UMass Boston

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
• Graduate GPA of 3.25 or above (required for CAGS applicants only)
• One (1) year of related experience (including volunteer work) in education, human services, or a related field
• Two (2) letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Writing sample (optional)
• Resume
• Recommended test scores: MTEL (MEd applicants only)
• Other: interview may be requested

Deadlines: February 15 for summer

Applications are due by February 15. We recommend ensuring your application is complete by this date, including receipt of recommendation letters and transcripts, for the best chance of admittance.

Note: If you’re having difficulty completing or submitting any application requirements, contact csp.admissions@umb.edu before the application deadline to discuss potential submission extensions or exceptions.

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website.

Required Courses (60 Credits)

• COUNSL 601 - Research and Evaluation in Psychology 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 605 - Principles of Vocational, Educational, and Psychological Assessment 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 608 - Psychopathology and Diagnosis 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 614 - Counseling Theory and Practice I 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 617 - Child and Adolescent Counseling 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 620 - Life Span Human Development 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 630 - Orientation to Professional School Counseling 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 632 - Collaborative Consultation in Schools 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 633 - Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in School Counseling 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 635 - Behavioral Counseling 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 650 - Group Counseling for Children and Adolescents 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 653 - Sociocultural Considerations in Counseling 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 660 - College Readiness Counseling 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 661 - Career Development Facilitation and Training 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 665 - Trauma and Crisis Counseling 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 688 - Practicum 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 698 - Internship 6 Credit(s) - complete two semesters

Additional adjustment counseling courses:

• COUNSL 631 - Professional Orientation: Foundations of School and Community Mental Health Counseling 3 Credit(s)
• COUNSL 674 - Psychopharmacology for Counselors 3 Credit(s)

Note: The number and list of required courses for each student enrolled in the Counseling CAGS program is set after review of their graduate coursework.

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Counseling MEd

Complete 60 credits from 18 required courses.

Capstone:

• Complete a capstone project consisting of three components: (1) an accountability school counseling practice, (2) a solution-focused case study, and (3) a parent and/or teacher workshop or professional presentation
• Complete portfolio collection of Internship work samples is required to demonstrate skills and competencies in four areas: counseling, consultation, coordination, and curriculum.

Field experience: Complete 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship.
Exam: Prior to enrolling in the internship, students completing an internship and seeking licensure in Massachusetts must pass the Communication and Literacy Skills test (reading and writing subtests) of the Massachusetts Test of Educator Licensure (MTEL).

Minimum grade: No content-based courses with a grade below B- may be applied toward the program. No practicum and internship courses with a grade below B may be applied toward the program.
Residency: No more than six credits from another institution may be applied toward the program. Transfer courses must be approved by the graduate program director.
Statute of limitations: Six years.

Counseling MEd: Adjustment Counseling Concentration

Complete 66 credits from 20 required courses.

Capstone:

• Complete a capstone project consisting of three components: (1) an accountability school counseling practice, (2) a solution-focused case study, and (3) a parent and/or teacher workshop or professional presentation
• Complete a portfolio collection of Internship work samples is required to demonstrate skills and competencies in four areas: counseling, consultation, coordination, and curriculum.

Field experience: Complete 850 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship.
Exam: Prior to enrolling in the internship, students completing an internship and seeking licensure in Massachusetts must pass the Communication and Literacy Skills test (reading and writing subtests) of the Massachusetts Test of Educator Licensure (MTEL).

Minimum grade: No content-based courses with a grade below B- may be applied toward the program. No practicum and internship courses with a grade below B may be applied toward the program.
Residency: No more than six credits from another institution may be applied toward the program. Transfer courses must be approved by the graduate program director.
Statute of limitations: Six years

Counseling CAGS

Complete a minimum of 18 to 30 credits from accepted prior graduate coursework and additional courses determined by the graduate program director.

The program of study is individually designed, based on prior graduate coursework completed within seven years of matriculation in the CAGS program at the University of Massachusetts Boston. A minimum of 18 credits are required for graduates of a counseling program at UMass Boston; a minimum of 30 credits is required for graduates of all other counseling programs. To meet licensure requirements, more than 30 credits may be required.

Fieldwork: Complete a 100-hour practicum and 450 to 600-hour internship.

To be eligible for the CAGS, applicants must have completed their master’s degree coursework in counseling within the last 7 years.

Minimum grade: No content courses with a grade below B- and practicum/internship courses with a grade below B may be applied toward the program.
Statute of limitations: Six years.

Mental Health Counseling MS

• Counseling MEd/CAGS Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data
• Counseling MEd 2024-25 Enrollment, Retention, Graduation & Outcome data (ERGO)

Graduate Program Director Sharon Lamb
sharon.lamb@umb.edu

Counseling & School Psychology Graduate Programs
csp.admissions@umb.edu

SARA Compliance, Disclosure & Dispute Resolution

This program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, allowing you to become licensed as a school counselor in Massachusetts.

If you do not reside in Massachusetts, it is important to note that licensing is regulated by the states, and the requirements for licensure for school counselors varies considerably from state to state. Our curriculum and degree will not support your application for licensure in some states outside of Massachusetts. For more information about licensure requirements for each state, we strongly urge you to research the licensing regulations in your state. The American School Counselor Association provides state by state requirements available here: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/About-School-Counseling/Careers-in-School-Counseling/State-Requirements-Programs.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Admissions at csp.admissions@umb.edu or Program Director Dr. Sharon Lamb (sharon.lamb@umb.edu). For more disclosure information, please see https://www.umb.edu/academics/sara-compliance-and-dispute-resolution/.