This program consists of three 14-week terms a year, each of which is divided into two carefully curated seven-week sessions. The practicum/field experience will span a full term, and the internship will span two terms.

Courses are offered online in a blend of asynchronous and synchronous work, meaning you will do most of it on your own time, whenever it best fits your schedule. Each course meets synchronously for 90 minutes each week. Attendance in our synchronous course time is expected; together, we use this time to apply the content learned asynchronously and practice clinical skills. However, we recognize that students have busy lives and that sometimes the unexpected may make a student unable to attend a class. In the rare circumstance that a student is not in attendance, the class will be recorded, and an additional assignment will be provided to that student to evidence their engagement with the content and exhibit their use of the skills learned.

Full-time students can take two classes per term and finish in two years. Part-time students can decide how many classes to take each term but must finish within six years.

Although our program is online, every course in the program has a 90-minute synchronous component each week. We recognize that life can impede class attendance from time to time and there are some asynchronous options for the occasion absence. However, there are a few synchronous experiences where attendance is mandatory, including a 10-hour experiential group counseling experience that will occur over a single academic session. In addition, throughout the duration of the practicum and internship, each student participates in individual and/or triadic supervision on a regular schedule that averages one hour a week and group supervision on a regular schedule that averages 1½ hours per week.

This online program leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance the learning experience and to provide essential skills for your future counseling practice. Through interactive virtual classrooms, multimedia resources, and real-time collaboration tools, you’ll be a part of a dynamic and engaging online environment that mirrors the richness of in-person instruction. Participate in simulated counseling sessions; access diverse case studies; and engage in immersive, experiential learning.

Our instructional designers have developed a no-cost introductory module to prepare you to successfully engage in the online learning environment. In addition, we’ve standardized the online classroom experience to ensure a seamless transition from course to course, even for those who might be new to online education.

Our dynamic curriculum is designed by national experts and aligned with the newly released 2024 CACREP standards. There are two tracks available: generalist practice and addiction counseling. In both you will supplement your classes with community-based engagement, independent studies, or faculty research.

Generalist practice track: Customize your course of study by pursuing the generalist practice track and choosing electives that offer a broader clinical experience.

Addiction counseling track: This track embraces multiple pathways to recovery, preparing you to work across the addiction treatment spectrum and providing a strong foundation in harm reduction.

See the details for our curriculum, course sequence, and course descriptions.

Our application process is simple and efficient; GRE scores aren’t required, and with rolling admissions and monthly interviews, you can begin in the next available cohort. You need to complete the following:

• Essay (personal statement)*
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty or employers only
• Copy of resume
• Official undergraduate transcript
• Synchronous group interview

You can also use code “GROWTCNJ” to waive the $75 application fee.

*Share with us how your lived expertise integrates into your desire to be a mental health counselor, including your aspirations for creating meaningful change in individual lives and communities.

As this is a new program, CACREP accreditation cannot be secured until the first cohort of students is ready to graduate. The CACREP application will be submitted at that time, and everyone who graduates within 18 months of the date that accreditation is secured will be deemed to have graduated from a CACREP-accredited program.

View licensure eligibility for each state.