Frequently Asked Questions

 

When is the application deadline for this program?

Students begin the program in the Fall semester. The admissions deadline for the program is February 15th.  

Do I need to have a specific undergraduate major?

No, there is not a requirement to have a specific undergraduate major, however all candidates must have obtained their undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Is the GRE required for admissions?

Entrance into the CMHC program requires a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. Applicants with a GPA meeting that minimum are not required to take the GRE. However, applicants whose GPA is less than 3.0 are required to submit their official GRE scores reflecting a combined score of a minimum of 290 on the GRE exam.

Is this a full-time program, and can I work full-time while enrolled?

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a full-time program, spanning the course of two years. The format of the program is hybrid (half of the coursework occurs online), allowing those who work full-time to continue to do so while enrolled in the program. Although many of our students do work full-time while enrolled, it is expected that students attend classes held during the work week.

Is there a requirement for an internship and clinical experience?

Yes, in the second year of the program students complete a practicum and internship at a clinical site. Although it is ultimately the student鈥檚 responsibility to secure a placement, faculty advisors help students to pick appropriate pre-approved clinical sites, and there is an annual internship fair held each year for students to become familiar with clinical opportunities.

What kind of internship opportunities are available?

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty pre-approves all sites available for student interns. Internships can occur at a wide range of placements including college counseling centers, community mental health agencies, hospitals, urban outreach facilities, and substance abuse treatment centers, and can include work with multiple populations.

Once I finish my degree will I be licensed as a mental health counselor or marriage and family therapist?

No, each state has unique licensing requirements. Upon graduation you will be 鈥渓icense eligible鈥 in Florida but will still need to complete a two year 鈥淩egistered Intern鈥 period, which has to be supervised by a board-approved Qualified Supervisor of Licensed Mental Health Counselor and/or Marriage and Family Therapist depending on the licensure you are seeking. Please see  for Florida licensing guidelines.

What kind of job opportunities are there for graduates of this program?

Most graduates find employment in a variety of settings including inpatient facilities, schools, private practices, substance abuse treatment facilities, domestic violence shelters, or other community agencies. However, obtaining this degree would also provide opportunities for consulting, supervising, and research in the field of mental health.

Are there scholarships or financial aid available?

Yes, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for specific scholarship and aid opportunities.

Do you have to write a thesis or complete an exam to graduate?

There is no requirement to write a thesis, however over the course of the program you will be required to take a comprehensive exam as part of the curriculum, which assesses your knowledge of the eight core curricula areas outlined by CACREP. You are also encouraged to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) which is required for Florida licensure.

I am interested in taking one or two courses in this program as a non-degree seeking student (i.e. courses for Florida licensure) and not being admitted as a full-time student, is this possible?

If you are interested in taking classes as a non-degree seeking student, please contact Graduate Admissions (graduateadmissions@ju.edu) regarding specific questions and enrollment requirements.

How many students are admitted to the program?

The program will admit up to 24 qualified candidates per year in both Jacksonville and Palm Coast.

Is there a difference between the program offered in Jacksonville and the program offered in Palm Coast? 

The same curriculum is offered for students in both Jacksonville and Palm Coast. All faculty, regardless of site, have graduated from CACREP accredited programs and are considered core faculty at both sites. Students  take classes 1-2 days per week from 3:00-8:45pm. Both sites require the 800-hour clinical practicum/internship in the second year of the program, and both sites are full-time, cohort model, two-year 60-credit hour programs offered in a hybid format. To learn more about the Palm Coast location, please visit: /palmcoast/index.php 

How does the cost of the 91大神猫先生千人斩 Clinical Mental Health Counseling program compare to other state and regional counseling programs?

The two-year CMHC program at 91大神猫先生千人斩 is comparable in price to both state and private institutions offering the same degree.

What are the differences between Social Work and Mental Health Counseling?

View a comparative analysis of the differences between Mental Health Counseling and Social Work.