Graduate Programs
Counseling Psychology Master's Degree (M.A.)
Degree Requirements
Students complete required prerequisite
courses. Students should be prepared to take at least two years to complete the program.
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology offers a practitioner
track and a research track from which degree candidates can
choose.
The M.A. Counseling Psychology research track provides students the experience, knowledge, and skills required for successful doctoral admission. Students in this track receive intensive training and mentorship in research methodology, statistics, and complete an M.A. thesis.
Students in the practitioner track of the M.A. Counseling Psychology
program are trained to work as counselors and therapists at the
master's level. Graduates of the practitioner track may choose
to continue their education in a Psy.D. program or pursue licensure
at the master level. Both tracks include 48 units.
Required Courses:
PSYC 605
PSYC 606
PSYC 607
PSYC 609
PSYC 611
PSYC 615
PSYC 631
PSYC 647
PSYC 721
PSYC 722
PSYC 745
PSYC 790
PSYC 793
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Basic Counseling Techniques (3)
Intro to Career Development (3)
Applied Counseling Theories (3)
Advanced Counseling Techniques (3)
Developmental Psychology (3)
Introduction to Research Methods in Counseling (3)
Abnormal Psychology (3)
Individual Appraisal (3)
Group Counseling (3)
Multicultural Counseling (3)
Practicum in Counseling (3)
Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues (3)
Internship (3-6) |
Practitioner Track Courses
PSYC 613
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Community Mental Health Counseling (3) |
Electives (6 units)
Students are also required to take two 3-credit elective courses if they select the 3-credit internship option or
one 3-credit elective course if they complete the 6 credit internship option.
NOTE: Electives selected by students must have
prior written consent of the advisor and must be approved for the
student's program of study.
Research Track Courses
PSYC 687
PSYC 897
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Advanced Experimental Design (3)
Thesis Credits (6) |
Field Experiences
This program includes field experiences in the form of practicum
and internship. These clinical experiences are part of the requirements
necessary for certification or licensure in the state of Maryland.
Practicum: During the second year of the program,
concurrent with other coursework, students enroll in a term long
practicum course. The course involves 240 clock hours
(16 hours a week) of placement in a setting where students provide
counseling under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional.
Practicum also involves attendance and participation in a required
weekly class on campus. The practicum placements are arranged
by the coordinator of clinical training in consultation with the
student and available licensed supervisors. During the practicum,
students engage in clinical experiences appropriate for their
level of professional training.
Internship: Following successful completion
of the practicum, students complete a supervised 300 hour internship
during the spring semester of the second year
in a clinical setting. Practitioner track students may elect to
enroll in 6 units of internship and complete 600 clinical hours
on a full-time basis (40 hours a week) over one term or on a part-time
basis (20 hours a week) over two terms--
the spring and summer semesters during their second year of the program.
Internships are supervised
on site by a licensed mental health professional and include a
weekly class meeting with a faculty member.
Examinations
At the end of the first year of full time study and in the last
semester of enrollment, students participate in a formal evaluation
process to assess their cumulative knowledge of completed course
work and skills in counseling psychology.
- First Year Portfolio evaluation
includes the advancement exam that
contains assessment of basic
counseling skills, counseling theories, research methods, community
mental health counseling, advanced abnormal psychology, use
of tests in counseling and ethics. The completion of this evaluation
is a prerequisite for the following courses: PSYC 718, 721,
745 and 793.
- The comprehensive exam contains assessment of
advanced counseling skills, career counseling, developmental
psychology, multicultural counseling and group counseling.
Students will be given two attempts to complete these examinations.
Students who do not complete either of these examinations after
two unsuccessful attempts will not earn a degree in counseling psychology.
All degree candidates must meet with their academic adviser to
file intended programs of study. This should be done prior to or
during the first semester of course work.
Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) program
The Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Counseling Psychology is specifically designed for post-master's degree
students who wish to take up to 30 credits beyond the master's degree to meet educational and vocational objectives.
Often students enroll in the program in order to take the additional coursework that they need to meet the
requirements for licensure in the state of Maryland. Specific information about licensure requirements in Maryland
can be found on the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors website.
Each student's program will be designed to meet individual
needs and goals.
For more detailed information about the Counseling Psychology MA and CAS programs, see the program homepage.
For information on all
matters related to admissions, fees, or registration, please contact
the Graduate School at 410-704-2501.
College of Graduate Studies and
Research
7800 York Road, Suite 216
Phone: 410-704-2501
Fax: 410-704-4675
E-mail: grads@towson.edu
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