Online Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
- Duration 2-3 Years
- Cost per Credit $700
- Credit Hours 60
Program Benefits
- No GRE required
- 700 hours of hands-on experience
- Addictions counseling focus area
Earn a Master of Science Degree that Makes a True Difference
The MS in Mental Health Counseling offers hands-on training and a pathway to dual-licensure in mental health counseling and clinical addictions counseling. Experienced faculty present a rigorous curriculum that is aligned with national and state standards. Our coursework prepares you for licensure in Indiana. Requirements vary by state. The program focuses on evidence-based practices and features partnerships with large mental health providers. You’ll graduate ready to help others in just 2-3 years.
Prepare for In-Demand Mental Health Careers
Upon graduating with your MS degree, you’ll be on your way to dual-licensure in mental health counseling and clinical addictions counseling. Our graduates pursue careers in a variety of settings, including private practice, clinics, schools, addictions and recovery organizations, and inpatient and outpatient hospitals.
Career OutlookMaster’s-Level Mental Health Training for Present-Day Issues
20 total courses
60 total credits
Our theory-to-practice model ensures rigorous grounding in foundational knowledge, hands-on practice, and forward-thinking approaches. Each class offers opportunities for meaningful engagement with students and faculty.
Course Highlights:
- ED 577 Group Procedures
- ED 630 Diversity and Similarity
- ED 571 Career and Life Planning
- ED 568 Neurocounseling and Psychopharmacology
Start Your Application Today
No GRE required
No prerequisite coursework
To apply to Butler’s online master’s in Mental Health Counseling, you’ll need:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts for all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions
- Two letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
- An interview
Based on the state you live in, the state requirements for licensure as a mental health counselor (or equivalent) may vary. You can find more information on our state restrictions page.
View Application ProcessAffordable Tuition for a High-Quality Degree
$42,000 Total Tuition
$700 Per Credit
Butler University is committed to offering affordable, competitive tuition. Speak to an enrollment counselor to discover the multiple ways to finance your degree.
Learn MoreWhat You’ll Learn
Our graduates are prepared to pursue dual-licensure in Indiana. Check requirements in your state as they may vary. Our forward-thinking curriculum meets state and national standards and ensures you’re ready to meet modern challenges with individuals and communities.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate effective skills in clinical mental health counseling and addictions counseling with clients of varying ages and backgrounds
- Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders in an evidence-based manner
- Collect, analyze, and use data and research to inform practice and respond to community needs
- Practice in a culturally responsive manner and continually reassess the impact of personal biases
- Apply the ethical and legal requirements of the profession
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Brandie Oliver, Associate Professor
Courses taught:
- ED 577: Group Procedures
- ED 630: Diversity and Similarity
- ED 672: Advanced Counseling Theory and Technique
Dr. Brandie Oliver is an associate professor with over 15 years of experience in the field of counseling. She is well-known in the field and frequently presents at state, regional, and national conferences, in addition to providing professional development to counselors and educators, consulting for the Indiana Department of Education, and collaborating across disciplines to create compelling and long-term change. Her specific areas of interest include culturally responsive practices, suicide prevention and intervention, social-emotional learning, and comprehensive school counseling. Dr. Oliver has a long history of community involvement including her service to youth and families at Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People as both a group facilitator and individual grief counselor. In addition, she has a long record of involvement with professional organizations including service on the Indiana School Counseling Association board of directors and the Presidential Advisory Board for the American Counseling Association.
Expert Butler University Faculty
Our online classes are taught by experienced school counselors who understand what it takes to succeed in the field. They are all experts in the subject matter, well-known nationally for their work in the field, and ready to help you on your educational journey.
Quality Online Education from a Top-Ranked University
Our online programs are designed to provide the flexibility you need along with the in-depth instruction that prepares you to positively impact communities and individuals. You’ll study with expert-level faculty with years of experience in their fields who bring their real-world understanding into the virtual classroom.
Discover OnlineAnswers to Common Questions
Find answers to common questions about Butler University’s online programs. For information not covered here, our expert admission team is available to provide additional details and guidance.
Currently, Butler University does not offer scholarships. Please consider the following options regarding finances:
- Complete the FAFSA® to determine financial aid eligibility. Butler’s FAFSA® code is 001788.
- Apply for a Sallie Mae loan
Yes, the master’s in Mental Health Counseling follows a cohort model. This allows you to build deeper relationships with peers and faculty, expanding your network, support system, and career opportunities.
The Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling is designed for working professionals with busy lives, so if something interrupts your normal course of study, you don’t have to worry about losing the courses you’ve completed. You can take up to seven years to complete the degree, if needed. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.
You’ll need a GPA of 3.0 to apply to the program. You can learn more about our admissions policy here.
Yes, with careful planning, the right electives, and one additional course, you can become dual-licensed in school counseling and mental health counseling in Indiana. While this may also be possible in other states, requirements vary and additional fieldwork may be necessary. Learn more about your state’s licensure requirements by checking the school counseling state restrictions and mental health counseling state restrictions. Reach out to an admissions counselor for more information.
Tuition is $700 per credit hour. You’ll need to complete 60 credits for a total tuition of $42,000, not including fees or other costs. You can review all tuition costs on our tuition page.