CACREP Accreditation
Counseling, Mental Health Counseling Concentration, MEd and Counseling, School Counseling (PreK-8, 5-12) Concentration, MEd are CACREP approved programs.
Mission Statement
The principle mission of the Department of Counselor Education at Bridgewater State University is to prepare high quality master’s level counselors for various settings in Massachusetts and the nation. More specifically, we prepare; quality School Counselors to serve students, families, and communities in PreK-12 educational settings; Clinical Mental Health Counselors to serve individuals, families, and/or groups in community, non-profit, or private agencies; and Student Affairs Counselors to serve as academic advisors, career advisors, residential hall advisors, or likewise in institutes of higher education.
Program Objectives
Our objectives are to:
- Guide students in understanding their roles and responsibilities within the ethical and legal guidelines germane to counseling and student affairs professions.
- Foster the development of expertise in counseling skills.
- Instill a commitment to uphold best practices within counseling and student affairs professions.
- Cultivate diversity and social justice competence within counseling and student affairs professions.
Methods of Instruction
The counseling courses are taught using various dynamic and innovative methods. Our counseling lab utilizes state of the art technology allowing for technology enhanced live supervision with clinical skill development. While our courses are predominantly taught in the evening, some variances such as hybrid and intensive courses are available.
Annual Assessment Report
View our Annual Assessment Report
2024 Program Outcome Report
MEd in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling
Graduates of the MEd Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs are well-prepared for employment in counseling positions across the United States. The following outcomes were reported for 2024 based on our graduate survey:
- Current enrollment: 109 students
- 2024 Graduates: 27 students
- Program completion rate: 96%
- Credentialing exam pass rate: 100% (Mental Health, Mental Health Dual and School Counseling students)
- Post-graduation employment:
- 68% worked in Mental Health Counseling positions*
- 0% worked in School Counseling positions*
- Average class size: 12-15
Credentialing and Licensure Highlights
As a CACREP-accredited program, students are eligible to take the National Counseling Exam (NCE) and/or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) prior to graduation. These credentials support professional licensure and certification:
- National Counseling Exam (NCE):
- No Mental Health, Mental Health Dual or School Counseling students opted to take the NCE in 2024.
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE):
- 100% pass rate for students taking the NCMHCE in 2024.
Successful completion of the NCE qualifies counselors to apply for National Certified Counselor (NCC) status, while the NCMHCE is required for licensure in Massachusetts.
*Employment data was collected through Exit Interview Surveys completed by students prior to graduation.
Data Source: National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC), Fall 2023