Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a counselor?
To become a licensed professional counselor, you will need to meet your state’s educational and clinical training requirements. In Pennsylvania, a master’s degree and 3,000 hours of clinical experience are required to achieve licensure.
A degree like this MEd in Mental Health Counseling can provide you with the training and clinical experience you need to pursue licensure. Our online program is designed for:
- Professionals who are working toward becoming licensed professional counselors
- Individuals with personal or professional commitments who want to earn a counseling degree on a part-time, online schedule
- Career changers who want to make a difference in their community
Is a master’s in mental health counseling worth it?
As our world has grown increasingly complicated, the demand for knowledgeable, trained counselors has risen. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 18% growth in the employment of counselors by 2032, with particular demand for those specializing in substance abuse, behavioral disorders and general mental health.
A respected mental health counseling master’s degree can make an impactful difference in your career. Our MEd in Mental Health Counseling provides students with an advocacy mindset and helping skills that can be applied to a variety of mental health career paths. The top employment areas (as noted by Lightcast, an authority on labor market analytics) for professionals with a mental health counseling master’s degree include:
- Individual and family services
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- General government support
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Offices of mental health practitioners
- Elementary and secondary schools
Can I work while I complete the program?
Yes, our program was designed to be completed while you work. Learn about the logistics of our curriculum on our curriculum page.
Is this program accredited?
Yes. Lehigh University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Is the online MEd in Mental Health Counseling accredited by the Master in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)?
Lehigh University’s on-campus modality is accredited by MPCAC, but the online modality currently is not. However, the curriculum of the online modality is fully aligned with MPCAC requirements, reflecting our commitment to the highest standards in counseling education.
The online program must have a graduating class before it is eligible for accreditation (in addition to meeting other requirements). Once we have a graduating class, the College of Education may choose to pursue MPCAC accreditation. However, since this accreditation is not required for licensure, upholding MPCAC standards holds more significance than accreditation itself.
If Lehigh University’s online modality receives MPCAC accreditation in the future, will prior graduates be retroactively included?
It is not possible to grant retroactive accreditation. Keep in mind that no matter the accreditation status of Lehigh University’s online program at the time of your graduation, you will have received an education that adheres to MPCAC standards. This alignment with MPCAC is crucial to your future as a skilled professional.
Do I need MPCAC accreditation to apply for licensure?
MPCAC accreditation is not required for licensure in any state, including Pennsylvania. Upon completing this program, you will be qualified to pursue a career as a licensed counselor.
If you reside outside Pennsylvania, be sure to verify current licensing requirements with your state board.
Is the MEd in Mental Health Counseling accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)?
This program is not accredited by CACREP. In Pennsylvania, CACREP accreditation is not mandatory for licensure, so it is not a common feature for counseling degrees.
Do I need CACREP accreditation to apply for licensure?
No. Currently, in Pennsylvania, you do not need to graduate from an MPCAC-accredited program to pursue licensure. If you reside outside Pennsylvania, you should verify the requirements with your state board, as regulations vary and are subject to change.
Keep in mind that while some states have adopted CACREP requirements for licensure, most only request CACREP-equivalent credentials. Typically, graduation from a CACREP-accredited program is not necessary. Depending on the state, you may need to fulfill additional requirements for your degree to be considered equivalent.
How long does it take to earn my MEd in Mental Health Counseling?
The shortest amount of time in which students can earn their degree is three years, and most students complete the program in this time frame. The maximum completion time for this master’s program is six years.
When is the application deadline?
You can find the next application deadline and start date on our admission page.
Are GRE or GMAT scores required to apply?
No, neither GRE nor GMAT scores are required to apply to our program.
How much does this program cost?
You can find a full summary of our program’s tuition and fees on our tuition and financial aid page.
Do you offer financial aid?
Yes! Financial aid is available for all graduate students — regardless of whether they study part time or full time, online or on campus. Students are encouraged to request federal and state financial aid by completing their FAFSA.
Students who hold a Pennsylvania teaching certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education receive a 10% tuition discount. Lehigh University employees and their family members receive 100% tuition remission as taxable income.
Lehigh University is also a Yellow Ribbon Program participant. Learn more on our veterans education benefits page. For more information about funding in general, you can visit our tuition and financial aid page.
What is your FAFSA code?
Our FAFSA code is 03289.
To learn more about the online MEd in Mental Health Counseling at Lehigh University College of Education and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also talk one-on-one with an admissions coordinator directly by calling (866) 760-8978 (toll-free) or emailing us at edprograms@lehigh.edu.