Jacksonville University Counseling Programs
Jacksonville University approved the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program in April 2015, and welcomed its first student cohort to the school in spring 2016. The program has grown steadily with its cohort model and hybrid instruction.
The School of Applied Health Sciences, part of the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences at Jacksonville University, offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Counseling. Students complete this full-time program in two years with 60 credit hours. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through October 2027.
The program’s excellence earned two prestigious recognitions: the 2024 Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Outstanding Master’s Counselor Education Program Award and the 2024 Innovation in Counseling: Counselor Education Community Engagement Award from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Students can attend classes once or twice weekly through flexible hybrid learning options. Jacksonville University added a daytime hybrid option with in-person coursework from 12:00–6:00 p.m. to complement the existing evening format. This setup helps students balance their work and personal lives while pursuing their education.
The program’s intensive 800-hour community-based clinical field experience prepares students for ground practice. It also meets Florida’s educational requirements for both Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) certifications.
Mental health counseling careers show promising growth, with employment projected to increase by 17% from 2024-2034 – this is a big deal as it means that the growth is faster than average for all occupations. Florida ranks fifth nationwide in counselor employment, with mental health professionals earning $63,780 on average annually.
What counseling programs does Jacksonville University offer?
Jacksonville University’s School of Applied Health Sciences provides several counseling education paths. The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS-CMHC) stands out as their flagship program. Students get hands-on training to become professional counselors who can work in a variety of mental health settings.
The MS-CMHC program uses a hybrid learning approach that blends self-paced and in-person classes. Students learn in cohorts, which builds strong connections with professors and classmates. This setup works great for professionals who are already working. Full-time students can complete the 60-credit-hour program in two years.
The program has a clinical mental health counseling specialization and lets you focus on Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling. This detailed approach helps you qualify for dual licensure if that’s your goal.
Jacksonville University offers additional programs:
- Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy – Learn advanced therapeutic techniques for working with children
- FL Licensure Non-Degree Seeking Program – Perfect for professionals who need specific courses to meet licensure requirements
- Individual Courses for Non-Degree Students – You can take classes like Human Sexuality, Counseling in Community Settings, and Addictions Counseling
The curriculum aligns with Florida’s Chapter 491 requirements for mental health counseling licensure through its well-laid-out coursework. Students learn counseling theories, human development, diagnosis, treatment approaches, and specialized topics over four semesters plus summer terms.
Students interested in family therapy can take specialized courses in Family Systems, Play Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Filial and Family Therapy through the Couples, Marriage and Family concentration. This path meets educational requirements for both LMHC and LMFT credentials in Florida.
The programs focus on academic excellence, ethical practice, and flexibility in today’s ever-changing mental health field. Students develop strong counseling knowledge, clinical skills, and professional qualities that are essential for successful practice.
Jacksonville University offers a student-centered approach to aspiring mental health counselors throughout their educational experience. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is needed for admission. Students with GPAs between 2.75 and 3.0 might receive conditional admission if they maintain a B average in their first semester.
The admission requirements include official transcripts, three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and a faculty interview. GRE scores aren’t mandatory, but international students must prove their English proficiency through TOEFL scores.
Accomplished faculty members with substantial clinical expertise will guide your academic experience. The program’s 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures you’ll receive individual attention and mentorship during your studies.
A well-laid-out curriculum builds your competencies step by step. Your first year covers foundational knowledge and skills. The second year focuses on clinical application and specialized practice. This progression helps you develop both theory understanding and practical skills.
The program goes beyond traditional classroom learning. Role-playing exercises, case conceptualizations, and group activities improve your clinical decision-making abilities. These hands-on experiences prepare you for real-life counseling scenarios before clinical placements begin.
Several financial support options are available. Qualified students can receive tuition remission and stipends through graduate assistantships. Notwithstanding that, full-time tuition runs about $925 per credit hour, plus university service fees.
Graduates show excellent results on professional examinations. The program boasts a 98% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination, showing the quality of preparation you’ll receive. Alumni have built successful careers in a variety of settings, from community mental health centers to private practices.
Internships/Practicum at Jacksonville University
Practical experience serves as the heart of Jacksonville University’s counseling programs. Students complete a rigorous 800-hour community-based clinical field experience over three sequential semesters.
Students start their clinical trip with the Practicum (MHC 603). This initial phase requires 100 hours over 15 weeks, with at least 40 clock hours in direct client contact. The next phases, Internship I and II (MHC 606 & 609), just need 600 additional hours in community counseling settings. Students must complete at least 240 hours of direct individual, group, or family counseling throughout this experience.
Jacksonville University’s mandatory Practicum/Internship Fair happens every spring semester. Site representatives come together to discuss their settings, clientele, and supervision approaches. Students should secure their placement before the semester begins. The site selection depends on several factors: preferred clientele population, agency’s environment, service focus, and desired supervision level.
Students receive detailed supervision through weekly individual guidance from site supervisors and university faculty. Marriage and family therapy can become the focus during at least one internship semester for students seeking dual licensure.
The Student Counseling Center offers one placement option. Students can earn a stipend of up to $10,000 for a full-year experience while helping approximately 4,000 JU students. These practical experiences help students apply their classroom knowledge in ground settings.
What sets JU apart?
Jacksonville University’s counseling programs have earned CACREP accreditation through October 2027. This recognition will give students high-quality education that meets national standards.
The program has achieved significant honors. It received the 2024 Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Outstanding Master’s Counselor Education Program Award. The National Board for Certified Counselors also awarded it the 2024 Innovation in Counseling: Counselor Education Community Engagement Award. These achievements showcase the program’s excellence and its welcome breakthroughs.
The dual licensure pathway sets this program apart. Students can qualify for both Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credentials in Florida without extra courses. This opportunity lets graduates pursue both career paths at once.
The program shines with its specialized curriculum, especially when you have an interest in marriage and family counseling. Students gain deeper expertise beyond standard mental health counseling training.
Flexible learning options make the program accessible. Students can choose between evening and daytime hybrid formats. This setup helps balance work, life, and education effectively.
The career outlook adds more value. Mental health counseling jobs should grow 22% from 2018-2028, outpacing other occupations. Jacksonville University equips students for a thriving profession that people just need.
Next steps
Are you ready to take the next step toward becoming a mental health counselor? The application process for Jacksonville University’s counseling programs requires understanding deadlines and requirements.
The Fall cohort applications must reach the school by February 15. Applications open several months earlier to give you enough time to prepare the materials you need.
After deciding to apply, you will need these documents:
- Completed JU application
- Unofficial transcripts from all degrees conferred
- Statement of intent
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Three letters of recommendation
Students with a GPA below 3.0 might need to submit GRE or GMAT scores. You can submit your complete application through the Graduate Applications portal.
The program needs official transcripts from each college or university you attended. This includes courses that resulted in withdrawal or transfer.
If you’d like to learn more about the program you can watch a previous virtual information session. Faculty members explain the program details and admission process thoroughly.