Counseling Programs at University of North Florida
UNF offers two CACREP-accredited counseling programs that prepare professionals for distinct career paths in counseling.
The Silverfield College of Education and Human Services offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education with a focus on School Counseling. This program gives future school counselors the skills they need to support K-12 students. Students learn to boost academic achievements, career readiness, and social-emotional wellbeing in children. The 60-credit-hour curriculum helps students become skilled at counseling theories, ethical practices, crisis intervention strategies, and consultation techniques.
The Brooks College of Health’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) program helps students qualify as Mental Health Counselors in Florida. Students complete 60 credit hours of coursework with detailed clinical training. The program creates culturally competent, community-involved, and ethical counselors who use evidence-based practices.
Both programs combine strong academics with real-world supervised field work. School counseling students complete 700 hours of supervised field experience in schools. Clinical mental health counseling students need 900 hours of field-based work before they graduate. This hands-on experience ensures graduates have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Students in both programs work in cohorts that promote peer support and professional networking throughout their learning experience. These shared connections often last beyond graduation and into professional careers.
These programs stand out because of their steadfast dedication to professional standards and ethical practice. The School Counseling program lines up with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. Both programs meet Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. These accreditations ensure graduates meet licensure requirements and professional expectations.
UNF’s counseling programs focus on building advocacy skills, leadership abilities, and cultural competence. Graduates are ready not only for their original certification or licensure but also become leaders who build supportive, healthy communities through their counseling expertise.
UNF’s Counseling Center supports students with individual counseling, group counseling, and psychiatric consultation to boost their educational experience.
What counseling programs does University of North Florida offer?
UNF offers two main counseling programs that set students on different professional paths. Each program has unique requirements and structures that align with professional standards.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) program requires 60 credit hours and uses a cohort model. Students take all courses together over two years. This CACREP-accredited program combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical training. Students complete 1,000 hours of field-based experience during their studies. The first year builds theoretical foundations, while second-year students spend about 20 hours each week at field sites working with real clients.
The program has added a thesis option for students who plan to pursue doctoral studies. You can boost your expertise through two certificate options:
- Animal-Assisted Therapy
- Mental Health Sexology
The program accepts 24 students each fall, with plans to grow to 30 students. Graduates can apply to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) in Florida.
The School Counseling (M.Ed.) program prepares counselors specifically for K-12 educational settings. The 60-credit-hour curriculum has:
- Core educational foundations (6 credits)
- Major requirements (48 credits)
- Prerequisites for Florida certification (6 credits)
Students complete 700 hours of supervised field experience in school settings. The curriculum helps them become skilled at group counseling, crisis management, college/career readiness, and consultation.
Both programs show strong results. The mental health counseling program awarded 49 master’s degrees in 2022, ranking as the 59th most popular program nationally.
Getting into these programs is competitive. Applications for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program open in early September with a March 1st deadline. The program holds a full-day interview process in mid-to-late April, and students learn about admission decisions by early May.
UNF now has an Express Application option that’s a great way to get qualified students into graduate programs. Students with bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Sociology, or Public Health can apply without GRE scores, application fees, or one recommendation letter.
Internships/Practicum at UNF
Clinical training serves as the heart of counseling programs at University of North Florida. Each program requires substantial field experience. Students apply their theoretical knowledge through structured practicum and internship programs in ground settings.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling students must complete 1,000 hours of field-based experience. The first year requires 100 hours of Professional Identity Development, which involves volunteer work in mental health settings. Students spend their second year fulfilling 800 hours at community partner sites, and they dedicate 320 hours to direct counseling services. These placements happen at more than 30 community partners of all types, from private practices to non-profits, hospitals, and schools.
School Counseling students must complete 700 hours of supervised field experience in educational settings. This hands-on training develops practical skills they need for licensure and professional practice.
UNF’s Counseling Center offers multiple professional training programs. The Doctoral Internship in Psychology program is a 12-month, full-time APA-accredited program. Psychology interns provide about 16 hours of clinical services weekly. They learn through individual counseling, group therapy, emergency coverage, and psychological assessment.
Doctoral interns receive competitive pay—either $31,740 yearly with free on-campus housing (a private one-bedroom apartment) or $36,806 without housing. Their work focuses on direct clinical practice through individual counseling (10-11 clients weekly), group therapy, original assessments, and emergency coverage.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling internship at the Counseling Center runs through three semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Interns work 15-25 hours weekly based on the semester. Licensed professionals provide weekly individual supervision throughout the internship.
The Counseling Center’s multidisciplinary environment exposes interns to mental health professionals of all types, including counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatric providers. This collaborative setting prepares students for their future careers.
What sets University of North Florida apart?
Students looking at mental health counseling programs in Florida should weigh each program’s unique features carefully. UNF emerges as a top choice for several reasons.
UNF’s counseling programs prioritize student accessibility through a well-planned evening schedule. Students attend classes from 6:00-8:45pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. Wednesday sessions take place on campus while Monday classes happen online in real-time. This setup works great for professionals who want to advance their careers while keeping their day jobs.
The program’s reputation speaks for itself. UNF ranks as Florida’s #3 most popular mental health counseling program. The university’s undergraduate student loan default rate sits at just 3.4%, well below the national average of 10.1%.
Graduate demographics show a rich mix of backgrounds in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Women made up 86% of graduates while men represented 14% during the 2020-2021 academic year. The ethnic makeup included 64% white students, with strong representation from Black or African American (18%) and Hispanic or Latino students (14%).
UNF’s campus adds another dimension to student life. The 1,300-acre grounds include beautiful nature preserves and walking trails. Students can easily reach Jacksonville’s beaches and outdoor activities, creating an ideal environment that balances academic and personal growth.
The program evolves constantly based on graduate input and new technology. Students receive training that helps them become leaders in their practice settings. These strengths combined with unique program features make UNF an excellent choice for future mental health counselors.
Next steps
The University of North Florida is a perfect fit for future counseling professionals who want quality education with hands-on experience. Their counseling programs blend theory with extensive practical training to prepare you for professional practice. Students in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs become skilled practitioners ready to make an impact in schools and community mental health centers.
Busy professionals will appreciate the flexible schedule with evening classes and hybrid learning options that help balance work and studies. The cohort model creates lasting professional relationships that extend well beyond graduation and builds a supportive network throughout your career.
These programs stand out with their professional accreditation, field experiences, and industry-standard curriculum. You’ll get 700-900 hours of supervised practical training that gives you ground experience – something employers really value. This makes you more competitive when you enter the job market.
A diverse student community enriches classroom discussions and helps you work better with clients from different backgrounds. The beautiful 1,300-acre campus and Jacksonville’s recreational spots create a perfect setting for academic and personal growth.
UNF counseling graduates are set up for success. The program ranks as Florida’s third most popular mental health counseling program. A low student loan default rate shows the program’s worth and strong career prospects.
Building a career as a licensed school counselor or mental health professional starts with the right educational foundation. UNF’s counseling programs provide this through academic excellence, hands-on training, and professional networking. The supportive learning environment helps you become an effective, ethical counseling professional ready to serve communities of all types.