Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate (CAGS)
The courses within the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program are intended to be advanced courses within the clinical mental health profession that will allow students to improve their practical knowledge and skills.
Why choose Rowan's clinical mental health counseling program?
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is intended for individuals who have already completed a Master's degree in counseling (or related field) and need additional graduate course work in order to have the sixty credits required for state licensure as Licensed Associate Counselors (L.A.C.), followed by the licensure (after completing necessary clinical experience) as Licensed Professional Counselors (L.P.C.).
Some students also seek national certification as Nationally Certified Counselors (N.C.C.). Additionally, the program is available for mental health professionals in the community seeking to enhance their professional development. The courses within the certificate program are intended to be advanced courses within the clinical mental health profession that will allow students to improve their practical knowledge and skills.
Candidates seeking licensure are advised to read the regulations and requirements of the state's board where they intend to practice. Please see the NJ Professional Counselor Examiners Committee webpage for the NJ Board of Licensed Professional Counselor regulations.
Key considerations
Quick Facts
Semesters To Complete
Credits
Application Deadlines
Fall Entry Term
Spring Entry Term
Studying clinical mental health counseling at Rowan
What You'll Learn
Students typically complete 12 semester hours of graduate credits in classes taught in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program within the Department of Psychology in order to bring their total credits to the state requirement of 60. The 12 semester hours may be completed by taking any combination of courses within the CAGS program. However, individual courses may have prerequisites associated with them. For a full list of prerequisites, please consult the graduate school catalog. Given that some degrees total more or less than 48 credits, we occasionally accept individuals who request more (or less) than 12 semester hours and/or specific courses that are normally part of our own Master's degree program. Any exceptions should be discussed with the Program Coordinator. Students who simply need particular coursework (e.g. to obtain the sixty credits required for state licensure (LAC/LPC) and/or national certification/personal growth, etc.) may register for up to 9 credits as non-matriculated students to meet their own individual needs. If additional credits are needed, students should matriculate in the program. Please note: It is highly recommended that all CAGS students seek to matriculate. Please consult with the Program Coordinator to discuss your enrollment needs.
- 4 Courses / 12 Semester Hours
- Foundation Courses: No
- Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: No
Required Courses: 12 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| PSY 01620 | Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 01623 | Psychopathology I: Diagnosis and Epidemiology | 3 |
| PSY 01624 | Psychopathology II: Conceptualization and Etiology | 3 |
| PSY 01630 | Family Systems Theory and Family Therapy | 3 |
| PSY 05610 | Social and Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| PSY 05652 | Advanced Seminar in Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Counseling for Children/Adolescents | 3 |
| PSY 05652 | Advanced Seminar in Clinical Practice: Substance Abuse | 3 |
| PSY 05652 | Advanced Seminar in Clinical Practice: Trauma | 3 |
| PSY 06625 | Assessment I: Psychometrics, Evaluation, & Treatment Planning | 3 |
| PSY 06626 | Assessment II: Assessment of Career/Vocational Interests, Treatments, & Programs | 3 |
| PSY 10610 | Psychopharmacology and Biological Bases of Behavior | 3 |
Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.
- Completed Application Form
- No application fee required
- Master's degree (or its equivalent) in Counseling, Psychology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional resume
- Typewritten statement of professional objectives (stating goals in taking CAGS courses)
- Two letters of recommendation from professional sources (on letterhead and signed)
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Interview
Tuition and Aid
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
We know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
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