College of Human Development, Culture, and Media
Seton Hall's Master of Arts in Counseling prepares students to promote optimal human development and empower clients to solve personal, interpersonal, career and other mental health problems, using a wellness model to diagnose, counsel and implement treatment for these clients.
This 48-credit counseling master's program is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking foundational courses for understanding individual and systems behavior. Throughout the duration of the program students will gain knowledge and skills in individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, prevention, consultation, lifespan development, career counseling, advocacy and multiculturalism.
Students can complete the program in two-and-a-half years. Those interested in pursuing professional licensure are required to complete the supplemental Ed.S. program which is comprised of an additional 12 credits of advanced-level practice and knowledge courses.
Accreditation & Awards
"We're not just training counselors; we're training people to be the best versions of themselves, performing outstanding work in their field."
Admissions Requirements
The M.A. in Counseling program accepts applications throughout the year on a rolling basis. Priority deadlines for scholarship consideration are May 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Online application and personal statement
- Résumé/CV
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation (academic/professional)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 recommended
Deadlines
Deadline to apply Rolling
Curriculum Overview
The 48-credit M.A. in Counseling provides the foundational coursework and clinical training required for students pursuing professional counseling roles and licensure.
Students will gain expertise in assessment, diagnosis, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, multicultural competence, and lifespan career development. The program includes two weekend residencies and a three-semester clinical component. Students complete 300 internship hours per semester, with supervision.
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48
Credits (M.A. only)
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60
Credits (With Ed.S.)
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3
Semesters of Clinical Training
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the M.A. in Counseling program are fully prepared to pursue professional licensure and begin impactful careers in the mental health field. Career paths include roles such as school counselor, clinical mental health counselor, behavioral specialist, crisis interventionist and case manager.
The program emphasizes individual and group counseling skills, multicultural competence, crisis prevention, and career development, providing a comprehensive approach to mental health support.
The curriculum is designed to meet the academic requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey and aligns with licensure standards in most other states. Graduates are encouraged to review their specific state requirements to ensure compliance and streamline their path to licensure.
With a strong emphasis on advocacy, prevention and early intervention, graduates are equipped to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and address a wide range of personal and interpersonal challenges.
The program also empowers students to engage in outreach, serve underrepresented populations, and advance mental health access and equity in their communities.
19%
Projected Career Growth by 2033 (bls.gov)
1:1
Academic & Career Advising
Our graduates make an impact at world-class institutions.
Our Faculty and Students
Professor Recognized for Distinguished Service
Professor Peggy Brady-Amoon received a Distinguished Service Award and was named a
Distinguished Fellow by the New York State Psychological Association.
Department of Professional Psychology and Family Therapy Sponsors Walk Team for Mental Health Awareness
Online Counseling Student Awarded APA Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance your graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.
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50%
Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the program meet licensure requirements?
Will I be certified to work in other states?
See all Graduate Admissions FAQs
Additional Resources
Post-M.A. School Counseling Certificate
Ed.S. Professional Counseling
Ed.S. Professional Counseling (Online)
College Homepage
Request More Information
Office of Graduate Affairs
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About Seton Hall
One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.
Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.
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1856
Founded by James Roosevelt Bayley
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14
Miles from New York City
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90+
Career-Building Graduate Programs
