Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS)

Yes, applicants who have paid the required non-refundable admissions deposit may defer their acceptance by one year.

Yes! The Pitt Counseling program consists of students from diverse academic majors who greatly contribute to the learning experience. You may also view the specific admission requirements on our Admissions page.

The program does not offer any scholarships specifically for international students, however the Nancy Oyler Scholarship is available to support a few counseling students each year.

Students would need to connect with someone in the University Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA) regarding loan options for international students.

Not at this time. The program is working closely with our alumni engagement team and have put out a request for interest and permission to connect prospective students with alumni.

The program does not offer any scholarships specifically for international students, however the Nancy Oyler Scholarship is available to support a few counseling students each year.

Students would need to connect with someone in the University Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (OAFA) regarding loan options for international students.

The program works closely with students to discuss employment opportunities or considerations as they seek post-graduation employment.

International graduates have not obtained OPT/H-1B toward permanent residency, as most employers are not able to provide visa sponsorship. The program’s CIP code is 51.1508 and it is not a STEM-designated code. Many of our alumni work for 12 months in the U.S. and then return to their country of origin.

The program does not help students in securing OPT for post-graduation employment.

It is usually not feasible. Most states dictate that the 2,000-3,000 post-master’s, supervised clinical practice must be completed over a minimum of two (2) years.

The program cannot speak on behalf of state licensing bodies. Students are encouraged to reach out directly to their state licensing board for more information.

The job rate is 100%, but again, most employers do not sponsor visas.

The program works closely with students to discuss employment opportunities or considerations as they seek post-graduation employment.

As with all counseling programs, becoming licensed is a three-step process:

1. Graduate from the program
2. Pass a certification exam
   • This varies by state—In Pennsylvania, graduates can take either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam (CRCE)
3. Additional supervised practice post-graduation is required for SHRS Counseling program graduates.

The program does not help students in securing OPT for post-graduation employment.

It is usually not feasible. Most states dictate that the 2,000-3,000 post-master’s, supervised clinical practice must be completed over a minimum of two (2) years.

While you won’t get as much specific training in addictions that you would in a substance abuse program, many students and alumni are currently working with this population. With our program being a general counseling program, you will have a course on substance abuse/addictions and can choose clinical placements that focus on working with that population. Several of our alumni have gone on to obtain additional Substance Abuse certifications such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC).

A general program can be a great option because you’ll get a substance abuse/addiction foundation, plus other training so that if you want to change your focus down the road, you’ll still have the foundational counseling knowledge and skills.

The program cannot speak on behalf of state licensing bodies. Students are encouraged to reach out directly to their state licensing board for more information.

The job rate is 100%, but again, most employers do not sponsor visas.

Not at this time. The program is working closely with our alumni engagement team and have put out a request for interest and permission to connect prospective students with alumni.

Yes, please see more information about counseling faculty’s research interests on the department research page.

From a research standpoint, not usually. Pitt’s program is an intensive clinical training program. Due to the rigorous nature of the program, there are limited opportunities for students to participate in research while they are enrolled. There is an available elective focused on working with children and families.

International graduates have not obtained OPT/H-1B toward permanent residency, as most employers are not able to provide visa sponsorship. The program’s CIP code is 51.1508 and it is not a STEM-designated code. Many of our alumni work for 12 months in the U.S. and then return to their country of origin.

Check out this answer shared in our newsroom.

This program prepares students to provide a wide range of counseling services and students have completed practicum and internship in school settings. However, the current curriculum does not contain the required CACREP standards for the school counseling specialization. 

While the program emphasizes training in evidence-based practice, which involves education in clinical research methods, there is no requirement to conduct research. Limited research opportunities are sometimes available by working on faculty members’ research projects or across the school.

Not at this time. The program is working closely with our alumni engagement team and have put out a request for interest and permission to connect prospective students with alumni.

The program  strongly discourages full-time students from working during the academic year. Some students work part-time during the program, particularly during their first year. During the second year, students complete their clinical internship while attending classes two days a week, making opportunities for work difficult.