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Program Facts

  • Our Mission

    The mission of Gannon University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is to educate and train students to become professional counselors who are committed to the wellness of individuals, families, groups, and the greater community. The philosophy of the program focuses on the development of the competencies required of professional counselors. The program is committed to:

    • Enhancing students’ knowledge of counseling theory and concepts;
    • Developing strategies to facilitate human growth and development over the lifespan;
    • Providing skills and training requisite of generalist entry-level counseling practitioners;
    • Developing multicultural competencies;
    • Promoting the development of sound legal and ethical decision-making skills; and
    • Preparing individuals for national certification and professional licensure.

    Although students are typically drawn from the regional area, applicants with diverse backgrounds and from outside the region are encouraged to apply. Students are guided to embody and contribute to the spirit of diversity to which the program and profession are committed.

    About the Program

    • Gannon University offers the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  The program provides a generalist practitioner foundation for professional counseling. The degree requires 60 semester hours completed in 2 years and 9 months. All students start in the Fall semester participating in a cohort of 20 or less with average class sizes ranging from 9-18. Two courses are delivered on-line, however, most coursework is delivered in a face-to-face format. Blackboard Learning Management System is also used.
    • The curriculum offers counselor training designed to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to become a professional counselor. The program prepares graduates to pursue certification as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania.  Graduates have successfully attained licensure in Ohio, New York, and several other states.The program is designed to prepare individuals for careers in professional counseling settings such as community mental health, human service agencies, college and university counseling, and residential treatment. Students complete a generalist practitioner curriculum and can also develop additional specializations through structured internship experience.
    • Students will have the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and counseling skills particularly in areas of counseling children and adolescents, counseling and spirituality, wellness and advanced counseling theories and techniques.
    • The majority of students are full-time working professionals who bring a variety of experiences to the program.
    • The three full-time faculty are credentialed as licensed Professional Counselors, Nationally Certified Counselors, and have years of professional counseling experience. The program provides a counselor education experience which emphasizes identity and competent practice as a professional counselor in accordance with the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.

    Program Highlights

    • 50 year history of preparing counseling professionals
    • Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
    • Awarded the 2009 Pennsylvania Counseling Association Outstanding Counselor Education Program of the Year
    • 100% pass rate on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE)
    • 15 point average above the national mean scores on the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination
    • 94% first time pass rate on the National Counselor Exam (NCE)
    • Average score of 119.6 on the National Counselor Exam (26.78 points above the national mean of 91)
    • 17 point average above the national mean scores on the National Counselor exam since 2004 when Gannon began administering the examination on-site
    • 94% placement rate for positions in the counseling field
    • Gamma Upsilon Chi Chapter (chartered since 2003) of Chi Sigma Iota, International Professional Honor Society
    • Established relationships with over 35 clinical sites available for practicum and internship in Erie and North West Pennsylvania

    Diversity Statement

    The Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program establishes and supports an environment that values the diverse and unique nature of human experiences and backgrounds. We enrich our personal and professional lives by exemplifying Gannon University’s call to demonstrate professional respect for the dignity of every person.