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The Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services at the University of Bridgeport is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for effective careers in mental health, counseling, and human service professions. The program emphasizes the development of practical skills, ethical practices, and theoretical knowledge necessary to support individuals, families, and communities facing a variety of psychosocial challenges. Students will explore core areas including counseling techniques, psychological assessment, human development, cultural competency, and crisis intervention. The curriculum integrates coursework with hands-on field experiences, enabling students to apply their learning in real-world settings under supervised clinical practice. This blend of academic rigor and practical training ensures graduates are well-equipped to pursue licensure and employment in settings such as schools, mental health agencies, healthcare facilities, and community organizations. Specializations within the program may include school counseling, mental health counseling, addiction counseling, and human services administration, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career goals. Faculty members are experienced professionals committed to mentoring students and fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages personal and professional growth. The program adheres to the highest standards of ethical practice and integrates multicultural perspectives, preparing graduates to serve diverse populations effectively. Graduates of the program are empowered to become leaders in their field, contributing positively to individual well-being and social change. The University of Bridgeport’s Counseling and Human Services program is dedicated to preparing competent, compassionate, and ethical professionals ready to meet the needs of a complex and changing world.
Detailed Course Facts
Application deadline August 1 for the Fall Semester;December 15 for the Spring Semester Tuition fee- USD 16415 Year (National)
- USD 16415 Year (International)
Duration full-time 72 months Languages Take an IELTS test
- English
Course Content
The Division of Counseling offers a Master of Science degree in Counseling with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Services, and College Student Personnel. In addition to the masters degree, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) is offered for those who wish to take specialized courses beyond the masters and/or complete licensure requirements. Students who apply to one program and wish to transfer to another must apply to change programs.
Upon entry into a program, students plan an individualized plan of studies with their advisor in which graduate transfer credit of no more than six credits may be included. While students can take courses at their own pace, all of the counseling degree programs require a minimum of two years to complete. There is a set sequence of courses for each concentration and some courses have prerequisites. Courses are offered once a year, typically in the evening or on weekends. In addition, there is a seven year time limit for completion of all degree requirements.
Typically students take two or three courses each term. Many students have full or part-time employment. Although it is possible to take all course work in the late afternoon, evening, or on weekends, some additional time during the day may be required to meet course expectations. This is especially true for internship placement.
Professional Licensure
Students interested in licensure should consult the state in which they wish to practice for specific requirements. The State of Connecticut requires 60 credit masters degree. Specific areas of coursework are also required. In addition, candidates for licensure must complete supervised clinical experiences and obtain a qualifying score on a standardized examination. Students who wish to pursue licensure should select the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration.
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study
For individuals who hold a masters degree in Counseling or a closely related field but lack one or more of the requirements for licensure as a professional counselor, we offer a specialized program of study leading to a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The requirements of this program are individualized to the needs and goals of each student and consist of 30 credits.
Practicum
The practicum is designed to allow students to develop their counseling skills in a closely supervised setting. The course instructor, students advisor, and site supervisor determine appropriate practicum activities. Activities could include observing/shadowing, attending staff meetings, tutoring, advising, interviewing professional staff members, studying materials and procedure manuals, and other support functions.
Internship
Following the practicum and pre-requisite courses, students will pursue an internship. The goal of the internship is to further develop and refine the skills established during practicum. You are eligible for the internship component of your program after completing the required coursework and approval from faculty. The internship is the heart of the masters degree training program in Counseling at the University of Bridgeport (UB). It provides a venue within which students receive the guidance necessary for development as an entry-level counselor. Program faculties provide didactic and experiential training, which serves as the foundation for the development of skills necessary for independent work in clinical settings. The internship operationalizes this training and, in the person of the clinical supervisor, personifies the profession with which the intern ideally identifies. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the type of internship site that you choose and you should discuss this closely with your advisor. Successful internship training can only occur when program faculty and site supervisors form a close collaborative relationship with the mission of providing quality training and the development of the intern as a whole person. Internships are not guaranteed and approval to attend internship is dependent upon students performance both interpersonally and academically. Internships must be completed over two semesters, typically over the course of a full academic year, starting in the fall and ending in the spring.
Internship/Practicum
The internship is the heart of the masters degree program in Counseling at UB. It provides a venue within which students receive the guidance necessary for development as an entry-level counselor. Program faculties provide didactic and experiential training, serving as the foundation for the development of skills necessary for independent work in clinical settings.
Internships are not guaranteed and approval to attend internship is dependent upon academic performance. Internships must be completed over two semesters, typically over the course of a full academic year, starting in the fall and ending in the spring. Supervised field and internship experience is critical to counselor development and job placement. With the help of an internship advisor, two semesters of supervised internship or practicum are completed at an approved site determined by the students respective concentration. This intense experience adds perspective to each students individual learning experience.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Two 300-hour semester internships, for a total of 600 hours
College Student Personnel
- Two 250-hour semester internships, for a total of 500 hours
- A reduction in hours may be granted for those students who hold an approved graduate assistantship or an approved full-time position in student affairs
Human Services
- Two 250-hour semester internships, for a total of 500 hours
Counseling, 6th Year
- If required, two 300-hour semester internships, for a total of 600 hours
Program Objectives
The objectives of the human services concentration foster the individual growth and professional development of students and prepare students for careers that contribute to social and economic development. Graduates of this program will:
- Have knowledge of the structures and functions of Connecticuts human service agencies
- Have experience working in a local human service agency, either public or private
- Understand the sociological and psychological principles of human need
- Be able to provide leadership and coordinate services that will support individual and community needs
- Demonstrate the skills of business management necessary to effectively administer a human service agency
Personal characteristics students cultivate in our program include:
- Determination and confidence
- Leadership skills
- Sound decision making skills
- Strong organizational and managerial skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Communication and motivational skills
- Familiarity with information technology
Requirements
Bachelors degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited university or recognized international institution
Undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher
Nine credits in undergraduate psychology coursework with a grade of B or higher; three of the nine credits may be in an area closely related to psychology
It is recommended that clinical mental health counseling applicants have three undergraduate credits in either abnormal psychology or psychopathology
Work Experience
No work experience is required.
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
The University of Bridgeport offers a variety of financing options for students enrolled in the Counseling and Human Services programs. Undergraduate and graduate students alike can explore multiple avenues to fund their education, including federal and state financial aid, scholarships, grants, and private loans. Federal Student Aid programs administered through the U.S. Department of Education are a primary resource, such as Pell Grants and Direct Stafford Loans, which help reduce the financial burden of tuition and fees. To qualify, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet specific academic and financial criteria. The university also provides institutional scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and financial need, which students can apply for through the university’s scholarship portal. Additionally, some students may be eligible for state-specific grants or funding opportunities designed to support residents of Connecticut, where the university is located. Private loans from banks or lending institutions are another financing option, often used to cover expenses beyond what federal aid provides. The university’s financial aid office offers counseling and assistance to help students understand their options and complete application processes effectively. Affiliated work-study programs enable students to earn money while gaining experience related to their field of study, further subsidizing educational costs. International students and non-traditional students might have access to specific funding resources or scholarships tailored to their circumstances. Overall, the university emphasizes a comprehensive approach to financing education, encouraging students to combine multiple sources of funding and seek early guidance to ensure financial planning aligns with their educational goals.
Accreditation
The University is accredited by the State of Connecticut Board of Higher Education and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Professional association guidelines and standards are followed within the program, an d the Clinical Mental Health Concentration closely follows the guidelines provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health for the licensing of professional counseling.
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