Learning Outcomes:

Graduates of the Ed.S. program will:

• Be eligible for licensure as Nebraska Licensed Mental Health Practitioners (LMHP).
• Be eligible for licensure as Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC) in Nebraska.
• Gain advanced skills in mental health counseling, addiction counseling, and case management.
• Be prepared to serve clients in both school settings and broader community contexts.

Program Duration:

• The Ed.S. program is designed to be completed in two years, with students completing 30 credit hours (15 credits per year).

Eligibility:

The EdS contains the additional coursework required by the Department of Health and Human Services in NE for licensure as a Provisional licensure as a Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) and Provisional licensure as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (PLADC). They do not get this coursework that they do not take as a school counselor. They do take ethics, theories and other required DHHS courses. So, the EdS (30 credit hours) and the MAE-school counseling (39 credit hours) coursework are required to apply for LMHP (60 credit hours). Thus, combined, the two degrees will provide the academic background to apply for the PLMHP and PLADC. The EdS does not train school counselors to be school counselors. It trains already degreed and endorsed school counselors to become provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioners (PLMHP) The EdS does not have required licensure courses such as Ethics, Theories, Skills, etc.… The student’s master's school counseling program would have included all these courses.

Admission Requirements:

• Required Degree: A Master’s degree in School Counseling or another approved counseling/mental health-related field.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates will be prepared for roles such as:

• Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP)
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
• School Counselor
• Mental Health Consultant
• Addiction Counselor

Why This Program?

• Online Flexibility: Ideal for working professionals, especially those in rural communities.
• Addressing State Needs: Nebraska has a critical shortage of licensed mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas. This program helps meet that demand.
• Support for School Counselors: This program allows School Counselors to expand their credentials and become licensed mental health professionals and addiction counselors, helping to serve their communities’ diverse needs.