The online Master of Science in Counseling program at Albizu University specializes in developing culturally and clinically competent mental health professionals who will provide effective services to help clients improve their quality of life and serve diverse communities.
The M.S. in Counseling is an online, graduate-level degree program at Albizu University-Miami, requiring 60 credit hours. The program offers a Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization. All program coursework is online and asynchronous, except for pre-practice, practicum, and internship, which meet online and synchronously. The degree typically takes full-time students two to three years to complete.
The M.S. in Counseling program aligns with CACREP counselor preparation standards and will submit its first self-study for accreditation in 2026.
Mission
Our mission is to prepare professional counselors and behavioral health specialists with a global perspective and vision to effectively facilitate wellness and improved quality of life in partnership with all individuals, families, and communities.
Program Objectives
Program objectives are designed to train individuals to be competent clinicians as follows:
- Articulate relevant counseling theories and apply research to professional practice.
- Demonstrate clinical skills and techniques, such as assessment, consultation, cultural competency, and advocacy.
- Apply therapeutic interventions that are flexible and responsive to the cultural, social, and personal contexts of individuals, couples, and families in public and private settings to ensure effective, client-centered care.
Available in the following locations:
OnlineProgram Details & Credits:
Master of Science in Counseling - Online
Specializations
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 60 credits
Academic Level
Master's Degree
Duration
2.5 - 3 years
Request Information
Program Director:
Ariel K. Hernandez, PhD., QS, LMHC, NCC
[email protected]
Albizu University
(305) 593-1223 Ext. 3250
Online
Katrina R. Miller, Ed.D., NCC, CRC, BC-TMH, LPC
Professor & Accreditation Program Manager
[email protected]
Albizu University
Online
Ashley Cooper-Leonhart, PhD., QS, LMHC, NCC
Associate Professor & Field Experience Coordinator
[email protected]
Albizu University
Online
DEI Statement
The Master of Science in Counseling program promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe this culture should extend to the faculty employed, the students we support, and the future clients they will serve. We are committed to lead with informed, respectful, and empathetic practices to provide a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment for our students and faculty.
Program Highlights
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- Meeting the needs of adult learners with flexible and convenient course schedules.
- Save time and money while receiving high quality reputable education.
- Receive specialized training to promote career advancement and career change opportunities.
- Smaller virtual class sizes and student-faculty ratio to enhance learning by creating learning environments where students will be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and hone their skills to meet the needs of a diverse clientele upon graduation.
- Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for different licenses and certifications in the state of Florida.
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In Focus
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- Courses for the Master of Science in Counseling are conveniently available online with synchronous and asynchronous components.
- The faculty members are active clinical professionals in their respective specialties who bring experiential learning into the classroom with practical application in theories, skills, techniques, research, and practice in their fields.
- The MS program's extensive practicum placement network offers an ample choice of sites within the country to meet the needs of our national student population, including community mental health agencies, hospitals, treatment facilities, and schools.
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Professional Licensing Disclosure
As per CFR 668.14(b)(32)(ii), Albizu University publicly discloses whether its programs meet educational requirements for state licensure in counseling. This compliance is monitored by the University’s Compliance Office to ensure that applicants are duly informed.
The Online M.S. in Mental Health Counseling program is currently aligned with CACREP standards and the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family, and Mental Health Counseling educational requirements, specifically for a 60-credit-hour degree. While the program is not yet CACREP-accredited, we are actively seeking accreditation, expected within 18 months of our first graduating class, which is set for Summer 2026. Upon accreditation, students from our first graduating class will be considered as graduates of a CACREP-accredited program, eligible to apply for a license in Florida. There are other requirements for counselor licensing; all licensure decisions are made by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family, & Mental Health Counseling.
Albizu University provides resources and guidance to assist students in identifying and fulfilling licensure requirements for states outside Florida. Faculty are available to support students with planning to meet additional educational or experiential requirements specific to their home states or territories.
Choosing the right university matters.
The Counseling program is committed to the recruitment of diverse individuals to support cultural competence and representation of diverse practitioners in the profession of counseling. All qualified applicants receive equal consideration for admission, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex or sex assigned at birth, gender or gender identity, familial or parental status, marital status, sexual orientation, religious or non-religious beliefs, age, military or veteran status, and/or socioeconomic status. We enthusiastically invite individuals who are BIPOC, LGBTQA+, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
Admission Requirements:
The minimum requirements for admission to the Online Master of Science in Counseling with specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Albizu University are:
1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or an institution of higher education outside the United States whose standards of training are substantially equivalent to the standards of training in the United States.
2. A minimum cumulative bachelor’s degree grade point average of (GPA) of 3.0.
3. Official transcripts from all colleges, universities, or post-secondary educational institutions.
4. Three letters of recommendation from professors.
5. A current resume or curriculum vitae.
6. A Statement of Purpose which provides a clear indication of the applicant’s interest in the field, short and long term career goals, and how the applicant expects Albizu University to contribute to such goals. The statement should be double-spaced, typed, in Times New Roman or Arial 12-point font, and be one page in length.
7. A completed and signed application form and the admission fee submitted by the established deadline.
8. International students applying for admission must submit their academic records to the appropriate agencies for verification of their equivalency to coursework offered in the United States. International students must comply with INS regulations and the procedures established under the International Students section of the Albizu University Academic Catalog.
Albizu University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and licensed by the Commission for Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education.
Minimum Degree Requirements:
The University has established the following requisites, which must be completed before the Master’s Degree is awarded:
1. A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
2. No more than 2 (two) standing grades of “C” in the major concentration area.
3. Satisfactory completion of all required academic courses.
4. Satisfactory completion of the required hours of practicum, if applicable.
5. Good standing in the Program, i.e., no disciplinary action pending or academic or practicum probation.
Tuition and fees for the Online M.S. in Counseling program are adjusted periodically, and can be found on page 269 of the current university catalog at this link: https://www.albizu.edu/wpcontent/uploads/dlm_uploads/2024/05/Albizu-University-Miami-Campus-2024-lite.pdf
For information about financial aid, grants, and scholarships, please click this link:
https://www.albizu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/
Qualifying students with disabilities are eligible for accommodations. For information about services and accommodations, please click this link: https://www.albizu.edu/miami/student-services/#disabilities
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