Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The mission of the Counselor Education Programs at Alabama State University is to prepare graduates who will perform as professional counselors in schools and community agencies. The program provides a strong framework in counseling theories and techniques, as well as “hands-on” practicum and internship experiences. Graduates are expected to exhibit high levels of self-awareness; ethical behavior; knowledge of adaptive and maladaptive thought processes and behaviors; skills to facilitate positive client behavior changes; and personal characteristics of caring, empathic helpers.

Alabama State University was founded in 1867, in Marion, Ala., as a school for African-Americans. The school started as the Lincoln Normal School with $500 raised by nine formerly enslaved men now known as the Marion Nine, making ASU one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher education founded for black Americans.

Today, Alabama State University, located in Montgomery, Ala., is a widely respected, world-class institution of higher learning that welcomes students of all races. We offer more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, from our historic teacher education program to a list of high-demand programs such as the Doctorate in Physical Therapy, the Ph.D. in microbiology, the Master of Accountancy, the Masters in Social Work and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance.