This dual degree program allows you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness in as little as five years. Upon graduating, you will be eligible to apply for licensure as a practicing Mental Health and Wellness Counselor.
Degree Details
Official Degree Title
BS, Applied Psychology/MA, Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
Licensure or Certification
Format
Full-time
Credits
176
This dual degree program, open only to majors in Applied Psychology, enables you to complete your bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in counseling for mental health and wellness in only five years at a reduced tuition rate.
This accelerated program permits you to take graduate-level coursework as you progress to your senior year that satisfies both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The eight graduate courses you will take are billed as undergraduate tuition.
You will have the opportunity to study graduate-level counseling foundations on a wide variety of topics, including theory and process, ethical issues, and group dynamics, then apply your knowledge within the internship placement when you advance into the MA program in your fifth year.
As our student, you will have the opportunity to learn from world-class faculty within NYU Steinhardt.
You will begin taking graduate-level courses in counseling, research methods, group dynamics, and ethics while working toward your bachelor of science in applied psychology. Upon completion of your bachelor's degree, you will complete the remaining graduate courses and fulfill the requirements for the MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness.
Your master’s program of study will include remaining required counseling courses and an internship component, providing the opportunity for you to build professional relationships in the field and apply course concepts beyond the classroom.
Graduates of this accelerated dual degree program are qualified to pursue careers as practitioners in a range of clinical and educational settings including community agencies, mental health centers, hospitals, integrated behavioral health centers, substance abuse treatment centers and college counseling centers. Graduates are also qualified to continue on to a range of doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, and community psychology. Completion of doctoral training in these fields can then lead to careers in clinical, research, and academic settings.
Graduates are also eligible to apply for licensure as a practicing Mental Health and Wellness Counselor. After completing the required courses, graduates can seek New York State Licensure in Mental Health Counseling. The MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness is accredited by the Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) for the period of January 2015 through January 2025. Learn more about our MPCAC accreditation. Graduates meet the academic requirements for New York State licensure.
Program Benefits for International Students
If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in our program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT.
Student Testimonials
Jaiyue Mao
"I'm currently on the BS/MA track for mental health counseling. I'm planning to apply for graduate study in either clinical or counseling psychology. My future goal is to work with the marginalized groups and apply culturally appropriate interventions in clinical settings.
The way the program is designed has made the transition between the undergraduate program and graduate study very supportive and smooth. The dual program also offers me the opportunity to apply what I learned at the undergraduate level to the clinical setting."
Tina Vong
"The accelerated BS/MA track aligns with my academic and career goals, shortening the amount of time it would take to obtain a license. As an international student, this dual program is a valuable opportunity for me to establish myself in the United States. I'm also pursuing a minor in American Sign Language. I hope to work with individuals across linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
The accelerated BS/MA track has been extremely rewarding. The graduate-level courses allow me to apply theoretical frameworks to practice. I am learning a great deal about myself as an individual and as a counselor. With the support of the faculty and peers, I am steadily developing my professional identity in the counseling field."