Professional Excellence, Promoting Positive Changes
The Graduate School of Counseling and Social Work offers master’s programs in clinical and mental health counseling, social work and school counseling. Designed to prepare distinguished and accomplished professionals, our programs equip graduates with the skills and mindset to not only create change but to positively impact the communities they serve.
Our programs blend hands-on, community-based learning with strong academics, creating an environment where students can truly thrive.
Rooted in our Augustinian values, we’re committed to fostering a sense of ethics and a drive to challenge injustice in pursuit of liberty and fairness for all. Graduates of the School of Counseling and Social Work leave Merrimack ready to make a real impact and help create a more just and compassionate world.
- Our Master of Clinical and Mental Health Counseling students engage in a minimum of 600 hours of clinical internship experience after completing 100 hours of practicum
Merrimack’s Master of Social Work program offers a range of concentrations to allow you to tailor your graduate education to your specific interests and career goals
With three tracks in our Master of Education in School Counseling, our degree provides you with the needed coursework and field experience for a school counselor (PreK–12) license and/or school social worker/adjustment counselor (PreK–12) license
Graduate education at Merrimack is reaching new heights with our
first graduate school!
The first graduate school in the College’s history will be a cornerstone of Merrimack’s growing graduate and research culture.
Field Placements
100% of students within the Graduate School of Counseling and Social Work participate in field placements/clinical placements prior to graduation.
Current Alumni
We have graduated over 350 students in the Master of Clinical and Mental Health Counseling, Master of Social Work and Master of Education in School Counseling programs.
Fellowship Opportunities
Our fellowships offer you the opportunity to get real-world, hands on experience while earning a discounted tuition rate. Learn more about our fellowship opportunities!
TOP HIRING AND FIELD PLACEMENT ORGANIZATIONS
TOP HIRING AND FIELD PLACEMENT ORGANIZATIONS
Ciccio Counseling
Centers
Lahey Health Behavioral Services
Arbour Counseling
Services
Methuen
Public Schools
Tewksbury
Public Schools
Lawrence
Public Schools
Children’s Friend and Family-JRI
Department of Children and Families
Vinfen
Choose Your Path: Online and On Campus Opportunities
Choose between online and in-person, full or part time programs - we give you the flexibility to complete your degree at a pace that works for you.
Graduate Programs
The Graduate School of Counseling and Social Work offers a number of master’s degrees for you to pursue. With online, hybrid and on-campus options, you’ll find a program that works best for you.
EXPLORE THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF COUNSELING AND SOCIAL WORK
Explore our graduate programs, leading facilities and more both inside and outside of the classroom to tailor your experience to your unique needs, goals and dreams.
Reduce your graduate education costs and gain unparalleled professional experience with a fellowship.
Listen and learn more about the Master of Social Work, the Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and the Master of Higher Education.
As a graduate student at Merrimack College, you have access to a number of services and resources to enhance your academic and student life.
Why Choose Merrimack's Graduate School of Counseling and Social Work?
Our programs are built for today’s professionals, combining Merrimack’s deep experience in education and human services with real-world case studies for practical, hands-on learning.
EXPERT FACULTY WITH REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Learn from experienced faculty and industry leaders recognized for their impact in education, nonprofit management and mental health.
STRONG COMMUNITY, NETWORKING & SUPPORT
Through flexible in-person or online learning communities, you'll network with peers, engage with faculty and deepen your professional relationships.
LEADERSHIP-FOCUSED, PRACTITIONER-BASED CURRICULUM
You’ll gain relevant leadership and problem-solving skills through immersive, applied experiences that reflect the challenges you face in your field.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
“My experience in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program was both transformative and empowering. The program provided a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, ethical decision-making, and cultural humility, all while fostering a deep sense of compassion and professionalism.
With the support of dedicated faculty and a strong commitment to mental health, I felt fully prepared to step into the field as a competent and confident mental health counselor.”
Franklin D. Quijada M’25
NFI North, Clinician
Student & Faculty Highlights
CMHC Alumni
Faculty Member
CMHC Alumni
Get Involved: Graduate Student Senate
There are endless opportunities to get involved at Merrimack and the Graduate Student Senate is the perfect opportunity for our graduate students!
Overseen by the Office of Student Involvement (OSI), the organization serves as a collective voice for graduate students, advocating for their needs and interests. It is open to all graduate students across various programs and aims to enhance their experience, fostering a sense of community.
GRADUATE NEWS
NOTABLE & QUOTABLE
Kathryn Welby, Ed.D., associate professor of practice in the School of Education and Social Policy, has been awarded the New England Educational Research Kim Fries Early Career Award. This prestigious award is given to someone who has shown distinction within 10 years of receiving their doctoral degree.
Get Involved: Clubs & Organizations
There are endless opportunities to get involved at Merrimack and right within the School of Education and Social Policy.
Gain different perspectives, put learning into action and learn from peers and faculty advisors through one of our education-focused clubs:
- Student Education Association of Massachusetts (SEAM)
- Kappa Delta Pi (education honor society)
- Northeast STEM Network
- Women in STEM
- MINTS – Merrimack Institute for New Teacher Support
NOTABLE & QUOTABLE
Associate Professor Joseph Stasio was was featured in WalletHub\'s piece about Chase Sapphire Reserve Benefits. Stasio teaches in the marketing department at Merrimack College\'s Girard School of Business.
