M.A. or M.S. in Clinical-Counseling Psychology
Program Overview
The goal and intent of our two-year, full-time, Clinical Counseling Psychology program is to prepare competent professionals by providing a strong theoretical and applied foundation for those wishing to work in the field of mental health counseling or for those wishing to pursue additional graduate or professional training in counseling or in clinical psychology. The Master’s of Science (MS) option requires the completion of 40 credit hours whereas the Master’s of Arts (MA) option requires the completion of 46 credit hours (including a thesis). See the “Program of Study Forms” for a list of required courses for the MS and MA option.
The program provides students with training in the content areas of: normal and abnormal development, the assessment and counseling of individuals experiencing mental health issues, statistical and research methodology, and the ethical practice of mental health counseling. Two semesters of applied research training are required during the first year in the program and two semesters of internship training and supervision in a clinical setting are required during the second year.
Following graduation, some of our students work at the master’s level in mental health or correctional settings, others become licensed professional counselors working in mental health settings, while others pursue further graduate training. Our graduates have demonstrated that they are well prepared to enter the field of mental health counseling or to succeed in further graduate training. Courses in the clinical counseling concentration may or may not meet individual state requirements for the coursework required for licensure at the Master's level. Prior to applying for specific graduate programs, it is recommended that students check with the state in which they will reside for specific licensure requirements.
Job opportunities for our graduates include working at community services boards, psychiatric hospitals, substance abuse facilities, women’s resource centers/domestic violence shelters, correctional facilities, university counseling settings, crisis stabilization facilities, and other settings.