Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Change others’ lives for the better.

Our mission is to prepare future clinicians to address the needs of individuals, groups, and communities, through culturally informed, social justice-oriented, ethical, reflective, and effective practice of mental health counseling.

The Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) is a terminal degree that provides a focused path to earning professional licensure in counseling. In this clinically focused program, students will apply knowledge and skills through practicum and internship experiences.

Advantages

  • Faculty are dedicated to fostering high ethical standards and an appreciation for diversity.
  • Successful completion of degree requirements means you will be endorsed for examination eligibility as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in Indiana.
  • The cohort model for admissions allows you to work closely with peers on your journey to becoming a mental health counselor.

Learn More

  • colleges of distinction 2025-2026
  • ranked as a national university by u.s. news and world report
  • 10 mins to downtown Indy for internship opportunities

About the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling (MHC): Generalist Track

You have a talent for helping others work through their problems and are ready to take that to the next level. UIndy’s MA in Mental Health Counseling is suited for students interested in becoming a professional counselor and/or pursuing future doctoral study. You will gain graduate-level skills in counseling interventions, counseling theory, assessment, diagnosis, research and program evaluation, and working with diverse clients.

Program Length & Format

The program is 60 credit hours in length and can be completed in 2 years (5 or 6 semesters). To complete the program in the minimum amount of time, students must attend full-time during the academic year and summers. Classes run on a regular semester schedule, meeting face-to-face both days and evenings. Students will also complete practicum and an internship during the academic year.

Curriculum

The curriculum is focused on preparing individuals for clinical practice to aid in the understanding, study, and treatment of human problems, as well as the enhancement of human functioning and potential. The curriculum includes foundational coursework in counseling, elective courses, and a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship experience. Completion of this 60-credit hour program results in eligibility for Indiana state licensure. A master's thesis is not required. MHC students may elect to enroll in the child and adolescent concentration, which requires completion of specific electives and three additional credit hours of coursework. 

Students in the MHC and MHC: Art Therapy programs will refine their skills in therapy, intervention, consultation, assessment and diagnosis through practicum and internship experience at one of more than 60 affiliated practicum and internship sites.

When Can I Start?

New students begin in the fall semester each year.

To ensure you are eligible for an admission decision:

Accreditation

The Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Program at University of Indianapolis is
accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) for
the period of September, 2025 through September, 2033.

Enrollment, Retention, Graduation & Outcomes

Academic Year of Entry 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Number of Applications 68 66 66 55 58
Number Accepted 40 45 45 44 47
% 58.8% 68.2% 68.2% 80.0% 81.0%
Number Matriculated 27 24 26 23 22
% 67.5% 53.3% 57.8% 52.3% 37.9%
Retained into 2nd year 27 21 26 22 22
% 100% 87.5% 100% 95.7% 100%
Graduated in 2 years 27 18 26 N/A N/A
% 100% 75.0% 100.0% 70.0% N/A
Total Graduated 27 19 26 16 N/A
% 100% 79.2% 100% 70.0% N/A
Still in Progress 0 0 0 3 22
% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 13% 100%
Academic Year of ENtry 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Mean Undergraduate GPA N/A** 3.44 3.5 3.715 3.67

 

**The University moved to a new application system in 2021, therefore this data cannot be accessed.

Description 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
*Obtained state licensure 14 18 19 11 N/A
% 52% 95% 73% 69% N/A
Enrolled in doctoral program 2 0 2 0 0
% 7% 0% 8% 0% 0%

 

*Obtained state licensure: This number includes graduates with an associate license or who are fully licensed

MHC: Generalist Track Admission Requirements

  • Complete the online application
  • Nonrefundable $55 application fee, paid during the application submission process. 
  • Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 preferred
  • 3 recommendation letters
    • Three references who you will identify as part of the online application process must complete the online "Recommendation Request".
    • Each reference will receive an email from the online application system with a link to the form. They will be asked a few brief questions and ratings. They will then upload their letter of recommendation at the bottom of the page.
    • Preferably, your letters should be from faculty members who know you from multiple classes, your experience as a research assistant and/or your volunteer or work activities. Other letters may be from professionals who can write knowledgeably about your potential within the graduate program.
  • Personal statement
    • Submit a brief essay that explains why you want to pursue an MA in Mental Health Counseling, including how completion of our program would help you to achieve your specific academic and professional goals. What would make you a good fit for this program and the profession of mental health counseling?
    • There is not a minimum or maximum length required, but we recommend two pages double spaced.
  • The GRE is NOT required but may be submitted at the applicant’s discretion.
  • A minimum of 18 hours in undergraduate or graduate psychology courses (statistics can be "counted" as a psychology course, even if it is taken in a department other than psychology)
  • CV or resume
  • Send results of any standardized examinations that are given in the country of origin (e.g., General Certification of Education (GCE), University of Cambridge Higher School Certification, Senior High School Leaving Certificate, etc.)
  • Submit a course-by- course evaluation of foreign educational credentials from any recognized service, such as World Education Services, Inc., International Consultants of Delaware, Inc., or Education Credential Evaluators, Inc. Because universities around the world differ, we require this evaluation as an assurance that you have completed the US equivalent of a bachelor's degree and have taken all appropriate prerequisite courses. Photocopies are not acceptable.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum scores of at least 79 and at least 6.5 on the IELTS.

Completed application files are evaluated by the Department of Counseling Admissions Committee. The committee evaluates applicants in a number of areas, including background preparation, breadth of coursework, academic awards and achievement, standardized test scores, applied professional experience, leadership and service, research experience, quality of personal statement and strength of recommendation letters. Selected MA applicants are invited to campus for personal interviews.

The committee offers admission to those applicants they feel have the greatest academic ability, dedication to excellence, emotional and social maturity and potential to become effective and contributing professionals in the professions of counseling and/or art therapy. Announcement of final admission decisions are made by mid-April. Applicants are admitted to begin only in the fall semester, although students may be admitted as non-degree seeking students to take selected graduate courses at any time during the year.

Criminal Background Check

In order to meet professional licensure requirements as well as protect future patients/clients and clinical sites, admitted students are required to have criminal background checks prior to matriculation into the program. A criminal history may affect fieldwork placement and/or licensure, and in some cases, disqualify a student from admission.

For the fall semester cohort admission in August, completed applications and all supporting documents must be received by:

  • January 15 for the Art Therapy Track
  • February 1 for priority consideration for the MA in Mental Health Counseling program
  • February 15 for the MA in Mental Health Counseling program

Late applications will only be reviewed if additional class positions are available.

Mail application materials to:

University of Indianapolis
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
1400 East Hanna Avenue
Health Pavilion 2nd Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697
317-788-8031
Email: gradadmissions@uindy.edu

Students who have completed graduate-level work in psychology may substitute these courses for required courses at the University of Indianapolis. 

Normally, a maximum of 15 graduate credit hours may be transferred from another institution. Credit can only be granted for coursework that is judged by the School to be equivalent to courses offered in the graduate psychology program at UIndy. Credit transfer is not granted for prior clinical practica, internship, thesis or dissertation work; PSY 520--Ethics, Professional Standards & Legal Issues; or for courses in which a grade lower than B was obtained.

All transferred work must have been completed within the five years prior to application for admission. The courses and exact number of credit hours that will be accepted for transfer from another institution will be determined by the School after examination of course syllabi and transcripts. The School reserves the right to require that students evidence satisfactory performance on a competency examination before granting transfer credit for a course.

Students are typically expected to take a full academic load as they complete the program. However, a limited number of students who would otherwise not be able to attend the University of Indianapolis may be admitted to the program on a part-time basis. If accepted, part-time students must submit a detailed plan of study that includes a semester-by-semester outline of how they intend to complete the degree requirements.

This outline should include the courses that the student plans to take and a practicum schedule. Part-time students are encouraged to enroll for a minimum of 18 credit hours per year in order to finish the program within the University time limits and meet the residency requirement. All students, regardless of full-time or part-time status, must complete the program (including internship) in five years. It is recommended that full-time students limit any work outside of the program to less than 20 hours per week, since experience indicates that working in excess of this will have a detrimental effect on performance in the program.

Students may take up to 12 credit hours of select courses as non-degree seeking students. Practicum and internship courses and related clinical experiences cannot be taken by non-degree seeking students.

Complete the Graduate, Adult & Guest Application

See Notice of Non-Discrimination

Tuition & Aid

View MHC Tuition and Financial Aid

Stay Informed About This Program

Share your information and we'll be in touch soon with more details about how UIndy can help you meet your goals.

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Graduate Employer Story
Adult & Child Health
An Indiana behavioral health center

The students we get from UIndy are some of the strongest we work with, so it’s typically an easy decision when graduation rolls around, as far as whether or not we want to offer them a job! Not only do they come to us with great clinical knowledge and skills, but they have a passion for the work and the self-awareness required to become really great therapists. We really value our partnership with UIndy and look forward to many more years of collaboration!

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