Syracuse University

What you'll study

This master's combines core mental-health theory with applied skills and field-based experience. You will study assessment and diagnosis, lifespan psychopathology, counselling theories and techniques, group and family interventions, and approaches to substance use and co-occurring disorders. Coursework emphasises multicultural competence, ethics and legal issues in practice, trauma-informed care, and prevention and community-based interventions.

Research methods, programme evaluation and outcome measurement are included so graduates can understand and apply evidence to practice. Most students also complete supervised practicum and internship placements in community agencies, hospitals or school settings; some programmes offer either a capstone project or an option to complete a research thesis.

• Foundations of mental and social health
• Psychopathology and diagnosis across the lifespan
• Counselling theories and clinical techniques
• Group therapy and family systems
• Substance use and integrated treatment approaches
• Multicultural and community-based practice
• Ethics, law and professional issues
• Research methods, statistics and programme evaluation
• Supervised practicum and internships

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. A background in psychology, social work, sociology, education, public health or a related field is advantageous but not always required; bridging coursework may be recommended for those from unrelated disciplines. Selection typically considers academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals and relevant experience, a CV, and letters of recommendation.

Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test or prior education in English. Because practicum placements often involve work with vulnerable populations, acceptance is contingent on meeting background check and health/immunisation requirements for placement partners.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of roles across clinical, community and policy settings. Common career destinations include mental health counsellor, community mental health practitioner, substance-abuse counsellor, case manager, behavioural health coordinator and programme or service administrator. With additional licensure or certification where required, graduates may work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, schools, residential treatment programmes, non-profit organisations or government agencies.

The degree also provides a foundation for further study at the doctoral level or for careers in research, policy analysis and programme evaluation related to mental and social health services.

Why study at Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers interdisciplinary training with access to faculty who combine clinical practice, research and community engagement. The programme emphasises applied learning through supervised practicum placements with long-standing partner agencies across Central New York, giving students practical experience with diverse populations and service systems.

Students benefit from university resources such as research centres, career services and professional development workshops, and from a campus culture that supports collaboration across public health, social work, education and allied disciplines. Proximity to a mid-sized city provides a range of placement opportunities while maintaining strong faculty mentorship and networking connections into regional and national practice settings.