Study Master’s in Counseling  in New Jersey

Online programs offer the flexibility to balance your studies with other responsibilities, allowing you to learn from the comfort of your home. In New Jersey, there are several accredited institutions offering online master’s programs in counseling that are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field.

These online program are designed to fit into your busy schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Whether you are aiming to help others through tough times or understand human behavior better, an online master’s in counseling from New Jersey can set you on the right path.

Best Accredited Online Masters in Counseling Programs in New Jersey

Online Master’s in Counseling in New Jersey

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online master’s in counseling in New Jersey:

  • Rutgers
  • Seton Hall University
  • William Paterson University
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • NYU Steinhardt
  • Capella University
  • Grand Canyon University
  • Pepperdine University

Rutgers

Masters (MS) in Rehabilitation Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track

The Masters of Science (MS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Rutgers provides specialized knowledge and skills to counsel individuals with different types of disabilities. The program follows a cognitive behavioral counseling approach, teaching you to assist clients in developing strategies to manage challenging behaviors, handle difficult situations, and plan for their future.

You have the option to undertake this program full-time or part-time, either on campus or online.

This 60-credit program aims to educate you to become a skilled counselor, with a focus on community work and empowering individuals, including those with disabilities. It is suitable for both experienced individuals in the human services field and those looking to start a career in this area.

The program adheres to principles derived from cognitive behavioral counseling. This focused strategy aims to aid clients in identifying negative thoughts, feelings, and beliefs and guiding them to replace these with positive and uplifting ones. Moreover, it helps clients to change unhelpful behaviors with ones that are more constructive.

The program is structured to meet the high standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE), ensuring you are well-prepared to work with individuals with psychiatric and other disabilities in community settings. It covers essential topics such as counseling theories and techniques, human growth and development, and the professional ethical and legal standards.

Individuals who graduate from a CACREP accredited program may apply for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) offered by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). New Jersey also accepts CACREP-accredited programs as meeting the education requirements for licensure of Professional Counselors.

You can complete the program in two to three years, which includes a mandatory summer semester attendance for certain courses. The program comprises a core of 13 courses that provide a solid foundation in various content areas, including the impact of disabilities. Some of the courses that you will take include:

  • Foundations of the Counseling Profession
  • Statistical and Research Methods
  • Counseling Techniques
  • Evaluation and Assessment
  • Psychopathology
  • Counseling and Case Management
  • Social and Cultural Diversity Issues
  • Medical and Psychological Aspects of Disability

An integral part of your learning will be a practicum and an internship, amounting to a total of 9 credits, where you will gain hands-on experience applying the counseling skills learned during your coursework. The practicum involves at least 100 hours, including 40 hours of direct service, and the internship requires at least 600 hours, including 240 hours of direct service. You might have the opportunity to complete these experiences at your workplace.

Both the practicum and internship experiences must be undertaken in specific geographic areas, including New Jersey, downstate New York, eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and for online students, Maryland is also acceptable. Unfortunately, placements in other regions of the country are not available.

If you are an online student, you will be required to attend a residency in New Jersey for up to three days each year of your enrollment, with the dates being determined at the start of each academic year.

To be successful in this program, you should possess a strong academic potential and a dedication to community service and working with individuals with disabilities. While having related work or volunteer experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory.

The program’s selection committee, which considers your academic background, experience in the human services field, and other essential abilities, will make admission recommendations. This approach ensures that you have the potential to succeed in this comprehensive program.

Admission requirements for the program include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
  • Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
  • Two (3) letters of recommendation.
  • Written statement describing career goals, personal goals, and experiences as related to the degree.
  • Resume or CV.
  • Online interview by faculty.

Seton Hall University

Online Master of Arts (MA) in School Counseling

Enroll in the online M.A. in School Counseling program at Seton Hall University’s College of Human Development, Culture, and Media to become a skilled, aware, and reflective counselor ready to work in diverse K-12 educational environments.

The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

This 48-credit program is structured to help you develop the necessary skills to support all students in reaching their highest potential through comprehensive school counseling programs. You will learn to be a proficient school counselor and an effective collaborator, advocate, and leader in a constantly evolving global society.

Some of the courses that you will take include:

  • Counseling Theories
  • Career Development and Counseling
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Group Counseling
  • Psychology of Human Development
  • Counseling and Community Agencies
  • Multicultural Counseling and Psychology
  • Counselor Ethics in Practices

The curriculum includes foundational, counseling, and clinical courses, all leading to a school counselor internship. As you progress through the program, you will acquire knowledge and techniques to offer counseling, prevention, and early identification services to assist children and adolescents in achieving optimal development.

You will also be trained to empower students and their families to navigate educational challenges using a team intervention approach. This includes providing crisis intervention and helping students and families in the school community develop strategies to cope with various situations.

A significant part of your learning will involve a 9-credit field internship in a school, preparing you for certification as a school counselor in NJ. You will be part of a learning team, moving through the program alongside a group of peers over a period of 2 to 2.5 years, spanning 8 semesters. This team approach, coupled with online course delivery, is designed to foster student success.

The faculty guiding you come with a rich background in teacher and leader preparation, professional psychology, and family therapy, actively engaging with schools and community agencies to bring the best practices into your learning environment. This collaborative approach recognizes the intricate process involved in enhancing the lives of children, families, and communities, encouraging cross-departmental cooperation to address this complexity effectively.

You will complete a comprehensive final exam or capstone project at the end of the program. The program accepts applications throughout the year and operates on a rolling admissions basis. Admission requirements for the program include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
  • Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation.
  • Personal statement
  • Resume or CV.

William Paterson University

Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical & Counseling Psychology

Enroll in the 60-credit licensure track Master of Arts (M.A.) program in Clinical and Counseling Psychology at William Paterson University to prepare yourself for a professional role in counseling, assessment, or mental health research. This program offers a robust foundation in various theories and interventions that can be utilized in a broad range of settings including mental health facilities, academic institutions, and research environments.

The university offers both in-person classes during daytime and evening online, synchronous courses. Summer session classes are all delivered in online, asynchronous format. The program can be completed on a full-time basis in two years or on a part-time basis in three to five years.

The degree fulfills the academic requirements for the Licensed Associate Counselor/Licensed Professional Counselor (LAC/LPC) requirements in the state of New Jersey.

The program encourages you to develop a deep understanding of the current knowledge base in the scientific and theoretical foundations of practice. It fosters self-awareness and promotes an ongoing desire for learning throughout your career. A significant focus is placed on social justice and multiculturalism to better serve disadvantaged or marginalized groups in society.

As a student, you will be prepared for roles as master’s level mental health clinicians, researchers, or positions in different human services settings. The program also serves as a strong foundation for those looking to pursue doctoral studies.

Some of the courses that you will take include:

  • Psychopathology
  • Developmental Psychopathology
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Group Interventions
  • Foundations of Career Development
  • Brief and Time Effective Interventions
  • Cultural and Social Issues in Clinical Practice
  • Ethics and Professional Orientation

During your second year, you will be required to complete two practica, involving 600 hours of supervised clinical field experience, with a substantial portion dedicated to direct client contact. This hands-on experience, which takes place in New Jersey or nearby areas, allows you to apply the academic training received, working under supervision in approved clinical settings.

The program outlines several learning goals, including:

  • You will learn how to effectively conduct clinical interviews.
  • You will develop skills to establish trust and create therapeutic relationships.
  • You will learn to use the right therapeutic methods.
  • You will gain knowledge about different psychotherapy theories.
  • You will understand adult mental health issues and how to classify them.
  • You will learn about mental health issues in children and teenagers and how to classify them.
  • You will become familiar with proven and effective treatment methods.
  • You will learn how to conduct psychological tests and measure results.
  • You will understand different theories related to career growth.
  • You will learn how to assess vocational skills.
  • You will gain skills and knowledge for group-based interventions.
  • You will understand common scientific methods used in the field of psychology.

To apply for this program, you need to:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution and meet a GPA requirement of at least 3.0. You should have also completed the following prerequisite courses: General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Research Methods/Experimental Design or Statistics.
  • Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended.
  • Submit a personal statement.
  • Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae highlighting any relevant experience.
  • Provide three recommendation letters from individuals familiar with your academic or professional background.

Following the review of your application, you may be invited for an interview with a member of the M.A. Program Faculty. Furthermore, a limited number of Graduate Assistantship awards are available to outstanding students with financial needs, offering a tuition waiver and a stipend for working at the university.

Southern New Hampshire University

Online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Enroll in the 60-credit Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University to prepare yourself to meet the educational criteria needed for licensure in many states. The program is accredited by the CACREP through 2028.

This program emphasizes nurturing a “counselor identity” in you, encouraging you to perceive the role of a counselor as a fundamental aspect of who you are, rather than just a profession. It facilitates a secure environment for you to engage in self-reflection, helping you to understand your personality deeper and how to incorporate it into a counseling relationship. You will also be guided to recognize your strengths and areas for growth as a counselor.

The curriculum is structured around four central themes: fostering ethical reasoning, appreciating diversity, encouraging critical thinking, and merging theory with practice in clinical settings. You will be trained to use suitable counseling theories and strategies to build professional skills for client consultation, treatment, and intervention. Moreover, you will learn to identify and apply the right strategies for group counseling and work in various settings with diverse clients.

Some of the courses that you will take include:

  • Human Development
  • Career Counseling
  • Theories of Counseling
  • Diversity in Counseling
  • Assessment and Evaluation in Counseling
  • Diagnosis of Emotional and Mental Disorder
  • Substance Use Disorders and Process Addictions
  • Prevention and Intervention of Crisis and Trauma

An essential part of the program involves completing two residencies, each spanning five days. These residencies, which take place in New Hampshire or other specified locations, offer a vibrant platform for you to connect with peers and faculty through individual and small group sessions. Here, you will have the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained, under the expert supervision of skilled faculty members.

You will attend the first residency in your initial year and the second one before starting your practicum and internship courses. These residencies are integrated into a full 10-week course, with online instruction before and after to help you make the most of the in-person experience. The university arranges lodging and most meals, covered by a separate fee, and you can use financial aid to manage travel costs.

These residencies include two courses:

  • COU-540 Helping Skills and Techniques: Residency I, to be completed in the first year, focuses on the foundational skills and techniques in the counseling process, offering an intensive learning experience through a five-day in-person laboratory.
  • COU-690 Advanced Individual and Group Helping Skills and Techniques: Residency II, to be undertaken before the practicum, prepares you for the practicum experience, allowing you to demonstrate your competence in applying the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program in a group counseling setting.

You will also undertake a 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships during your time in the program. The university assists students in meeting any additional hours or coursework needed for licensure in certain states.

This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to embark on a rewarding career in clinical mental health counseling, fostering a deep understanding of the role and responsibilities of a counselor.

Requirements specific to this program include:

  • A personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A form acknowledging awareness of both the program requirements and the state licensure requirements applicable to you.

What Does it Take to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor in NJ?

After completing your master’s degree in counseling, you will need to apply for the LAC (Licensed Associate Counselor) credential through the New Jersey Professional Counselor Examiners Committee. After your application is approved, you can apply to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE). After obtaining your LAC credential, you will need to complete 4500 hours of supervised clinical practice hours to become fully licensed counselor (LPC) in NJ.

How Long Does it Take to Become an LPC in NJ?

You will need a minimum of 8-9 years of education and supervised experience to become an LPC in New Jersey. This period includes around four years to obtain a bachelor’s degree followed by about two years to finish a master’s degree in counseling. Following your education, you will obtain your LAC credential,  gain the supervised experience, which typically takes 2-3 years, and pass the NCE exam required for full LPC licensure in NJ.

How Much Does a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Make in New Jersey?

As of September 2023, the average annual salary for a licensed mental health counselor working in New Jersey is $78,845. More experienced and top earning licensed mental health counselors working in New Jersey make over $130,000 per year.

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