MA in Forensic Mental Health Counseling

Developed within the Department of Psychology, the Forensic Mental Health Counseling program is a "license eligible" academic program that satisfies the state's educational requirements for professional licensure as a mental health counselor. The program is approved by New York State, where upon completion, students are eligible to obtain their limited permit, leading to licensure as a mental health counselor with a specialization in forensics. Students learn to work with diverse populations within forensic clinical settings.

Within the program, students develop skills in interviewing, assessment and counseling, based upon established theories, principles and research in human development, personality, psychopathology, and counseling. Students are uniquely prepared to work towards licensure as counselors in settings including but not limited to victim services, correctional facilities, juvenile detention centers, probation and parole agencies, and social service agencies. The program places a strong emphasis on intersections among race, class, gender, ethnicity and sexuality with an aim towards developing multicultural awareness. The program requires clinical fieldwork and offers research opportunities for those students interested in pursuing doctoral education.

Please note: Students whose goals do not require licensure—such as those planning to pursue doctoral study (e.g., in psychology or law), careers in research, threat assessment, or direct service roles outside of clinical practice—may wish to explore the Forensic Psychology MA Program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Forensic Mental Health Counseling MA program

For specific questions regarding advisement, please see the Graduate Psychology Advisement page