Frequency Full-time, part-time
Location In-person
Completion Time 3 to 5 years
Credits 60
Application Deadline January 8, 2025
Start Term Fall

Application Details

Prerequisites to Apply

Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all previous undergraduate and graduate studies (including incomplete programs of study and for programs still in progress).

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Master of Science in Counseling
Application DeadlinesJanuary 8, 2025
Interview DatesAdmission to this master’s program requires a half-day interview. Applicants will be notified by the Counseling program if selected for an interview.
Application RequirementsOnline application form
$80.00 application fee
Resume/CV
Two letters of recommendation
EssayPlease upload your responses to the following prompts in an essay format adhering to these guidelines:
• 2-3 pages in length responding to all prompts
• Double-spaced
• Times New Roman font type
• 12-pt font size

Essay Prompts
1. Why would you like to become a Clinical Mental Health Counselor or School Counselor; what contribution would you like to make to the clinical mental health or school counseling profession?
2. What personal and professional experiences could support or hinder you in becoming an effective Clinical Mental Health or School Counselor?
3. Provide an example of a professional job experience that was challenged by your supervisor or a colleague. How did you respond, manage the challenge, and receive feedback from a different perspective?
4. Based on your social identity, how do you describe and experience social justice? An individual's social identity includes but is not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual or affectional orientation, age, religion/spirituality, disability/different ability, language, and political or sociopolitical affiliation. This makes social identity unique to each individual – no two individuals will have the exact same social identity. Opportunities and access to social power is, in part, available to people and groups due to social identity.

All responses should be included in one essay.
Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are subject to change for ensuing academic years and will be updated on the School of Education website accordingly.

Tuition and Fees Information

More Information

Phone
Office of Admissions
410-516-9797
Office of Admissions Toll-free
877-548-7631
Kyuanna Napper, Sr. Academic Program Coordinator
443-927-0147
Location
Johns Hopkins School of Education
5801 Smith Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21209
Suite M-500
Hours
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET

What to Expect

Program Outcome Data

For the 2021-2022 academic year, the Department of Counseling and Educational Studies had two master’s level concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Student outcome data including number of graduates for the past academic year, pass rates on credentialing examinations, completion rates, and job placement rates are below.

Degree/Specialty# of GraduatesCompletion RateLicensure of Certification Examination Pass RateCombined EmploymentAdmissions to Doctoral Programs
Master's Degree: All Tracks67100%
(N=34)
Unknown
MS: Clinical Mental Health Counseling6080%81%
(N=11)
MS: School Counseling757%100%
(N=3)

Programmatic Goals

  • Facilitate students’ mastery of requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions aligned with CACREP standards to deliver counseling services that embody social justice principles, advocacy, and multiculturalism and uphold the worth and human dignity of all clients from culturally diverse backgrounds.
  • Support and encourage students to incorporate a developmental approach to promote client wellness across the life span.
  • Facilitate students’ development of dispositions to serve as social justice advocates and leaders in the profession.
  • Cultivate a collaborative learning atmosphere that incorporates cutting-edge research and excellent didactic and experiential instruction.

Program Objectives

  • PO1 Graduates will demonstrate the skills and competencies to incorporate a developmental approach to promote student/client holistic well-being across the life span, inclusive of mental health, academic, social/emotional, cultural, and career goals. (CACREP F.3 Human Growth & Development, F.4 Career Development)
  • PO2 Graduates will demonstrate the skills and competencies to serve as advocates and leaders in educational and/or mental health settings that value social justice principles, multiculturalism, human dignity, and the worth of all clients from culturally diverse backgrounds (CACREP F.2 Social & Cultural Diversity; 5.G. School Counseling)
  • PO3 Graduates will demonstrate the skills and competencies to assess needs, develop goals, and counsel students/clients in educational and/or mental health settings from culturally diverse backgrounds. (CACREP F.5 Counseling & Helping Relationships; F.7 Assessment & Testing)
  • PO4 Graduates will demonstrate the skills and competencies that reflect the knowledge, roles, and functions of the school and/or mental health counselor. (CACREP 5.C. Clinical Mental Health Counseling; 5.G. School Counseling)
  • PO5 Graduates will demonstrate the skills and competencies to effectively facilitate group work with students/clients from diverse backgrounds in educational and mental health settings (CACREP F.6 Group Counseling & Group Work)
  • PO6 Graduates will demonstrate the skills and competencies to develop equitable data-driven school counseling programs that meet the unique needs of student populations in educational settings. (CACREP F.8 Research & Program Evaluation; 5.G. School Counseling)
  • PO7 Graduates will demonstrate the skills and competencies to develop, apply, and evaluate evidence-based practices that meet the developmental needs of students/clients from diverse backgrounds in educational and mental health settings. (CACREP F.8 Research and Program Evaluation; 5.G School Counseling; 5.C. Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
  • PO8 Graduates will demonstrate the skills and competencies to work ethically, legally, and professionally in educational and/or mental health settings (CACREP F.1. Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice)

What is the difference between an MSW and an MS in counseling?

Abstract illustration of two apples and graduation caps.

An MSW (Master of Social Work) and an MS (Master of Science) in counseling are both oriented towards helping people and communities, but with distinct approaches and career trajectories.

An MSW provides broad training in social work practice while an MS in counseling typically focuses on recognizing, understanding, and addressing psychological patterns, with an in-depth exploration of counseling theories and techniques. Both degrees can lead to myriad opportunities for transformative societal impact.

How much is a master's degree in counseling?

Abstract illustration of a piggy bank and a graduation cap.

The cost of a master's degree in counseling depends on a few factors.

The cost of a master's degree can vary depending on factors such as the institution, program duration, location, and whether your classes are online or on campus. On average, tuition for a master's degree in counseling ranges from $20,000 to $60,000, or more. At the Johns Hopkins School of Education, resources for financial aid, loans, scholarships, and other sources of funding are available to help you navigate your finances.

How long is a master's degree in counseling?

Abstract illustration of clock and books.

The duration of a master’s degree in counseling depends on a few factors.

The duration of a master's degree in counseling can vary depending on factors like the program structure, full-time or part-time enrollment, and any required internships or clinical hours. On average, a master's in counseling can be completed in about 2 to 3 years of full-time study.

How do I become a counselor in Maryland?

Abstract illustration of a watering can and a small tree.

To become a counselor in Maryland, there are a few things you should consider doing to reach your goals.

In order to become a counselor in Maryland, you will likely need to earn a bachelor's in counseling or a related field, earn a master's in counseling with supervised experience, pass required exams, and apply for licensure through the Maryland Department of Health.

International Applicants

International students interested in applying to a program at the Johns Hopkins School of Education must follow the same application process and submit the same general application materials as their peers, along with some additional requirements. Optional Practical Training (OPT) permits eligible F-l students to work in their field of study in the United States for 12 to 36 months after completing their program. Most students studying on F-l visas become eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after applying for off-campus work authorization in their final year of study. F-l students with a classified degree in STEM—science, technology, engineering, or math—may be eligible for a 24-month extension. Please visit JHU’s Office of International Services OPT Information Resources for more information.

International Student Admissions

Please visit the International Student Admissions webpage for additional application requirements or information.

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