Graduate Programs

Pursuing graduate study is an exciting endeavor! The Department of Psychology offers two graduate-level options for further study in the helping professions.

Master’s Degree (M.A.) in

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Valparaiso University’s Department of Psychology proudly offers an accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program, designed to equip aspiring counselors with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary for impactful careers in the mental health profession.

Our rigorous in-person, cohort-style 60-credit graduate program not only meets but exceeds educational standards for licensure in the State of Indiana, and aligns with requirements in many other states as well.

This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) under its 2016 standards, affirming our commitment to excellence in counselor education. Through a blend of in-depth coursework and immersive clinical experiences, students gain a strong foundation in essential counseling competencies, professional ethics, and cultural responsiveness.

We have the only CMHC program housed within a psychology department in Northwest Indiana, which offers unique advantages. Students benefit from access to interdisciplinary faculty expertise, a diverse learning community, and resources tailored to foster both personal and professional growth. In our CMHC program, students work closely with licensed faculty members who bring years of experience in clinical practice, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the complexities of real-world counseling.

Valpo graduates emerge ready to meet the mental health needs of their communities and pursue licensure as clinical mental health counselors, with a solid grounding in both the science and the art of counseling. Whether engaging in individual therapy, group work, or community mental health initiatives, our alumni are prepared to make meaningful contributions in a wide range of professional settings.

Graduate Certificate in

Trauma-Informed Care

In addition to our CMHC program, Valparaiso University offers a Certificate in Trauma-Informed Care, a 15-credit, online synchronous program crafted to equip participants with essential insights into trauma and practical skills to enhance effectiveness when working with trauma-exposed populations. Designed for flexibility, this program operates online, making it an accessible and convenient option for students and professionals across a variety of fields, including mental health, education, crisis and emergency services, healthcare, criminal justice, law, non-profit and human services, and any role that involves individuals or systems impacted by trauma.

Our trauma-informed care curriculum emphasizes foundational knowledge and practical application, allowing participants to directly integrate trauma-sensitive practices within their current or future professional settings. This certificate program not only complements existing graduate studies—often aligning with elective coursework requirements—but also provides a valuable, stand-alone experience for individuals seeking to deepen their impact and understanding of trauma.

The program is open to degree-seeking and non-degree graduate students who meet admission requirements, as well as to advanced undergraduates eligible for graduate-level coursework. An application for admission to the certificate is required, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to engage with and benefit from this training.