Sacred Heart University

Programme overview

This dual degree sequence enables students to earn a bachelor’s degree and then progress directly into the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, completing the undergraduate phase in four years and the MA in two additional years. Admission into the graduate portion is guaranteed for dual degree candidates who continue to meet the program-specific progression criteria while enrolled as undergraduates. The program emphasizes prevention, resilience and holistic well-being and includes experiential components such as two two-week residencies and a clinical placement in a mental health counseling setting.

What you'll study

The curriculum prepares students to work with individuals experiencing significant life stress and a range of presenting problems. Course focus areas include prevention and resilience-building, assessment and intervention for issues like low self-esteem, job loss, depression, substance abuse, grief, anxiety, family violence, relationship problems and eating disorders, plus broader mental health–related challenges. Practical training is built into the program through residency weeks and supervised clinical placement.

Entry requirements

• Students must be admitted initially to the dual degree program as undergraduates and pursue an undergraduate major in psychology.
• To progress into the MA, students must submit official transcripts showing completion of the bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
• Students must complete a state-specific acknowledgment form during a discussion with Counselor Education faculty.
• Submission of a personal statement is required.
• Candidates meet with a CMHC Admissions Committee and must demonstrate potential for success in the graduate program.
• Two letters of attestation are required from SHU faculty who have taught the student or from an employer/supervisor addressing the student’s potential for success in the CMHC program.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for licensed clinical counseling pathways and to assist clients with a wide range of mental health concerns. Job titles cited for program graduates and related fields include licensed professional counselor, case manager and behavioral health specialist. The program materials note strong national demand for mental health counselors; the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors and many areas face mental health workforce shortages.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The dual degree structure can reduce overall cost compared with pursuing separate degrees, and undergraduates in the pathway have academic advising, faculty support and access to industry events and student clubs that help manage progression into the graduate program. Prospective applicants should consult undergraduate and graduate admissions for specific financial-aid and scholarship details.