Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

This program is designed to prepare students to serve their communities as licensed mental health counselors. The professors draw from their academic studies and professional experience to provide students with the background they will need to be successful in the field of counseling psychology.

Students learn through lecture, discussion, and research, then put their new knowledge to work in their internship or thesis, all guided by their professors.

The program has a unique multicultural focus with an emphasis on social justice. Instructors seek to equip students to serve individuals from different backgrounds with widely different needs.

This program will prepare you to:

• Understand people biologically, cognitively, psychologically, spiritually, and culturally;
• Think critically concerning issues relating to culture and social justice;
• Be equipped as a therapist to work with diverse populations and develop a corresponding professional identity;
• Acquire, refine, and demonstrate appropriate masters- level skills as a clinician, researcher, and an academic;
• Become a licensed professional mental health counselor.

Program Format

The M.A. in Counseling Psychology program uses a cohort system in which all entering students are grouped together and given nearly the same schedule of courses for the entire program. The advantage of this system is the support and openness it creates. The cohort becomes a valuable resource for several reasons. Students study together. They encourage and assist one another when needed. They also become comfortable with one another to the point of being able to discuss touch issues and share personal accounts. Since a higher level of openness is attainable, a higher level of learning can also be reached.

Course Format

It takes two years to complete this degree with courses scheduled across three annual terms of approximately 15 weeks each. Classes are in session from the first week of September to the last week of July. There are one- to two-week breaks between each term. Classes usually meet two evenings per week and two weekends per month. Weekend classes are comprised of a Friday evening and a Saturday morning through afternoon. All courses will be completed during the first two years. Some students, especially those participating in international internships, may elect to postpone their internship to the third year. Students will enroll in a set of core curriculum courses which will be taken together as a cohort over the length of the program.

Classes are scheduled in the evenings and on some weekends. However, this program is academically rigorous and requires considerable time outside the classroom devoted to assignments. Each applicant should carefully consider if he or she can successfully complete this program with his or her lifestyle and commitments.

Electives

Course electives may be offered when enough students express interest. A student may do so by submitting a request in writing to the Director of Programs at least one term before he or she desires to take the elective course.

Special Courses

Periodically, the School of Psychology offers students the opportunity to register for courses that do not meet in a traditional classroom format. Special topics may be offered in a variety of formats to enrich the curriculum. Other times, a student may desire to work with a faculty member through an independent or directed study in a specific discipline. In all cases, the professor will ensure the proper quantity and quality of work. The Director of Programs must approve the registration schedule, including special courses. Ultimately, the student is responsible to ensure that special courses satisfy degree requirements.