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Counseling and Social Work Master’s Degrees and Graduate Certificate

Home / Counseling and Social Work

Master’s Degrees

Graduate Certificate

What Will You Learn?

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Students in the online CMHC program will learn skills developed by industry leaders to help address the ongoing mental health crisis in the United States. Areas of focus include: 

  • Becoming proficient in trauma-informed counseling
  • Learning skills in clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Understanding addictions
  • Learning group counseling and telecounseling modalities
  • Meeting the needs of all individuals and communities

School Counseling and School Social Work/Adjustment Counseling

Students enrolled in school counseling programs will prepare for rewarding careers in school- or community-based counseling, college readiness, career guidance, transitional services and more. Areas of focus include:

  • Exploring assessment practices and their purpose in education and mental health with a focus on interpretation and application
  • Distinguishing between different counseling interventions based on client need and evidence-based research practices
  • Examining current research and best practices in the field and creating individual and group interventions tailored to school settings 
  • Studying the nature, problems and process of learning, cognition and motivation
  • Applying theories of human development related to the mental health and social/emotional growth of youth
  • Providing students with occupational, educational and social information designed to help them understand, analyze and select personal career goals

Student Support Resources

Students in Merrimack’s counseling and social work programs benefit from a comprehensive network of academic, career and wellness resources designed to support success inside and outside the classroom. These include:

  • Dedicated academic advising and student success coaching
  • Writing assistance, library services, accessibility services and virtual tutoring
  • Career counseling, resume reviews, interview preparation, networking opportunities and access to virtual career tools
  • Mental health and wellness counseling services
  • On-campus fitness center access and opportunities to participate in intramural and club sports

Many of these services are available remotely, ensuring online and hybrid learners receive the same high level of support as on-campus students.

Connect With Our Enrollment Team

Are you wondering which counseling program is right for you? Our enrollment advisors are experts who can help you select the course of study that’s the best match for your professional goals. Connect with them today, and prepare to take the next step in your professional journey.

Request Information

What Our Students Say

“The clinical mental health program at Merrimack has given me this space to grow as an individual and also helped me advance my career goals in a way that fits my needs and current circumstances.”

– CMHC graduate

“I have always learned best from doing, so being in an actual guidance office working directly with students is very rewarding. I learn something new every day at my practicum and I know this experience will help me when I am a school counselor one day.”

– M.Ed. in School Counseling student

Merrimack College
Accolades and Accreditation

At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally and spiritually — so that you may graduate as a confident, well-prepared citizen of the world.

U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)

  • Most Innovative Schools (No. 8)
  • Regional Universities North (No. 38)
  • Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 20)
  • Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 82)
    (at schools where doctorate not offered)
  • Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 16)
  • Best Value Schools (No. 52)

NECHE-Accredited

  • Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Tell me more about Merrimack’s programs.

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by Merrimack College and its partners via email, phone or text for program information and application guidance. You grant us permission to call or text you at this number, and that contact may be made using automated dialing systems and/or an artificial or prerecorded voice.

*This applies to new students entering the Summer I 2026 term. Does not roll over to subsequent terms. Does not include MBA, MED, CAGS, Post-MSN Certificate, CPA and CMA Exam Preparation Certificate. Not combinable with other offers (i.e. Double Warrior, Fellowship, Partnership Discounts, etc.) For CSC 6000, credit will be applied to their second course.