Visit the Hofstra campus or connect with the graduate admission team. We will answer your questions and put you in touch with program faculty or degree candidates to learn more. Contact us at graduateadmission@hofstra.edu, or call 516-463-4723.
To be considered for graduate programs in counseling or mental health counseling at Hofstra University, you must have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution (preferably with a major in psychology, the behavior sciences, and/or human services). Personal experience in counseling or growth-oriented processes are desired. The Professional Diploma in Counseling and Adv. Cert. in Mental Health Counseling are designed for practicing counselors who are master's prepared. The Adv. Cert. in Substance Abuse Counseling can be completed alongside select graduate programs or as a stand-alone program, post-baccalaureate or post-master's.
The following prerequisites are required for master's level study in MSED Counseling, MA Mental Health Counseling, and Adv. Certificate in Addiction and Substance Abuse:
Start your application online where you can upload the following documents:
If you are a current Hofstra student interested in pursuing undergraduate/graduate joint programs please contact graduateadmission@hofstra.edu.
Visit the Counseling and Mental Health Counseling program page to learn more.
International students: Please review additional admission requirements.*
*Students who require an F-I visa are able to apply for and enroll in the MA in Mental Health Counseling program, however, they will not be able to complete the mandatory 3,000 hours in the field post-graduation within the required 2-year time frame to receive licensure and practice within New York state. Skills learned within the program can be exercised within home countries and in other areas of the US.
The preferred application deadline for the fall semester is August 15 and for the spring semester is January 15. All others will be reviewed based on available space.
MA in Mental Health Counseling
Prepare for licensure as a mental health counselor in New York State with the 60-credit MA in Mental Health Counseling. This MA 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).
Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling
Accelerate your path to licensure with the 21-credit Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling. This is designed primarily for those who hold a master’s degree in counseling.
Choose from two tracks with the 42-credit MSEd in Counseling: one for aspiring school counselors who receive K-12 New York State certification and one for those who wish to concentrate on college student development.
Professional Diploma (PD) in Counseling
Pursue additional courses and fieldwork to further qualify for specialized competencies in the field with the Professional Diploma (PD) in Counseling. The program is up to 60 credits but is individually designed based on your educational background.
Advanced Certificate in Addiction and Substance Abuse
The Advanced Certificate in Addiction and Substance Abuse allows you to complete the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services' (OASAS) educational requirements for the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) designation.
Visit the program pages to learn more.
Dr. Genevieve Weber, Associate Professor and Graduate Director of Graduate Counselor Programs, talks about the CACREP-accredited MA in Mental Health Counseling program.
Dr. Daniel Sciarra, Professor in Hofstra University's Department of Counseling and Mental Health Professions, specializes in working with Latino children, adolescents, and families. He has written numerous articles, book chapters, and books on the subject of multicultural counseling.