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Master of Science in Counseling (MSC)

UIU’s online Master of Science in Counseling degree program prepares students to become professional counselors for a unique profession that emphasizes prevention of emotional and mental disorders, early intervention when problems are identified, and empowerment of clients.

Counselors not only assist individuals; they are committed to working for social justice in our society and learn to work effectively with a diverse clientele. View program mission.

Master of Science in Counseling Program Details

  • Learning Experience: 100% online courses are offered via Zoom in the evening times to accommodate working families and adult learners, and to build a strong sense of an academic community where the students get to know their fellow peers and professors.
  • Completion Time: Most students complete this degree in 2-3 years.
  • Schedule: The master’s in counseling degree is a primarily a semester-long program. Courses are offered in the Fall and Spring Semesters (16-weeks each) and the Summer Semester (14-weeks). In addition, there may be courses offered in an 8-week session of the Summer Semester.
  • Learn from expert faculty who have real-world experience; enjoy the support of helpful, caring staff who are there for you from start to finish.
  • Field experiences take place in the area where the trainee counselor lives.
  • Course curriculum is aligned to meet the National Standards.

Areas of Emphasis

The MSC program offers two emphases:

  • Mental Health Counseling, which prepares graduate students to serve as counselors in a variety of community settings, including but not limited to hospitals, substance abuse treatment facilities, colleges, universities, private practice, rehabilitation facilities, court systems, crisis and disaster mental health services and many more.
  • School Counseling, which prepares graduate students to serve the community as counselors in public, charter, and private schools (K through 12th grade).

Application Deadlines

  • For Fall admission: July 31
  • For Spring admission: November 30

Admissions Booklet

Learn more about the master’s in counseling program and the application process.

Video: Master of Science in Counseling at UIU

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Explore Your Program

MSC Courses

See course curriculum for your Master of Science in Counseling degree.

Academic Calendar

Keep up with your academic program’s registration deadlines, session dates, holiday breaks and exam schedules.

Careers with an MSC

Graduates may find employment in a variety of settings, including but not limited to hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, schools, colleges, universities, and private practice.

Kayla Swanson, Master of Science in Counseling

Kayla Swanson

Master of Science of Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Emphasis

The personallization of the programs has really helped me balance my life as a mom, full time job, family, and leisure activities. The staff and students treat each other like family. They were always there for me in my times of need.

UIU Locations for Master's Degree in Master of Science in Counseling (MSC)

Admissions

When you’re ready to apply for your Master of Science in Counseling, we’re ready to help you every step of the way.

Academic Support Services

Providing resources to support you through your classes.

Kim King

Faculty Spotlight

Kim King, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Counseling (2016)

The need for mental health support has never been greater and the UIU Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to meet this need in both a clinical and school setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to students’ most frequently asked questions about UIU’s Master of Science in Counseling. If you don’t see the answer you need, contact us for help.

Is the counseling program accredited?

The master’s in counseling program was revamped in the Summer 2020 and moved to a fully online format. The online Master of Science in Counseling is aligned to meet the National Standards. All degree programs at Upper Iowa University (UIU) are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Is there a clinical internship?

Yes. Field experiences include a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour (minimum) internship in which students practice the skills they have developed under the supervision of faculty.

Can I be a part-time student in the program?

Students are able to be part-time or full-time students in the program.

What is the cost of tuition?

The Master’s in Counseling program offers a competitive tuition rate of $495/credit hour.

Can I transfer credit to UIU toward my MSC degree?

A student, with approval from the major professor and the Counseling program, may transfer 12 semester credits of graduate credit in which grades of B or better were earned that were taken in residence at another university. Clinical courses cannot be transferred.

Can I enroll as a non-degree seeking student?

Individuals may be admitted into UIU’s online Counseling program as a non-degree graduate student. Non-degree seeking students can take up to two (2) foundation courses:

  • Theories of Counseling
  • Lifespan Growth and Development
  • Research & Program Evaluation
  • Ethical, Legal & Professional Issues in Counseling

UIU Counseling Program Licensure Disclosure

Upper Iowa University Online Counseling degree program in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling has been designed to meet the licensure/certification state requirements for licensing in most states. The licensure boards in each state are responsible for establishing the requirements for licensure/certification for their states. Therefore, the state professional licensing boards make the ultimate decision as to whether or not an individual will be eligible to sit for licensure based on the rules, policies and regulations in place at the time the individual submits their application for licensure/certification. The online in Counseling program strongly encourages the individual to contact the appropriate licensing board in their state before beginning their academic program. Additionally, the individual can consult with the Counseling program Faculty Advisor or Director about state requirements for licensing/certification in the state where they intend to practice. For more information, please visit the UIU Professional Licensing Disclosure webpage / Master of Science in Counseling Program.