COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology requires the completion of 60 credit hours and combines academic coursework, supervised clinical training, research preparation, and professional development to prepare students for counseling licensure and advanced psychological practice. In addition to general graduate requirements, students must successfully pass a criminal background check and maintain professional liability insurance during all practicum, externship, and internship experiences to ensure ethical and professional readiness for clinical work. The curriculum begins with foundational courses such as Ethics and Current Issues in Psychology, Cultural Bases of Behavior, Testing and Individual Analysis, Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience, and Introduction to Counseling Psychology, which provide students with knowledge of ethical standards, multicultural awareness, psychological assessment, brain-behavior relationships, and counseling foundations. Students also complete training in research methods and quantitative analysis through approved courses in behavioral science research and statistics, helping them become informed users of psychological research and evidence-based practices. Advanced professional counseling coursework includes Group Counseling and Psychotherapy, Assessment and Diagnosis, Theories and Evidence-Based Practices in Counseling Psychology, Vocational Development, Developmental Counseling, and Counseling Supervision, allowing students to build clinical, diagnostic, career counseling, and supervisory skills. Practical experience is a major component of the program through Counseling Psychology Practicum I and II and Field Internship placements, where students apply counseling techniques in supervised real-world mental health settings. Students may also study marriage and family therapy concepts through specialized coursework or advisor-approved electives. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis pathways. The thesis option requires students to complete research through PSY 698 Thesis along with electives, while the non-thesis option focuses entirely on additional advisor-approved elective coursework. Overall, the program integrates scientific research, counseling theory, multicultural competence, ethical practice, and extensive supervised clinical experience to prepare graduates for licensure as professional counselors, advanced doctoral study, and careers in mental health, educational, healthcare, and community counseling environments.