Curriculum
CACREP-Aligned Curriculum
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to meet the standards set forth by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). While the programs are not currently accredited by CACREP, all courses are fully aligned with CACREP standards, and the University is actively pursuing accreditation.
The Master of Science in Counseling degree at Elon University is awarded to candidates who successfully complete a minimum of 60 semester hours in the clinical mental health counseling program of study. The curriculum is built around a common core of courses that provide foundational knowledge in eight key areas:
- Professional Counseling Orientation & Ethical Practice
- Social & Cultural Identities and Experiences
- Lifespan Development
- Career Development
- Social and Cultural Foundations
- Counseling Practice & Relationships
- Group Counseling & Group Work
- Assessment & Diagnostic Processes
- Research & Program Evaluation
In addition to academic coursework, the program includes clinical instruction through practicum and internship experiences, allowing students to integrate classroom learning with professional counseling practice.
Students select a specialty area in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, where they complete advanced coursework and field experiences to achieve at least entry-level competence in professional counseling practice.
Courses
Year 1: On Campus (Charlotte or Elon)
Fall
- COU 5000 – Intro to Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3 sh)
- COU 5100 – Professional Identity, Legal and Ethical Issues (3 sh)
- COU 5200 – Counseling Theories and Techniques I (3 sh)
- COU 5300 – Human Development Across the Lifespan (3 sh)
Spring
- COU 5400 – Multicultural Counseling for Advocacy and Equity (3 sh)
- COU 5500 – Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (3 sh)
- COU 5600 – Group Counseling: Process and Practice (4 sh)
- COU 5700 – Research and Program Evaluation (3 sh)
Summer I
- COU 5800 – Special Topics in Counseling ( 3 sh) optional
- COU 6000 – Intro to Substance Use and Addictions Counseling (3 sh) *
- COU 6100 – Addiction Assessment & Treatment Planning (3 sh) *
Summer II
- COU 6200 – Addiction Counseling for Individuals, Families, & Groups (3 sh)*
- COU 6300 – Crisis and Trauma Counseling (3 sh)
Year 2: Online
Fall
- COU 6400 – Counseling Theories and Techniques II (3 sh)
- COU 6500 – Career Counseling and Development (3 sh)
- COU 6600 – Psychological and Educational Assessment (3 sh)
- COU 7000 – Practicum in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (3 sh)
Spring
- COU 7100 – Clinical Mental Health Internship I (8 sh / 600 hrs)
- COU 6800 – Special Topics in Addictions, Treatment, and Recovery (3 sh) *
- COU 7099 – Counseling Capstone (3 sh) optional
*Courses for the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Credential (LCAS/Criteria C).
**The Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist credential requires a minimum of 300 hours of internship providing addictions counseling services (180 hours direct client contact) with a minimum of 30 hours of supervision by a CCS or CSI.