Counselor Education - Graduate Programs

Start Your Journey as a Compassionate, Skilled Counselor.

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives? At Cleveland State University, our CACREP-accredited counseling programs prepare you for a fulfilling career in either Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling. Whether you're supporting individuals through life's most difficult moments or helping young people thrive in school settings, you'll gain the skills and confidence to lead with empathy and professionalism.

Our programs emphasize culturally responsive, generalist training that equips graduates to work in a wide range of professional environments. You’ll benefit from expert faculty mentorship, real-world practicum and internship experiences, and a curriculum grounded in the best practices in the counseling field.

Mission of the Counseling Program and Faculty

The mission of the counseling program(s) at Cleveland State University is to provide exceptional training through curricular experiences for master's-level graduate students leading to licensure to work in a variety of settings. We emphasize culturally competent generalist training in two specialty areas of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Our Clinical Mental Health Counseling students are trained to address issues ranging from problems of daily living to more pronounced problems that manifest as symptoms of psychopathology. Our School Counseling students are trained to develop programs and deliver services following the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) national model. In addition, we aim to facilitate the personal development of our students since "self" and "relationship" are primary tools in successful counseling. We encourage students in the journey of making their personality and style of life an object of awareness throughout their training.

Accreditation You Can Trust

Our Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.) and School Counseling (M.Ed.) programs are fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2027. This distinction ensures our curriculum meets national standards of quality and supports your eligibility for professional licensure.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), has granted accreditation to the following programs in the Counseling, Administration, Supervision and Adult Learning Department at Cleveland State University through March 31, 2027: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.Ed.) and School Counseling (M.Ed.).

Important Consideration: Criminal Record Disclosure

Before beginning field placements or pursuing licensure, students should be aware of how a criminal conviction may impact eligibility. It is the student's responsibility to understand these potential barriers. Please review the official policies below:

Students must take personal responsibility to inform themselves of the potential professional implications if they have a history of a criminal conviction on their legal record. For Clinical Mental Health Counseling students, The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, & Marriage and Family Therapist (OCSWMFT) Board Laws and Rules specifically state:

"(D) Applicants for any license or certificate of registration issued by the board shall be of good moral character. The board may, in its discretion, deny any application for licensure or certification if the board finds that the applicant was convicted of, pled guilty to, or pled no contest to a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or for acts committed, which would constitute a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, if committed in Ohio. The board shall consider the number and timing of any convictions and the relationship those convictions may have to the practice for which the applicant has made application for licensure or certification. The board shall consider an applicant's fitness to practice a part of the good moral character requirements. The board at its discretion may request any of the following to help determine good moral character and fitness to practice: a criminal records check, a criminal background check or a psychological evaluation."

For School Counseling students, The Ohio Department of Education denotes on their website that:

"ODE's Office of Professional Conduct investigates allegations involving criminal convictions or conduct unbecoming the teaching profession and, if warranted, pursues disciplinary or remedial action against an educator's credentials or application for credentials."

Additionally, students are required to obtain a background check that is shared with potential practicum and internship sites. Therefore, field placements site positions may also be impacted by a criminal conviction history. Students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor, OCSWMFT Board, and/or ODE if they have a criminal conviction on their legal record that may impact their field placements and/or licensure in Ohio.

Counselor Education Degree Programs Offered

Ready to Learn More?

We’re here to help! Reach out to the Levin College Student Services Center to learn more about applying, course offerings, or advising:

Email: levinstudents@csuohio.edu
Phone: 216.687.4625

Program Coordinator:
Dr. Elliott Ingersoll
Email: r.ingersoll@csuohio.edu
Phone: 216.687.5291

Related Links:

• Counseling Master Schedule
• Counseling Program Review
• CACREP 2023 Data Report