School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences

Advance Your Career in Mental Health

A student in the Missouri State social work program interacts with a community social work professional
Continue changing lives

Advance your career in mental health and behavioral science

The demand is there. You are what’s missing. Go further in your industry or switch paths.
Elevate your expertise in psychology, counseling or social work and make an impact where your community needs you most.
Graduate programs in mental health and behavioral sciences

Earn your master’s degree at Missouri State

Are you wondering what’s next for your career?
Missouri State's School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences' master's level programs provide you with the knowledge and skills to lead at the next level.
Two individuals sitting on the lawn. One individual has a clipboard and is listening to the other individual.
Counseling (MS)
Guide and empower people through their developmental and mental health needs
Our counseling graduate program prepares you to become a licensed counselor ready to support individuals, families and groups.
  • Focus your degree on clinical mental health counseling or school counseling.
  • Graduate prepared for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or certification as a public school counselor in Missouri.
  • Hands-on practicum opportunities through the Center City Counseling Clinic.
A student of the undergraduate social work program greets a community social work professional
Social work (MSW)
Lead at the next level as a social work practitioner
Our social work graduate program prepares you to lead in the field of social work as a clinician, administrator or community advocate.
  • 100% online program format (with required in-person field placements).
  • Prepare for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri.
  • Advanced-standing option available for students with a Bachelor of Social Work to fast track their master's degree.
A psychology professor instructs a behavior analysis and therapy student on software
Behavior Analysis and Therapy (MS)
Shape meaningful change through the science of behavior
Our behavior analysis and therapy (BAT) graduate program links research and real-world impact, preparing you to make a difference through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
  • Learn evidence-based methods to understand and improve behavior.
  • Gain supervised experience toward Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.
  • Apply your skills in schools, clinics and community settings.
Students in the industrial-organizational psychology master's program present their work
I-O Psychology (MS)
Create healthier, more productive workplaces
Our industrial-organizational (I-O) graduate program combines psychology and organizational strategy to help people and systems thrive.
  • Study motivation, leadership and team dynamics.
  • Apply data-driven solutions to improve culture and performance.
  • Build skills for careers in HR, consulting and organizational development.
A student in the master's psychology program - experimental option conducts an experiment with a volunteer
Experimental Psychology (MS)
Advance the science of behavior through hands-on research
Our experimental psychology graduate program develops your ability to design, conduct and analyze studies that explore how people think and act.
  • Gain expertise in research design and statistics.
  • Work closely with faculty in cognitive, social and developmental psychology.
  • Prepare for research careers or doctoral study in behavioral science.
Supplement your education

Pursue a graduate certificate

Certificates are shorter, concentrated programs that will enhance your area of expertise. Add a certificate to your master's degree or pursue it as a standalone.

Forensic child psychology certificate

Oversee the integrity and reliability of child interviews in criminal or legal cases.

Statistics and research design certificate

Bring the power of numbers and data into your research field.
Attain the highest level of education in psychology

Earn your clinical doctorate

We’re invested in helping people like you advance their career in psychology. Whether you’re currently finishing your undergraduate degree or continuing your graduate education, our Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program prepares you to lead at the next level.

Alumni Spotlight

Two counseling alumni help the Springfield community

After finishing the graduate counseling program at Missouri State, Gen Nelson and Sandy Parisi now serve the Springfield community as licensed mental-health professionals. Their journey shows how our CACREP-accredited curriculum and field immersion turn classroom knowledge into community change.
A portrait of Gen Nelson alongside a portrait of Sandy Parisi
A portrait of Dr. Camille Hall
Faculty highlight
Meet your school director
"Our curriculum must be shaped by research and evolving technology. That’s how we prepare students to address complex and changing needs in society."
Dr. Camille Hall brings decades of academic and clinical leadership to her role as director of the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences.
Get in touch

Contact us

Contact our office directly or submit the request for information form to receive program details and stories from students who advanced their careers at Missouri State.

Email
SMHBS@MissouriState.edu
Address
Missouri State University
901 S. National Ave.
Springfield, MO 65897
Website address
https://www.MissouriState.edu/SMHBS/default.htm
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