College of Social and Behavioral Health:

College of Social and Behavioral Health

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Other Undergraduate Options

Master’s Degree Programs

Doctoral Degree Programs

Master's Degree Programs

Doctoral Degree Programs

Programs Not Currently Accepting New Students

Walden’s Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.  An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

The Walden University Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as licensed social workers in states that offer licensure at the bachelor’s level. However, each state board responsible for the regulation of social work has its own requirements for licensure, including appropriate accreditation of academic programs.

Walden’s Bachelor of Social Work has received accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. Accreditation by the CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it has met all criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. A program that has attained accreditation status has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the compliance standards set by the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.

• 182 total quarter credits (including 45 credits completed at Walden)
• General education courses (51 credits)
• Core courses (60 credits)
• Elective courses (50 credits)
• Field Experience courses (20 credits)
• Social Work Skills Lab Course (1 credits)

General Education (51 credits)

See the General Education section of this Walden University Catalog.

Core Courses (60 credits)

The following courses are required as part of Bachelor of Social Work core:

Elective Courses (50 credits)

Students are to select 10 additional courses to fulfill the elective requirement. Students may choose courses from either General Education courses or courses from any of Walden’s bachelor’s degree programs. These 50 credits of electives are in addition to the 9-credit general education electives.

Field Experience (20 credits)

Social Work Skills Lab (1 credits)

 Complete Social Work Skills Lab after you have completed SOCW 3004 and SOCW 4003. SOCW 4004 is recommended before Skills Lab; however, it can be taken concurrently with Skills Lab. This lab includes online course content integrated with a 3-day, face-to-face or virtual synchronous requirement: 3 weeks online; 3 days face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions; 2 weeks online.

Walden University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.  An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. 

The Walden University Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as licensed social workers in many states. However, the requirements for licensure as a social worker vary greatly from state to state. Each state board that is responsible for regulating the practice of social work has its own academic requirements and issues its own license to practice as a social worker in that state. Additionally, students should be advised that the Walden MSW program is not designed or intended to prepare graduates for licensure as a school social worker; however, graduates might be eligible for licensure as a school social worker in their particular state of residence.

While Walden enrollment specialists can provide general information relating to the state-by-state educational requirements for social work licensure or certification, it remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization, or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, certification, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. Licensure eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice.

Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.

• 92–97 total quarter credits (depending upon Focus Area)
• Foundation course (3 credits)
• Core courses (65 credits)
• Electives (10 credits required; 15 credits for Focus Area and optional certificate)
• Two Field Experience Preparation courses (0 credit)
• Field Experience (12 credits)
• Two Social Work Skills Labs (1 credits each). These labs include online course content integrated with a 3-day, face-to-face or virtual synchronous requirement.
  • 3 weeks online
  • 3 days face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions
  • 2 weeks online

Note: The following (tracks) are available for the MSW program:

• Traditional option (up to two courses/term)—This track is similar to most traditional master’s-level programs in which students either complete one or two courses per quarter.
• Traditional Fast Track option (Intensive course load)—This track requires students to complete three courses in the first quarter.  More than two courses may be taken in a term as long as the prerequisites are met.
• Advanced Standing (requires BSW)—This track is for students who enter the program with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Advanced Standing Minimum Degree Requirements

• 52–57 total quarter credits
• Core courses (35 credits)
• Electives (10–15 credits)
• One Field Experience Preparation course (0 credit)  
• Field Experience (6 credits)
• One Social Work Skills Lab (1 credits) 

Foundation Course (3 credits)

Core Courses (65 credits)

Elective/Focus Area Courses (10–15 credits)

Students are required to select two electives from the Focus Areas or electives and may select an optional third elective for an embedded certificate from the same Focus Area. Please see the course list on each Focus Area.

Electives

Field Experience Courses (12 credits)

Skills Lab Requirements (2 credits)

Complete after completing SOCW 6002; required before entering SOCW 6500 - Social Work Field Education I. (Exception: Advanced Standing students can skip Social Work Skills Lab I.)

Complete after SOCW 6510 and prior to enrolling in SOCW 6520 - Social Work Field Education III. (Exception: Advanced Standing students must complete Social Work Skills Lab II after SOCW 6111.)

Course Sequence: Traditional

Students must complete Social Work Skills Lab I prior to taking SOCW 6500 (field education course).

Students must complete Social Work Skills Lab II prior to taking SOCW 6520 (field education course).

The recommended course sequence is as follows:

Traditional Fast Track

Students must complete Social Work Skills Lab I prior to taking SOCW 6500 (field education course).

Students must complete Social Work Skills Lab II prior to taking SOCW 6520 (field education course).

More than two courses may be taken in a term as long as the prerequisites are met.

Course Sequence: Advanced Standing

The recommended course sequence is as follows:

Students can choose to focus their studies by selecting two elective courses from the same focus area. An optional certificate, along with the MSW, can be added to the MSW program if students select three courses from a specific focus area. (Note: Optional certificates add 5 credits to the program.)

The five optional certificates align with the focus areas:

• Graduate Certificate in Social Work: Addictions
• Graduate Certificate in Social Work: Child and Family
• Graduate Certificate in Social Work: Healthcare
• Graduate Certificate in Social Work: Military
• Graduate Certificate in Social Work: Trauma

Field Experience Preparation  

Walden is committed to providing students with resources and support in preparation of field experience(s). To help ease anxiety in the field experience process, Walden offers a 0-credit Field Experience Preparation course, a structured experience that guides students through the application process and currently available readiness resources. The course is designed to complement other pre-requisite courses needed in preparation for field experience(s). The goal is that students submit their field experience application by the end of the course. Of course, there may be reasons why a field experience needs to be postponed, or the readiness course may not be needed if a field experience opportunity has already been secured. In this instance, students may opt-out of the course.  By opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course without having submitted a complete field experience application you are notifying Walden that you have chosen to delay the beginning of your field experience indefinitely, it is your responsibility to notify Walden when you plan to begin the field experience component of your program. In some instances, opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course indicates the foundational components of the field experience process have been satisfied and submission of the field experience application is pending. While the course is not yet available for Tempo students, the same readiness resources are available to Tempo students seeking field experience.   

These previous MSW concentrations are no longer accepting new students. Current students in these concentrations must complete their programs of study in accordance with Walden’s Time-to-Degree Completion policies.

Walden University’s Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. Accreditation of a baccalaureate, master’s, or practice doctorate social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process.  An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

• Doctoral Writing Assessment
• Professional Development Plan
• Foundation course (3 credits)
• Core courses (25 credits)
• Research courses (15 credits)
• Specialization courses (15 credits)
• Completion of Doctoral Study
  • Building Doctoral Socialization and Competency (1 credits per term for five terms)
  • Doctoral Study Action Research Project (5 credits per term; taken continuously until completion)
  • Quarter Plans
• One residency

Foundation Course (3 credits)

Core Courses (25 credits)

Research Courses (10 credits)

And choose one course from the following:

Advanced Research Course (5 credits)

OR 

Specialization Courses (15 credits)

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page. Changing specializations may increase a student’s expected time-to-degree completion and cost.

Residency Requirements

• Complete one residency as soon as you begin your program; required before you begin your second research course (RSCH 8210 OR RSCH 8310).

Completion of the Doctoral Capstone Research Project

Building Doctoral Socialization and Competency

(5 credits; continuously enrolled in 1 credits per term for a minimum of five terms until completion)

Capstone Research Course

(5 credits per term for a minimum of three terms; taken continuously until completion)

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

*Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their dissertation, and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

• Doctoral Writing Assessment
• Professional Development Plan
• Foundation course (3 credits)
• Core courses (20 credits)
• Specialization courses (15 credits)
• Research Courses (20 credits)
• Completion of Doctoral Capstone
  • Building Doctoral Socialization and Competency (1 credits per term for five terms)
  • Dissertation support course (5 credits)
  • Dissertation (5 credits per term for a minimum of three terms; taken continuously until completion)
  • Quarter Plans
• Four residencies

Foundation Course (3 credits)

Core Courses (20 credits)

Specialization Courses (15 credits)

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page.

Foundation Research Courses (15 credits)

Courses comprising the Foundation Research Sequence are conducted online and require weekly readings, participation in discussions, and assignment completion. Course instructors guide discussions and evaluate discussion and application assignments. RSCH 8110 must be completed prior to Residency 2 of the academic residencies. RSCH 8210 and RSCH 8310 must be completed prior to beginning the dissertation or attending Residency 3.

Advanced Research Course (5 credits)

All PhD students are required to complete one advanced-level research course that mirrors the methodology of their intended dissertations. The university offers three advanced courses; individual programs may have other advanced options. Students should refer to their specific programs of study to determine program-specific requirements.

One of the following three courses is required:  

Residency Requirements

• Complete Residency 1 as soon as you begin your program; should be completed in Term 1 or Term 2.
• Complete Residency 2 within 18 months of your start date or linked to your registration for or completion of your first research course.
• Complete Residency 3 by the end of your third year.
• Complete residency 4 after your prospectus is approved as follows:
  • Residency 4 General (RESI 8404) OR
  • Residency 4 Proposal Writing (RESI 8404Q) OR
  • Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Qualitative (RESI 8404R) OR
  • Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Quantitative (RESI 8404S) OR
  • Residency 4 Publishing & Presenting (RESI 8404T) OR
  • an approved professional conference (RESI 8900 for select programs only. Contact Advising for information.) OR
  • a dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your 9000 course. Contact Student Success Advising to register. You must attend all sessions and advising throughout the entire intensive retreat in order to successfully complete the experience to satisfy residency 4 requirements. NOTE: Intensive Retreats are NOT included in Fast Track tuition.
• Optional: Complete a PhD dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your dissertation. Contact Student Success Advising to register.

Completion of the Doctoral Capstone

Dissertation Writing Courses

Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.

Specializations Not Currently Accepting New Students

Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general,students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their dissertation, and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

Walden University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) as a mental health counseling program under the 2016 standards. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and a requirement for licensure in many states.

Walden University’s MS in School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) as a mental health counseling program under the 2016 standards. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and a requirement for licensure in many states.

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Walden University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in many states. However, the requirements for licensure as a LPC or LMHC varies greatly from state to state. Each state board that is responsible for regulating the practice of professional or mental health counseling has its own academic requirements and issues its own license to practice as a LPC or LMHC in that state.

Walden CMHC graduates may apply for licensure as a professional counselor, such as the LPC or LMHC, in most states. However, each state issues its own credential for an individual to be permitted to practice as a licensed professional or mental health counselor in that state. While Walden enrollment specialists can provide general information relating to the state-by-state educational requirements for mental health or professional counseling licensure or certification, it remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization, or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, certification, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. Licensure eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice.

Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.

MS in School Counseling

The Walden University Master of Science (MS) in School Counseling program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as a licensed school counselor in many states. However, the requirements for licensure as a school counselor vary greatly from state to state. Each state board that is responsible for regulating the practice of school counseling has its own academic requirements and issues its own license to practice as a school counselor in that state.

The Walden MS in School Counseling program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which may also be a requirement to become a licensed or certified school counselor in some states.

Walden MS in School Counseling graduates may apply for licensure as a school counselor in most states, as the MS in School Counseling program is approved in both Minnesota and Ohio. Graduates in some states will be eligible for licensure based on completion of a state-approved program, where they can apply directly to their state educator board (“direct apply”). Other states have a separate application and process for someone completing an out-of-state approved preparation program (“license-in-hand pathway”), where in order for a graduate to be eligible for licensure or certification, he or she must first obtain a license in an approved state (Minnesota or Ohio) prior to applying for licensure in his or her state of residence.

Prospective students must research their state licensure requirements to determine (1) if they are required to complete a state-approved licensure program to be eligible to apply directly to their state board, (2) if they need to obtain a license from the state where the program has been approved (Minnesota or Ohio) prior to applying in the state they reside, and (3) any additional requirements the student will need to complete prior to their state granting the license. Students residing in Minnesota and Ohio are eligible to apply directly to their state board, as Walden’s MS in School Counseling is approved by both state boards. Additionally, some states require school counselors to hold an existing teaching license or certificate, and/or obtain teaching experience, in order to be eligible for a school counseling certificate or license.

Each state issues its own credential for an individual to be permitted to practice as a licensed school counselor in that state. While Walden enrollment specialists can provide general information relating to the state-by-state educational requirements for school counseling licensure or certification, it remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization, or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, certification, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. Licensure eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice.

Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.

• 111 total quarter credits for General Program (121-126 credits with optional specialization)
• Foundation course (1 credits)
• Core courses (95 credits)
• Field experience (15–21 credits; Practicum: 100 hours CMHC; Internship: 600 hours CMHC and 600 hours School Counseling)
• Optional specialization courses (10-15 credits)
• Professional Development Plan, licensure plan 
• 2 Pre-Practicum Labs (6 weeks online with 4 days of face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions)
• Group Lab (9 weeks online with 14 hours of live synchronous group)

Core courses must be taken in the order presented. Additional courses may be taken at the end of the program of study to provide breadth and depth of learning. 

Foundation Course (1 credits)

Core Courses (95 credits)

OR

Specialization Courses (10-15 credits)

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page.

Pre-Practicum Labs

Each pre-practicum includes online course content integrated with a 4-day, face-to-face residential requirement.

• 3 weeks online
• 4 days face-to-face (see the Pre-Practicum Calendar)
• 2 weeks online

Field Experience (15–21 credits)

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

Field Experience Preparation  

Walden is committed to providing students with resources and support in preparation of field experience(s). To help ease anxiety in the field experience process, Walden offers a 0-credit Field Experience Preparation course, a structured experience that guides students through the application process and currently available readiness resources. The course is designed to complement other pre-requisite courses needed in preparation for field experience(s). The goal is that students submit their field experience application by the end of the course. Of course, there may be reasons why a field experience needs to be postponed, or the readiness course may not be needed if a field experience opportunity has already been secured. In this instance, students may opt-out of the course.  By opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course without having submitted a complete field experience application you are notifying Walden that you have chosen to delay the beginning of your field experience indefinitely, it is your responsibility to notify Walden when you plan to begin the field experience component of your program. In some instances, opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course indicates the foundational components of the field experience process have been satisfied and submission of the field experience application is pending. While the course is not yet available for Tempo students, the same readiness resources are available to Tempo students seeking field experience.

Walden University’s MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) as a mental health counseling program under the 2016 standards. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and a requirement for licensure in many states.

The Walden University Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in many states. However, the requirements for licensure as a LPC or LMHC vary greatly from state to state. Each state board that is responsible for regulating the practice of professional or mental health counseling has its own academic requirements and issues its own license to practice as a LPC or LMHC in that state.

Walden CMHC graduates may apply for licensure as a professional counselor, such as the LPC or LMHC, in most states. However, each state issues its own credential for an individual to be permitted to practice as a licensed professional or mental health counselor in that state. While Walden enrollment specialists can provide general information relating to the state-by-state educational requirements for mental health or professional counseling licensure or certification, it remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization, or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, certification, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. Licensure eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice.

Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate. 

• 90 total quarter credits for General Program
• Foundation course (1 credits)
• Core courses (80 credits)
• 2 Field Experience Preparation Courses (0 credit) 
• Field experience: (9 credits: 100-hour practicum; 600-hour internship)
• Optional specialization courses (10-15 credits)
• Optional State Education Specialization (only for students with specific state requirements)
• Professional Development Plan, licensure plan
• 2 Pre-Practicum Labs (6 weeks online with 4 days of face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions)
• Group Lab (9 weeks online with 14 hours of live synchronous group)

The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling consists of core coursework; two 4-day pre-practica, which include a 4-day face-to-face or virtual synchronous experience; a practicum; and an internship. Core courses must be taken in the order presented. Additional courses may be taken at the end of the program of study to provide breadth and depth of learning.

Foundation Course (1 credits)

Core Courses (80 credits)

Specializations (Optional)

Pre-Practicum Labs

Each pre-practicum includes online course content integrated with a 4-day, face-to-face or virtual synchronous residential requirement.

• 3 weeks online
• 4 days face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions (see the Pre-Practicum Calendar)
• 2 weeks online

Field Experience (9 credits)

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

Field Experience Preparation  

Walden is committed to providing students with resources and support in preparation of field experience(s). To help ease anxiety in the field experience process, Walden offers a 0-credit Field Experience Preparation course, a structured experience that guides students through the application process and currently available readiness resources. The course is designed to complement other pre-requisite courses needed in preparation for field experience(s). The goal is that students submit their field experience application by the end of the course. Of course, there may be reasons why a field experience needs to be postponed, or the readiness course may not be needed if a field experience opportunity has already been secured. In this instance, students may opt-out of the course.  By opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course without having submitted a complete field experience application you are notifying Walden that you have chosen to delay the beginning of your field experience indefinitely, it is your responsibility to notify Walden when you plan to begin the field experience component of your program. In some instances, opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course indicates the foundational components of the field experience process have been satisfied and submission of the field experience application is pending. While the course is not yet available for Tempo students, the same readiness resources are available to Tempo students seeking field experience.   

Walden University’s MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CACREP accreditation is a requirement for licensure in many states.

The Walden University Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (MCFC) program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in many states. However, each state board responsible for the regulation of mental health counseling has its own requirements for licensure including appropriate accreditation of academic programs. 

Walden MCFC graduates may apply for licensure as a professional counselor, such as the LPC or LMHC, in many states. However, each state issues its own credential for an individual to be permitted to practice as a licensed professional counselor or mental health counselor in that state. While Walden enrollment specialists can provide general information relating to the state-by-state educational requirements for mental health or professional counseling licensure or certification, it remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization, or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, certification, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. Licensure eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice.

Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.

• 90 total credits for General Program
• Foundation Course (1 credits)
• Core courses (80 credits)
• Field experience (9 credits: 100-hour practicum; 600-hour internship)
• Optional specialization courses (10 credits)
• Optional State Education Specialization (only for students with specific state requirements)
• Professional Development Plan, licensure plan
• 2 Pre-Practicum Labs (6 weeks online with 4 days face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions)

The MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling consists of core coursework; two pre-practica, which include a 4-day face-to-face or virtual synchronous experience; a practicum; and an internship. Core courses must be taken in the order presented. Additional courses may be taken at the end of the program of study to provide breadth and depth of learning. 

Foundation Course (1 credits)

Core Courses (80 credits)

Specialization Courses (10 credits)

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page.

Field Experience (9 credits)

Pre-Practicum Labs

Each pre-practicum includes online course content integrated with a 4-day, face-to-face or virtual synchronous residential requirement.

• 3 weeks online
• 4 days face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions (see the Pre-Practicum Calendar)
• 2 weeks online

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

Walden University’s MS in School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) as a mental health counseling program under the 2016 standards. CACREP is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and a requirement for licensure in many states.

The Walden University Master of Science (MS) in School Counseling program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as a licensed school counselor in many states. However, the requirements for licensure as a school counselor vary greatly from state to state. Each state board that is responsible for regulating the practice of school counseling has its own academic requirements and issues its own license to practice as a school counselor in that state.

The Walden MS in School Counseling program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which may also be a requirement to become a licensed or certified school counselor in some states.

Walden MS in School Counseling graduates may apply for licensure as a school counselor in most states, as the MS in School Counseling program is approved in both Minnesota and Ohio. Graduates in some states will be eligible for licensure based on completion of a state-approved program, where they can apply directly to their state educator board (“direct apply”). Other states have a separate application and process for someone completing an out-of-state approved preparation program (“license-in-hand pathway”), where in order for a graduate to be eligible for licensure or certification, he or she must first obtain a license in an approved state (Minnesota or Ohio) prior to applying for licensure in his or her state of residence.

Prospective students must research their state licensure requirements to determine (1) if they are required to complete a state-approved licensure program to be eligible to apply directly to their state board, (2) if they need to obtain a license from the state where the program has been approved (Minnesota or Ohio) prior to applying in the state they reside, and (3) any additional requirements the student will need to complete prior to their state granting the license. Students residing in Minnesota and Ohio are eligible to apply directly to their state board, as Walden’s MS in School Counseling is approved by both state boards. Additionally, some states require school counselors to hold an existing teaching license or certificate, and/or obtain teaching experience, in order to be eligible for a school counseling certificate or license.

Each state issues its own credential for an individual to be permitted to practice as a licensed school counselor in that state. While Walden enrollment specialists can provide general information relating to the state-by-state educational requirements for school counseling licensure or certification, it remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to field education experiences, licensing or certification, authorization, or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of its coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, certification, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential. Licensure eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice.

Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.

• 90 total quarter credits for general program (100-105 credits with optional specialization)
• Foundation Course (1 credit)
• Core Courses (80 credits)
• Field experience (9 credits: 100-hour practicum; 600-hour internship) 
• Optional Specialization (10-15 credits)
• Optional State Education Specialization (only for students with specific state requirements)
• Optional Accelerated track allows completion in 27 months (three courses per quarter)
• 2 Pre-Practicum Labs (6 weeks online with 4 days face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions)
• Group Lab (9 weeks online with 14 hours of live synchronous group)

Core courses must be taken in the order presented. Additional courses may be taken at the end of the program of study to provide breadth and depth of learning. 

Foundation Course (1 credits)

Core Courses (80 credits)

Choose one course from the following that is not part of your specialization requirements:

Specialization Courses (10-15 credits)

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page.

Pre-Practicum Labs

Each pre-practicum includes online course content integrated with a 4-day, face-to-face or virtual synchronous residential requirement.

• 3 weeks online
• 4 days face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions (see the Pre-Practicum Calendar)
• 2 weeks online

Field Experience (9 credits)

• General—This is the traditional track in which students either complete one or two courses per quarter.
• Accelerated—This is the track where students can complete three courses per quarter.

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

Field Experience Preparation  

Walden is committed to providing students with resources and support in preparation of field experience(s). To help ease anxiety in the field experience process, Walden offers a 0-credit Field Experience Preparation course, a structured experience that guides students through the application process and currently available readiness resources. The course is designed to complement other pre-requisite courses needed in preparation for field experience(s). The goal is that students submit their field experience application by the end of the course. Of course, there may be reasons why a field experience needs to be postponed, or the readiness course may not be needed if a field experience opportunity has already been secured. In this instance, students may opt-out of the course.  By opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course without having submitted a complete field experience application you are notifying Walden that you have chosen to delay the beginning of your field experience indefinitely, it is your responsibility to notify Walden when you plan to begin the field experience component of your program. In some instances, opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course indicates the foundational components of the field experience process have been satisfied and submission of the field experience application is pending. While the course is not yet available for Tempo students, the same readiness resources are available to Tempo students seeking field experience.   

Walden University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed counseling professional.

• Professional Development Plan and Program of Study
• Foundation course (1 credits)
• Prerequisites (39 credits)
  • To be completed if students have not graduated with a CACREP-accredited master’s degree
• Core courses (30 credits)
• Research courses (25 credits)
• Specialization courses (10–15 credits, depending on the specialization)
• Field experience courses (8 credits)
  • FESH 8895 – Field Experience Preparation (0 credit)
  • FESH 8890 – Field Experience Preparation (0 credit)
  • Internship (8 credits)
• Completion of the Doctoral Dissertation
  • Dissertation writing courses (1 cr. per term for five terms)
  • Dissertation writing courses (5 credits per term for a minimum of 3 terms; taken continuously until completion)
  • Quarter Plans
• One residency (1 credit)
• Two Intensives (6 weeks online, 4 days face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions)

Foundation Course (1 credits)

Core Courses (30 credits)

Research Courses (25 credits)

Specialization Courses (10-15 credits)

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. The General specialization does not require specialization courses. Please see the course list on each specialization page.

Field Experience Courses (8 credits)

Residency and Intensive Requirements

• Complete Residency (CPLB 8800c) as soon as you begin your program; no later than within 90 days of completing your Foundations course (within the first two terms of your program).
  • The residency includes online course content integrated with a residential requirement.
    • 3 weeks online
    • 2 days face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions
    • 1 week online
• Complete Intensive I: Applications in Teaching and Supervision (CPLB 811L) after you have completed Residency (CPLB 8800c) , COUN 8000, COUN 8050, COUN 8115, RSCH 8110S, COUN 8120, COUN 8501, RSCH 8210S, COUN 8897, COUN 8125, COUN 8502, RSCH 8260S, RSCH 8310S, COUN 8503, and COUN 8135 in order to advance in the program.
• Complete Intensive II: Advanced Applications in Teaching, Supervision, and Research (CPLB 812L  after you have completed Intensive I (CPLB 811L), COUN 8000, COUN 8050, COUN 8115, CPLB 8800C, RSCH 8110S, COUN 8120, COUN 8501, RSCH 8210S, COUN 8897, COUN 8125, COUN 8502, RSCH 8260S, RSCH 8310S, COUN 8503, COUN 8135, COUN 8898, COUN 8504, and RSCH 8360S in order to advance in the program.

Each intensive includes online course content integrated with a 4-day, face-to-face or virtual residential requirement.

• 3 weeks online
• 4 days face-to-face or virtual synchronous sessions (see the Calendar)
• 2 weeks online

Completion of the Doctoral Capstone

• Can begin dissertation after the completion of COUN 8505.

Prerequisites

Students who have not graduated from a CACREP-accredited master’s program may be required to fulfill prerequisite requirements.

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

* Students take two to three specialization courses, depending on the specialization chosen. 

** To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.

Field Experience Preparation  

Walden is committed to providing students with resources and support in preparation of field experience(s). To help ease anxiety in the field experience process, Walden offers a 0-credit Field Experience Preparation course, a structured experience that guides students through the application process and currently available readiness resources. The course is designed to complement other pre-requisite courses needed in preparation for field experience(s). The goal is that students submit their field experience application by the end of the course. Of course, there may be reasons why a field experience needs to be postponed, or the readiness course may not be needed if a field experience opportunity has already been secured. In this instance, students may opt-out of the course.  By opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course without having submitted a complete field experience application you are notifying Walden that you have chosen to delay the beginning of your field experience indefinitely, it is your responsibility to notify Walden when you plan to begin the field experience component of your program. In some instances, opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course indicates the foundational components of the field experience process have been satisfied and submission of the field experience application is pending. While the course is not yet available for Tempo students, the same readiness resources are available to Tempo students seeking field experience.