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Apply ByFall: March 1, May 1, June 1 (see Apply section for details) | Spring: Oct 1
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Admission GPA3.0+
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Total Credits60
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Time to Complete2.5–3 years
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Cost$850 per credit
Why Choose the IBH Program?
The Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) prepares counselors and therapists to treat clients with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders. The IBH program provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation in integrative treatment modalities, clinical skills, professional and ethical responsibilities, and client advocacy.
The IBH degree features:
- Coursework that meets Minnesota Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MNLADC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) educational requirements
- A comprehensive, integrated curriculum that addresses both mental health and substance use disorders
- Real-world application that reflects state-of-the-art, evidence-based best practices
- A case-based learning approach to enhance understanding of counseling theories and techniques
- A client-centered focus that recognizes more than one treatment ideology
- A diverse and inclusive student experience
Courses
To earn the Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health, complete 60 credits. You have up to five years to complete the degree; however, you may complete the degree in approximately three years by following a full-time pathway (nine credits for the first few terms then six).
Required Courses
- Foundations of Counseling: Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders (ADDS 6001)
- Counseling Ethics and Professional Counselor Identity (ADDS 6005)
- Applied Psychopharmacology (ADDS 6011)
- Social and Cultural Diversity in Counseling (ADDS 6015)
- Counseling Skills: Group Counseling (ADDS 6021)
- Counseling Skills: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (ADDS 6025)
- Foundations of Assessment and Treatment Planning (ADDS 6031)
- Research and Evaluation Methods in Counseling (ADDS 6035)
- Career Counseling & Professional Development (IBH 6301)
- Applications of Counseling Theories (IBH 6305)
- Differential Diagnosis (IBH 6311)
- Family Dynamics in Counseling (IBH 6315)
- Trauma & Crisis Intervention (IBH 6321)
- Applications of Assessment (IBH 6325)
- Human Lifespan Development (IBH 6331)
- Practicum (ADDS/IBH 6905)
- Counseling Internship* (ADDS 6996)
- Counseling Internship* (IBH 6996)
- Counseling Elective 1: Any non-required IBH, HSEX course, or other course with permission of DGS*
- Counseling Elective 2: Any non-required IBH, HSEX course, or other course with permission of DGS*
* Students who choose to complete the LADC midpoint internship will complete additional credits of ADDS 6996 Internship in lieu of an elective course. All students will complete at least three terms of Practicum and Internship leading to at least 880 hours of fieldwork experience.
Internship
All students admitted to the University of Minnesota’s Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) are expected to complete a minimum of 880 hours of supervised internship at an area agency approved by IBH internship faculty as part of their academic program.
The IBH program coursework fulfills the education and internship requirements for the three Minnesota licenses listed below. All additional post degree supervision hours or other requirements for these licenses are not part of or fulfilled by the IBH program.
- The Minnesota Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (MNLADC)
- The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- The Minnesota Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
For detailed information on the LADC, LPC, and LPCC licensing requirements, visit the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (MN BBHT) website.
Once you complete the IBH program, you are responsible for any post-graduation supervision hours required for professional licensure in Minnesota. The IBH program does not facilitate or guarantee any post-graduate opportunities or professional licensure in other states or another country.
Approved Electives
Elective courses (0–6 credits) must relate to counseling, human development, or human services, or must enhance your understanding of mental health, co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders, or human behavior within a broader context. For courses not listed below, obtain approval from the Director of Graduate Studies.
For detailed course information, visit the U of M Schedule Builder.
Youth Specialization
If you are interested in counseling youth, this specialization will add competencies in psychopathology and resilience, and application of theory and research to meet the needs of youth, families, and communities. As part of the specialization you will also earn a graduate minor in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.
This optional specialization requires additional coursework beyond the IBH degree’s minimum credits and a youth-focused internship. Please be aware that legal convictions may disqualify you from internship and clinical practice. Anyone seeking this specialization will be required to pass a background check before internship.
Career Outlook
“Currently, there is a shortage of addictions and mental health practitioners in the state of Minnesota,” says Debra Wamsley, former Director of Graduate Studies. “Our degree effectively prepares future clinicians to successfully practice in this rapidly changing landscape.”
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37%
Expected employment growth in mental health and behavioral therapy occupations between 2020-30 in Minnesota* -
$69.5K
Median salary for positions which request an LPCC**
In fact, in Minnesota, mental health and behavioral therapy positions that request a LADC and/or an LPC have an average salary 63 percent higher than the average across all positions.*
Your future career could be as a:*
- Mental Health Therapist
- Behavioral Health Counselor
- Behavioral Health Therapist
- Social/Human Service Assistant
- Senior Clinical Supervisor
* Burning Glass Technologies: Program Insight™, accessed 10/28/21.
** Lightcast™, accessed 3/6/23.
Faculty
The Integrated Behavioral Health program is supported and directed by talented, engaged professionals at every level. Their experience and knowledge will help you navigate an educational and career path that works for you.
Admissions Advising
Graduate enrollment advisor Steve Wicks is happy to answer your questions about the IBH program and the application procedure.
Or you can give Steve a call at 612-301-6127.
Do you have a more detailed question or want to tell us a little bit about yourself before the meeting? Fill out this brief questionnaire.
Apply
Fall Semester Application Deadlines: March 1, May 1*, June 1**
Spring Semester Application Deadline: October 1
We strive to be fair in the admissions process. Our program thrives when we have students from different backgrounds and cultural experiences. The admissions committee completes a holistic review of all required application materials to ensure that you will be successful in the program. We do not require standardized test scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Learn more about the application process in the video below. If you have questions about the admission requirements or would like advice on how to put together application materials, please contact Steve Wicks.
* The final application deadline for international students was March 1. International applicants are encouraged to apply for a future term of admission.
** We will accept applications for admission on a space-available basis until June 1, 2025.
Application Fee Waiver
CCAPS offers a limited number of application fee waivers to US citizens/permanent residents. Please read the application instructions for details on how to apply.
Admission Requirements
We welcome applications from students who have:
- a bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary US institution, or its international equivalent
- an undergraduate GPA of 3.0*
* If you have a GPA below 3.0, please include a statement of extenuating circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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