Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate (CAGS)

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is intended for individuals who have already completed a Master's degree in counseling (or related field) and need additional graduate course work in order to have the sixty credits required for state licensure as Licensed Associate Counselors (L.A.C.), followed by the licensure (after completing necessary clinical experience) as Licensed Professional Counselors (L.P.C.). Some students also seek national certification as Nationally Certified Counselors (N.C.C.). 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 clinical mental health profession that will allow students to improve their practical knowledge and skills.

Candidates seeking licensure are advised to read the regulations and requirements of the state's board where they intend to practice. Please see the NJ Professional Counselor Examiners Committee webpage for the NJ Board of Licensed Professional Counselor regulations.

Students typically complete 12 semester hours of graduate credits in classes taught in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling 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 any combination of courses within the CAGS 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. 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 credits as non-matriculated students to meet their own individual needs. If additional credits are needed, students should matriculate in the program. Please note: It is highly recommended that all CAGS students seek to matriculate. Please consult with the Program Coordinator to discuss your enrollment needs.

• 4 Courses / 12 Semester Hours
• Foundation Courses: No
• Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: No

Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

• Completed 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
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
• Current professional resume
• Typewritten statement of professional objectives (stating goals in taking CAGS courses)
• Two letters of recommendation from professional sources (on letterhead and signed)
• Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Interview