Studying mental health counseling offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on individuals’ well-being, providing them with the support and guidance they need to navigate life’s challenges and achieve emotional and psychological balance. Become a part of our established and respected program at Oswego’s Syracuse Campus and set the stage for an exciting career as a mental health counselor. With intimate class sizes and direct interaction with our esteemed faculty, you’ll be well-prepared to advance your professional growth within the diverse field of mental health counseling.
Quick Facts
Application Deadline February 1
You Can Start Summer & Fall
Delivery Option(s) Main Campus, Syracuse Campus
Cost Per Credit Hour $471
Credit Hours 60
Estimated Completion Time 2 Years
Overview
Our program, accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), equips students with essential skills in active listening, problem-solving, treatment planning and case consultation, setting the foundation for a thriving career in the field of counseling. With a comprehensive curriculum comprising 60 credits, this program not only facilitates networking with local industry leaders for future prospects but also immerses you in the practical application of skills, theories and ethical principles vital to the field.
Curriculum
Master of ScienceStudy in your backyard.
Studying in person at the Syracuse campus, located close to home, offers students the advantage of a familiar setting while still benefiting from a thriving academic community and modern facilities.
Outcomes
Graduates will be well-equipped to embark on careers as licensed, professional mental health counselors, with the ability to serve in diverse settings. Our mental health counseling program aligns with the state’s educational prerequisites for professional licensure and ensures that students are adequately prepared to successfully take the licensing exam. Additionally, for those aspiring to become Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors, the program offers the option to pursue supplementary coursework in preparation for the New York state exam.
Career Opportunities
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- Mental Health Professional
- NYS credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)
The Mental Health Counseling program at SUNY Oswego provided me with the necessary training to work in a field that I am passionate about.
Program Resources
Information Sessions
Learn about our graduate programs through our information sessions today!
Professor Jason Duffy discusses Oswego's mental health counseling program on Bridge Street, which focuses on practical experience. Top earners yield $100K+ and an average salary of approximately $70K.
Available On-Campus
Oswego's mental health counseling program is also available in person, providing an opportunity for collaboration and hands-on learning experiences.
CACREP Accredited
Research shows CACREP graduates perform better on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE).
Diversity Graduate Fellowship Program
Prospective students may be eligible for an award which includes an annual stipend, in addition to fully-paid tuition for full-time study.
More than 120 Graduate Assistantships Offered
Assistantships provide an opportunity to gain experience through professional work on campus.
$500,000
in total awards given every year to our graduate students
The Power of SUNY Tuition
Achieving your long-term career goals shouldn’t come at the expense of your immediate financial security. Oswego offers low tuition compared to many private colleges. Never sacrificing quality for affordability, our graduate students are receiving a nationally accredited program that will translate into effective knowledge and opportunities.
Application Requirements
A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better is required for applicants. If you have questions regarding your GPA, please speak to the department advisor for further information.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional for admission into the program. Applicants have the option to submit a test score as part of their application package.
As a prospective student, you will meet with faculty to assess your skills and goals for attending the program. Email confirmation regarding interviews with a time and date will be sent out two to four weeks after submission deadline.
In 500 words or less, describe your personal achievements relating to your academic interests, and detail your educational and professional objectives with reasoning for applying to SUNY Oswego. This statement will help the review team better understand and evaluate your application.
Include a professional resume or curriculum vitae that includes your academic history, professional background and any accomplishments of note. This document should provide details that support your admittance to the program.
Indicate two names with valid email addresses. We will send an email request directly to the references on your behalf. These references should be able to speak to your character, work ethic and abilities.
Prospective students are charged a non-refundable $65 fee for processing the application.
Important: All international transcripts must be verified through a World Education Services (WES) credit evaluation as part of your application.
English Language Proficiency: Submit official TOEFL (79 overall, MBA 83) or IELTS (6.5) scores, unless exempt.
Visa and I-20 Documentation: After acceptance, upload your financial documents and passport copy to receive your Form I-20 for your visa application.
For more details, please visit Application Requirements for International Graduate Students.
All academic programs offered by SUNY Oswego that lead to a state license or certification in a particular profession have been designed to meet state licensing requirements in the state of New York. Our programs are not designed to meet licensure requirements in other states. If you plan to pursue a license in a particular profession in a state other than New York after you graduate, it is your responsibility to determine whether our curriculum will meet the requirements in the state where you plan to live and work. For questions about licensure disclosure, please contact SUNY Oswego's Provost Office.
Phone: 315-312-2290
Email: provost@oswego.edu.