SKIP TO PAGE CONTENT

School Counseling & Mental Health Counseling

SCHOOL COUNSELING AND
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE RIGHT ON CAMPUS

Qualify as a licensed mental health counselor in New York State with the CACREP-accredited Master of Arts (MA) in Mental Health Counseling. Quality for initial certification as a school counselor in New York State through our Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in School Counseling. You may also earn advanced certificates in Addiction and Substance Abuse, Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling.

Note for International Students: Mental Health Counseling (MA) is a STEM program. For international students, the STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field.  Students who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months) have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension. Student could file extension request to USCIS for additional two years OPT extension.

Program Highlights

Program Details

Visit the Hofstra campus or connect with the graduate admission team. We will answer your questions and put you in touch with program faculty or degree candidates to learn more. Contact us at graduateadmission@hofstra.edu, or call 516-463-4723.

To be considered for graduate programs in school counseling or mental health counseling at Hofstra University, you must have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (preferably with a major in psychology, the behavior sciences, and/or human services). Personal experience in counseling or growth-oriented processes are desired. The Adv. Cert. in Mental Health Counseling is designed for practicing school counselors who are master's prepared. The Adv. Cert in School Counseling is designed those who have obtained an MSED in School Counseling and wish to qualify for professional certification as a school counseling in New York State. The Adv. Cert. in Substance Abuse Counseling can be completed alongside select graduate programs or as a stand-alone program, post-baccalaureate or post-master's.

Start your application online where you can upload the required documents:

Mental Health Counseling, MA
Mental Health Counseling, Adv. Cert.
School Counselor, MSEd
School Counseling, Adv. Cert.
Addiction and Substance Abuse, Adv. Cert.

 

If you are a current Hofstra student interested in pursuing undergraduate/graduate joint programs please contact graduateadmission@hofstra.edu.

Visit the School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling program page to learn more.

International students: Please review additional admission requirements.*

*Students who require an F-I visa are able to apply for and enroll in the MA in Mental Health Counseling program, however, they will not be able to complete the mandatory 3,000 hours in the field post-graduation within the required 2-year time frame to receive licensure and practice within New York state. Skills learned within the program can be exercised within home countries and in other areas of the US.

The preferred application deadline for the fall semester is August 15 and for the spring semester is January 15. All others will be reviewed based on available space.

MA in Mental Health Counseling

Prepare for licensure as a mental health counselor in New York State with the 60-credit MA in Mental Health Counseling. This MA program is accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling

Accelerate your path to licensure with the 21-credit Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling. This is designed primarily for those who hold a master’s degree in counseling.

MSEd in School Counseling

The 48-credit MSEd in School Counseling is designed to provide students with the educational preparation to qualify for initial certification as a school counselor (K-12) in New York State.

Advanced Certificate in School Counseling

This 12-credit Advanced Certificate in School Counseling is intended for school counselors who wish to take coursework to qualify for the professional certification as a school counselor in New York State.

Advanced Certificate in Addiction and Substance Abuse

The Advanced Certificate in Addiction and Substance Abuse allows you to complete the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services' (OASAS) educational requirements for the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) designation.

Visit the program pages to learn more.

Faculty Profiles

Holly J. Seirup, PhD

Dr. Seirup has presented at numerous regional, national, and international conferences and has authored/coauthored articles on topics ranging from the impact of Hope on academic success, the transition from high school to college, mental health issues on the college campus, college persistence, and online pedagogy. She recently authored a book on Academic Success published by Kendall-Hunt.

Meet Dr. Seirup

Daniel Sciarra, PhD, LMHC, NCC

Dr. Daniel Sciarra, Professor in Hofstra University's Department of Counseling and Mental Health Professions, specializes in working with Latino children, adolescents, and families. He has written numerous articles, book chapters, and books on the subject of multicultural counseling.

Meet Dr. Sciarra
Holly J. Seirup, PhD
Daniel Sciarra, PhD, LMHC, NCC

Take the Next Step

How to Apply

Earn the professional recognition and personal achievement you seek with a graduate degree from Hofstra University. Whether you study online or on campus, full or part time, you will benefit from small class settings with nationally recognized faculty and a community of peers all contributing to a transformative learning experience. Questions? Call 516-463-4723 or email our graduate admission team at graduateadmission@hofstra.edu.