Degrees Offered

Master of Science in Education: Counseling

Master of Science in Education Degree in Counseling for students holding a bachelors degree from an accredited institution. The degree requires a total of 42 hours of graduate studies in counseling.

Specialization Tracks offered within the M.S.Ed. in Counseling Degree Program

The School Counseling track prepares graduate students for professional practice as school counselors in schools, K-12. It qualifies students for New York State Provisional Certification in School Counseling. Students develop competencies and professional orientation necessary for certified practice in the school setting. As part of this, students are taught to take on consultative roles with parents, teachers, and administrators as important stakeholders in the school community. Graduates who complete the school counseling certification track uniquely benefit by qualifying for permanent certification in New York state with no additional graduate course work required beyond their master’s degree. Only two years experience in the field is required to be permanently certified in school counseling. (Note: Hofstra is one of only a few Counselor Education Programs in New York State that offers this benefit!)

The Community Counseling track enables counselors to provide a diverse array of services offered through community organizations/agencies that are geared toward helping people in difficult times, enhancing emotional wellness, and building happier lives and relationships for people throughout the lifespan. These graduates will be prepared to work in community counseling/services organizations, human services agencies and residential treatments facilities.

The College Student Development Counseling track prepares graduates to work in various counseling, advisement, and student affairs positions on the college and university level. Students develop competencies necessary for developmental work with college students, such as supporting students transitions to college life, achieving a lifestyle of wellness, career counseling, academic advising, educational planning and student activities program coordination.

Master of Arts: Mental Health Counseling

M.A. in MHC degree is designed to provide students with the educational preparation to qualify as a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York. The degree requires a total of 60 hours of graduate studies in counseling.

Advanced Certificate: Mental Health Counseling

This program is designed primarily for those who hold a master’s degree in counseling and wish to pursue further qualifications for licensure as a mental health counselor in New York state. By completing the 21-semester hour advanced certificate curriculum, in conjunction with their previously granted master’s degree, students may become license eligible. According to New York state regulations governing the field, students will need to complete the requisite 3,000 supervised practice hours to complete the requirements for licensure. Those with a master’s degree in counseling from institutions other than Hofstra will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine qualifications and required course work for program admission and eventual license eligibility.

Professional Diploma

Professional Diploma program is for students holding a masters degree in counseling and who have been working in the counseling field. The program requires a total of 60 hours of graduate studies in counseling. Credits earned as part of the prior masters may be counted toward this total as long as earned within the last five years. A minimum of 24 hours must be taken in residence at Hofstra.

Advanced Certificate: School Counselor Bilingual Extension

Advanced Certificate in School Counselor Bilingual Extension for students who qualify as bilingual and who are either matriculating in the school counselor certification track within Hofstra's Counseling Education Program, or currently hold valid New York State provisional or permanent certification in school counseling. The program provides students with an opportunity to complete the coursework (15 semester hours) specified by the New York State Education Department.