Psychology (M-Psych) (M007)

Psychology Curriculum (M.A./M.S.)
Master’s Degree in Psychology Course Descriptions
Concentration: Counseling Psychology
Master of Psychology (M.Psych.)
Concentration: Counseling Psychology Program Description
The Master of Psychology with a concentration in Counseling Psychology is a two-year, graduate-level professional program designed to prepare students for ethical, evidence-based counseling practice in diverse clinical and community settings. The program integrates psychological theory, research, and supervised clinical experience to develop competent, culturally responsive counseling professionals.
Students receive comprehensive training in counseling theories, human development, psychopathology, assessment, research methods, ethics, multicultural counseling, and evidence-based interventions. Emphasis is placed on trauma-informed care, professional identity development, and reflective practice. Supervised practicum and internship experiences provide hands-on clinical training with individuals, groups, and families.
The program is structured to align with state licensure requirements for professional counseling and related mental health credentials, and with CACREP-informed curricular standards. Graduates are prepared for employment in mental health agencies, community organizations, healthcare settings, educational institutions, and private practice (where permitted), as well as for further doctoral study.   Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Master of Psychology (Counseling Psychology) program, graduates will be able to:

1. Professional Identity & Ethical Practice
   Demonstrate a professional counselor identity grounded in ethical principles, legal standards, and professional codes of conduct. Apply ethical decision-making models and maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality, and informed consent in counseling practice.
2. Counseling Theories & Intervention Skills
   Apply major counseling theories and evidence-based interventions to conceptualize cases, develop treatment plans, and implement effective counseling strategies with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
3. Assessment & Diagnosis
   Accurately assess client functioning using clinical interviews, standardized psychological assessments, and diagnostic criteria (DSM-5-TR), while considering cultural, developmental, and contextual factors.
4. Human Growth & Development
   Integrate knowledge of human development across the lifespan to inform counseling assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies.
5. Multicultural & Social Justice Competence
   Demonstrate cultural humility, self-awareness, and responsiveness when working with diverse populations. Advocate for equity and social justice in counseling practice and systems.
6. Research & Evidence-Based Practice
   Critically evaluate and apply research findings to inform counseling practice, program evaluation, and professional decision-making. Demonstrate competence in scholarly writing and research literacy.
7. Trauma-Informed & Crisis Counseling
   Apply trauma-informed principles and crisis intervention strategies to support clients experiencing acute stress, trauma, loss, and psychological distress.
8. Group Counseling & Collaboration
   Facilitate counseling and psychoeducational groups effectively, demonstrating understanding of group dynamics, leadership styles, and ethical considerations.
9. Clinical Skill Integration & Supervised Practice
   Demonstrate competence in counseling skills through supervised practicum and internship experiences, integrating theory, ethics, research, and multicultural awareness in real-world settings.
10. Professional Readiness & Lifelong Development
    Exhibit readiness for entry-level professional counseling roles or doctoral study through reflective practice, supervision engagement, and commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.

Graduate Competencies
Graduates of the program will demonstrate:
? Ethical and legal competence
? Clinical assessment and intervention skills
? Cultural responsiveness and advocacy
? Research literacy and applied scholarship
? Professional communication and documentation
? Clinical judgment and self-reflection

Career Outcomes
Graduates may pursue careers such as:
? Professional Counselors (license-dependent)
? Community Mental Health Clinicians
? Case Managers / Behavioral Health Specialists
? School or College Counseling Roles (with additional requirements)
? Trauma or Crisis Counselors
? Doctoral Students in Psychology or Counselor Education