The MPA/MSMHC joint degree program meets the needs of public and private sector human service workers who wish to strengthen their direct service skills and succeed in a leadership role in a human service organization. Students complete 10 courses in public service and 10 courses in mental health counseling. They must meet the admission requirements of each program and will be awarded two degrees. 

This 20-course program consists of: 
8 required MPA courses (24 credits) 
2 MPA electives (6 credits)
6 required Counseling courses (18 credits)
4 COUNS electives (12 credits)

Curriculum 
Eight (8) Required MPA Courses (24 credits) 
PAD 711 Foundations of Public Service and Administration 
PAD 712 Information Based Management 
PAD 713 Managing Financial Resources 
PAD 715 Quantitative Analysis
PAD 716 Managing Human Resources 
PAD 717 Organizational Change
PAD 718 Leadership Strategies for an Interconnected World
PAD 890 Strategic Management

 
Two (2) MPA Electives (6 credits)
Choose from any PAD 800 or 900 level courses

Students must complete 30 credits hours in the Institute for Public Service; PAD and COUNS electives are not interchangeable.

Students with no professional public management experience must take PAD 859 Public Service Internship. (This will count as an elective.) Students who take COUNS 738/739 do not need to take PAD 859 and can take an additional MPA elective. 

Counseling Required Courses (6 courses, 18 Credits)
COUNS 713 Counseling: Theory and Practice
COUNS 716 Psychological Diagnosis
COUNS 717 Introduction to Psychological Testing
COUNS 737 Counseling Skills Laboratory
COUNS 738 Mental Health Counseling Practicum I
COUNS 739 Mental Health Counseling Practicum II 

Counseling Electives (4 courses, 12 Credits)
Choose three electives
COUNS 701 Child & Adolescent Development
COUNS 710 Introduction to School Counseling
COUNS 712 Adult Development
COUNS 714 Psychology of Career Development
COUNS 725 Forensic Psychological Assessment
COUNS 726 Family Therapy
COUNS 727 Substance Disorders and Treatment
COUNS 728 Professional Orientation: Ethical/Legal Issues
COUNS 729 Human Sexuality Seminar
COUNS 730 Personality Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment
COUNS 732 Psychological Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence
COUNS 733 Counseling Diverse Populations
COUNS 734 Counseling Psychology Seminar
COUNS 735 Group Counseling
COUNS 736 Consultation
COUNS 751 Domestic Violence, Abuse & Neglect
COUNS 910 Independent Study