NMHU Online Master’s in Counseling Programs
New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) offers three concentrations within its master of arts (MA) in counseling, each a 60-credit program designed for students aiming to become professional counselors. The options include clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, and school counseling. These programs blend online, real-time Zoom sessions and asynchronous courses to serve students across New Mexico and beyond, preparing them to be agents of social change who promote ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and advocacy. For students entering Fall 2026 and later, two on-campus residency experiences are required.
All three concentrations share 30 credits of core counseling content and nine credits of professional practice, focusing on foundational skills for entry-level counselors. Common courses include professional counseling orientation and ethical practice; theory and practice of counseling; social justice and cultural diversity; human growth and development; group counseling theory and practice; and addiction counseling theory and practice. Students complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship in real-world settings, supervised by professionals, using the Experiential Learning Cloud platform to track skills, placements, and licensure documentation.
The clinical mental health counseling concentration trains students in therapeutic techniques, psychological theories, and treatment for disorders ranging from minor adjustments to chronic mental illness. Counselors work with individuals, groups, and families in agencies, clinics, private practice, behavioral health institutions, and rehabilitation centers. Key courses include Issues in Clinical Mental Health counseling; family and couples counseling; trauma and crisis intervention; and diagnosis and treatment planning, plus three counseling electives. Graduates qualify for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board.
The clinical rehabilitation counseling concentration equips students to help diverse clients with developmental, psychiatric, sensory, cognitive, substance dependency, or physical disabilities achieve social, vocational, and personal independence. Graduates serve in rehabilitation centers, schools, hospitals, and government agencies using disability studies, vocational rehabilitation, and counseling techniques. Concentration courses include foundations, case management, and job placement in rehabilitation; medical aspects of disability; psychosocial and cultural aspects of disability; and psychiatric rehabilitation and co-occurring disorders, plus one counseling elective. Graduates are eligible for the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential and LMHC licensure.
The school counseling concentration prepares counselors to support P-12 students’ emotional well-being, academic success, career planning, and personal or social development in safe, inclusive school environments. Counselors deliver group, classroom, and individual guidance to foster future readiness. Specific courses include school counseling P-12; family and couples counseling; college and career planning P-12; counseling children and adolescents; and restorative justice and conflict resolution, plus two counseling electives. Completers qualify for licensure as school counselors with the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Admission to all three MA in counseling concentrations requires enrollment in fall, spring, or summer terms and is open to applicants with a baccalaureate degree and a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants submit a University graduate application, a written statement of educational goals, transcripts from all prior colleges, two professional letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV documenting relevant work experience. Faculty advisors help tailor a program of study to meet specific course requirements.
New Mexico Highlands University is a public university and research institution located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, United States, with centers in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Farmington, and Roswell. It is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and serves local and global communities. NMHU’s counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
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MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
MA in Counseling – Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
MA in Counseling – School Counseling
1005 Diamond StLas Vegas, New Mexico
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
No
2 – Two on-campus residency experiences required in alignment with the 2024 CACREP Standards
60
Spring, Summer, Fall
Complete in as little as 2.5 to 3 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$328.35
$19,701.00
$527.35
$31,641.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Rehabilitation Counseling
No
2 – Two on-campus residency experiences required in alignment with the 2024 CACREP Standards
60
Spring, Summer, Fall
Complete in as little as 2.5 to 3 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$328.35
$19,701.00
$527.35
$31,641.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: School Counseling
No
2 – Two on-campus residency experiences required in alignment with the 2024 CACREP Standards
60
Spring, Summer, Fall
Complete in as little as 2.5 to 3 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$328.35
$19,701.00
$527.35
$31,641.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani has researched degree programs and salaries in counseling since 2020. She has written about topics such as genetic counselor salaries and family and human development bachelor’s degrees. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.