Master of Science in Clinical Counseling (MS)
Step Into Clinical Counseling
The Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program at Charleston Southern University is a terminal degree intended to prepare students for clinical practice as Licensed Professional Counselors. The program is designed to educate compassionate and highly motivated individuals who will excel in providing client-centered mental healthcare, practicing as agents of change, serving as leaders in their communities and advancing the mental health profession.
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), both offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Completion of the degree, additional state-specific requirements, successful passage of one or both national exams (varied by state), and fulfillment of state-specific supervised practice requirements will qualify graduates to begin the professional counseling licensure process.
Online Clinical Counseling Degree with Residency (Launching Fall 2026)
Beginning in Fall 2026, Charleston Southern University’s Clinical Counseling program will transition to a fully online format with two in-person residencies in Charleston, South Carolina. There will no longer be an in-person track available (current in-person students will continue with on-campus classes).
Students will engage in synchronous (live, weekly online classes) and asynchronous coursework across each semester.
- Weekly Live Classes: All courses include required evening synchronous sessions with professors and classmates to support skills practice, interactive discussion, and professional growth.
- Residencies in Charleston: Students will attend two 3-day on-campus residencies at CSU (held just before the fall semester). This time will focus on orientation, course material, skills training, and cohort building. Full-time and part-time students will complete only two residencies total during their program.
- Flexibility for Working Professionals: Live classes are scheduled in the evenings to accommodate students who are working while pursuing their degree.
Charleston Southern University’s accreditation can be found here.
The Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement: The Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Program meets South Carolina License requirements for a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 60 credit hours of graduate level work and 700 hours of clinical experience. Current students and applicants are responsible for investigating the specific requirements of the state in which they are planning to practice following graduation. Counseling license requirements for various states can be found here. For additional information on accreditation affiliations and disclosures at CSU, please visit Accreditation & Disclosures.
“The instruction, coursework, classmates, professors, and environment are exactly what I hoped for and expected from CSU. I truly believe the Christian environment makes this program superior to any in the state. As a working adult with kids, the schedule has even been a fit for my life. “
Your Degree
The Clinical Counseling program at Charleston Southern University is unique in its integration of faith and counseling knowledge as it seeks to train future clinicians who are clinically competent and biblically sound counselors.
Your Format
The Clinical Counseling program’s online format provides the flexibility of completing your degree from anywhere while ensuring the rich interaction, supervision, and skills training essential for counselor development.
Your College
Charleston Southern’s College of Health Sciences is committed to providing our students with an education based on contemporary scientific research, practical application, and the skill set to help them excel in their future professional endeavor.
What is a Licensed Professional Counselor?
Students who obtain a Masters in Clinical Counseling degree are academically prepared to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). LPCs are mental health service providers who are trained to work with individuals, groups, couples, and families to treat a variety of mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. LPCs can provide services in a variety of settings including:
- Private practices
- Hospitals
- Churches
- Schools, universities, and colleges
- Mental health and social service agencies
Application Requirements
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- Graduate Application
- Official transcripts from ALL institutions attended
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale*
- Two online recommendations (be prepared to submit reference names and contact information on the online application)
- Goals Statement
- Interview
*Applicants with lower GPA may be considered based on other factors such as life experience.
For full application requirements and prerequisite coursework information, check MAT Admissions.
Practicum & Internships
A practicum experience of 100 hours with a minimum of 40 hours of direct client services and an internship of 600 hours with a minimum of 240 hours of direct client service are required as part of the 60 course credits in the final year of the program. The Clinical Coordinator for the program will work with students to ensure placement at clinical sites that meet the standards of the program and the needs of the individual student. Students will be assisted in finding placements within their communities.
Timeframe & Credit Hours
Interested in this Program?
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Frequent Questions about the Clinical Counseling Program
When is the application deadline?
The Clinical Counseling program admits students on a rolling basis. While we do not have a hard application deadline, students can only be admitted for the fall semester. There are 30 designated seats in each cohort.
What can one do to make their application stand out?
We are looking for well-rounded application who will help us achieve our mission statement as a program. Goal statements are considered by faculty as a writing sample, showing the applicant’s capacity for written work, clarity of thought, and ability to address the given prompts. Please review our admissions page for specific application requirements.
How many students do you take each year?
Our program can accommodate up to 30 new students each fall.
Where do I submit my goals statement?
Once your application has been submitted, a complete checklist of required documents will populate. The goals statement will be listed in that checklist.