Psychology, Counseling Psychology Concentration, M.S.

Counseling Psychology Concentration

The curriculum is designed for students seeking preparation for a career in various types of mental health settings and related organizations, or for students planning to pursue a Ph.D.. The primary goal is to provide a solid psychological core with a focus on emotional, social, vocational, health, and educational issues across the life span. Recognizing the value of both practice and research, the Counseling Concentration offers two options: thesis or non-thesis.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will:

1. Demonstrate performance ability through practica experiences.
2. Demonstrate a knowledge base specific to psychology.
3. Have a thorough understanding of the psychological foundations of behavior.
4. Be knowledgeable to use measurement, statistics, research,and program evaluation methods in the delivery of psychological services.
5. Be prepared to provide psychological services to individuals and groups.
6. Demonstrate ethical behavior, recognize unethical behavior, and respond ethically in practice, research, and scholarship.
7. Gain experience in respect and value of cultural diversity and demonstrate sensitivity for diverse social, economic,and environmental experiences.
8. Complete practice experiences designed for mental health advocacy and service.

An additional aspirational goal is for students to develop a desire for life-long learning.

Admission Requirements

Admission requires an undergraduate major in psychology or related field. Undergraduate study should include one course in general psychology, elementary statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, physiological psychology, social psychology and developmental psychology. The minimum acceptable requirements for admission to the program are a 2.5 or higher GPA, and reported GRE (Verbal and + Quantitative) or MAT score that is comparable to others in the program for unconditional admission. GRE scores are preferable to MAT scores. Students admitted conditionally must earn a “B” or better in the first twelve hours of graduate work to gain the unconditional status..

In addition the student should submit in duplicate ALL of the following -information in a single envelope directly to the Graduate School:

1. Three (3) letters of recommendation - one of which should be from an academic advisor or his or her designee.
2. A letter of aspiration (personal statement) indicating why the applicant has chosen to pursue a degree in this area along with his or her academic and career goals.
3. A copy of all undergraduate transcripts.
4. Once the above criteria have been met, the Coordinator of the program will contact the applicant and arrange an interview with the members of the Graduate Admissions Committee prior to final recommendation for admission to the program.

All application materials including the letters of recommendation and aspiration must be received by the Graduate School by February 1 for admission for fall semester.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of four semesters and a summer term of residential study are required to complete the program within a two year period. The Thesis Option requires fifty-three (53) semester hours of approved course work. The Non-Thesis Option requires fifty-eight (58) semester hours of approved course work.

Thesis Option

This option is appropriate for students planning to pursue a Ph.D. The candidate must submit a thesis on a topic approved by the thesis advisor. A minimum of fifty-three (53) semester hours of approved course work is required.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option is for students who choose to focus on training in the practice aspects of psychology. Students who select the non-thesis option will be required to take a minimum of 58 hours of course work (including 6 hours of electives above the core requirements) and must pass a Comprehensive Examination to meet the requirements for the degree.

Program of Study