniques of Counseling3
COUN 512Counseling Fundamentals3
COUN 520Group Counseling & Guidance3
COUN 530Applied Counseling Skills3
COUN 540Individual Appraisal3
COUN 545Counseling Research & Progress Evaluation3
COUN 550Introduction to Family Counseling3
COUN 555Risk & Resiliency3
COUN 560Lifespan Developmental Counseling3
COUN 570Career Counseling Theory & Technology3
COUN 575Multicultural Counseling3
COUN 591Special Topics (Addictions Counseling or similar course from another department with advisor approval.) 13
COUN 589Comprehensive Project1
COUN 591Special Topics (Psychopharmacology or similar course from another department with advisor approval.)3
COUN 610Professional Ethics and Orientation3
Mental Health Counseling Concentration Required Courses
Complete all of the following courses:
COUN 585Counseling Methods: School & Agency (Internship)6
COUN 615Diagnosis/Treatment Planning in Counseling3
COUN 625Introduction to Mental Health Systems3
Electives
Complete 6 credits of graduate-level electives. 16
Total Hours62
1

When applicable to our course load, the Department will offer counseling electives focused on a particular area of study. Students intending to pursue LAC or LMFT must take COUN 550 before enrolling in advanced elective courses. Students may also consult with their faculty advisor for additional graduate course offering appropriate to their major. Students may wish to complete additional internship credits as part of their elective requirement.

Launch UM virtual tour.