Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Mental Health Counseling

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Mental Health Counseling

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Mental Health Counseling

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Mental Health Counseling is intended for individuals who have already completed a master's degree in counseling (or related field) and need additional graduate coursework in order to have the sixty credits required for state licensure (LAC/LPC) and/or national certification (NCC). Additionally, the program is available for mental health professionals in the community seeking to enhance their professional development. The courses within the certificate program are intended to be advanced courses within the profession that will allow students to improve their practical knowledge and skills.

Students typically complete 12 semester hours of graduate credits in classes taught by the Clinical Mental Health Program within the Department of Psychology in order to bring their total credits to the state requirement of 60. The 12 semester hours may be completed by taking a combination of courses within the program. However, individual courses may have prerequisites associated with them. Given that some degrees total more or less than 48 credits, we occasionally accept individuals who request more (or less) than 12 semester hours and/or specific courses that are normally part of our own master's degree program. Any exceptions should be discussed with the Program Coordinator.

Students who simply need particular coursework (e.g., to obtain the sixty credits required for state licensure (LAC/LPC) and/or national certification/personal growth, etc.) may register for up to 9 graduate credits as non-matriculated students to meet their own individual needs. If additional credits are needed, students should matriculate in the program. Please contact Rowan Global Admissions at 856-256-4747 to register as a non-matriculant. Please note: It is highly recommended that all CAGS students seek to matriculate. Students matriculated (applied and admitted) must follow the program requirements as outlined.

Please consult with the Program Coordinator, Briget Nunn, by emailing nunn@rowan.edu to discuss your enrollment needs.

Program Curriculum

Students typically complete 12 semester hours of graduate credits in classes taught by the Department of Psychology in order to bring their total credits to the state requirement of 60. The 12 semester hours may be completed by taking any combination of courses within the program. However, individual courses may have prerequisites associated with them. For a full list of prerequisites, please consult the graduate school catalog. Given that some degrees total more or less than 48 credits, we occasionally accept individuals who request more (or less) than 12 semester hours and/or specific courses that are normally part of our own Master's degree program.


Any exceptions should be discussed with the program coordinator.
• Total semester hours required graduate work for program completion: 12 s. h.
• Thesis requirement: None


Program Code: CAG- MNTHLTH / Major Code: G211

Admissions Requirements

The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the Certificate (CAGS) in Mental Health Counseling program. There may be additional action or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Office will contact you with confirmation or indication any missing items.


Rowan Global Application Form
• $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
• Master's degree (or its equivalent) in Counseling, Psychology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher learning (Note: please read requirements connected to licensure here)
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
• Current professional resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• Typewritten statement of professional objectives
• A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0

For additional information and application materials, please visit: Global Learning and Partnerships