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Graduate Studies - M.A. in Counseling Psychology
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Course of Study
Concentration in Professional Counseling
Concentration in Addictions Counseling
Concentration in Elementary or Secondary School Counseling
School Counseling Certification Only
Addictions Counseling Certificate Only


M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Concentration in Professional Counseling

This course of study satisfies state requirements for education and field experience, preparing students to seek Licensure as a Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. The state mandates additional post-Master's licensure requirements and may modify these at its own discretion.

60 credit hours of graduate study:

The Master's degree meets academic licensure requirements in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and many other states. Please contact your state licensing board for requirements specific to that state.

Professional Counseling Program Competencies
Students are expected to develop the following competencies:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of normal and problematic patterns of development and behavior across the lifespan.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to understand research design and critically evaluate professional research literature.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to recognize problems through clinical interview and various assessment techniques.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical codes and laws impacting the practice of counseling, and the ability to function in an ethical and professional manner.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of substance abuse and trauma on psychological development and functioning, and implications for treatment.
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of counseling theories and the ability to implement individual, group, family, and career counseling strategies and techniques.


M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Concentration in Addictions Counseling

This course of study satisfies state requirements for education and field experience, preparing students to seek certification as a Certified Addictions Counselor Diplomate in Pennsylvania. The state mandates additional post-Masters requirements. The CAC Diplomate is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity.

48 credit hours of graduate study:

To be eligible for licensure as a Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania, the state requires 60 graduate credits. The addition of the following courses prepares students to seek Professional Counselor Licensure in Pennsylvania:

Addictions Counseling Program Competencies
Students are expected to develop the following competencies:
  1. Demonstrate understanding of theories of addiction.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to recognize the symptoms of substance abuse and chemical dependency through clinical interview and assessment techniques.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge and skills needed to implement various counseling strategies and techniques used to treat addictive disorders.
  4. Demonstrate understanding of the impact of addiction on the family system, and the ability to use counseling strategies and techniques in the treatment of families.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of intervention strategies and how to implement them.
  6. Demonstrate recognition of the importance of adjunct therapies in the recovery process.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical codes and laws impacting the practice of counseling, and the ability to function in an ethical and professional manner.


M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Concentration in Elementary or Secondary School Counseling

This course of study satisfies state requirements for education and field experience, preparing students to seek Pennsylvania State Department of Education Specialist I Certification.

48 credit hours of graduate study:

* Students must successfully complete Praxis I examinations prior to entering their practicum. Students with a valid teaching certificate in Pennsylvania are exempt from Praxis I exams. To be eligible for certification, students must successfully complete the Praxis I and Praxis II (School Guidance and Counseling) Assessments.

School Counseling Program Competencies
Students are expected to develop the following competencies:
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of current trends in school counseling and education, and the ability to plan professional services based on that knowledge.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of how children and adolescents learn and develop, and the social and cultural influences on physical and psychological development.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to provide services that support the intellectual, social, career, and personal development of diverse learners.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of counseling theories and the ability to implement individual, group and career counseling strategies.
  5. Demonstrate the understanding and ability to use formal and informal assessment strategies.
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical and legal issues related to school counseling, and the ability to function in an ethical and professional manner.
  7. Demonstrate understanding of the role of the school counselor, and when it is appropriate to consult and to make referrals.
  8. Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with school staff, parents, and community agencies.


School Counseling Certification Only

Students who hold a Master's degree and are seeking certification only in Elementary or Secondary School Counseling are required to follow this course of study.* This satisfies state requirements for education and field experience, preparing students to seek Pennsylvania Department of Education Specialist I Certification. Students with a Master's degree in education must also take Introduction to Counseling Psychology.

* Required coursework may be waived depending on previous graduate education. Waivers are determined by evaluation of graduate transcripts.
** Students must successfully complete Praxis I examinations prior to entering their practicum. Students with a valid teaching certificate in Pennsylvania are exempt from Praxis I exams. To be eligible for certification, students must successfully complete the Praxis I and Praxis II (School Guidance and Counseling) Assessments. Students seeking dual certification must complete two separate supervised practicums.


Addictions Counseling Certificate Only
Students who hold a Master's degree and are seeking only a Certificate in Addictions Counseling are required to follow this course of study.* This satisfies state requirements for education and field experience, preparing students to seek the CAC Diplomate credential.

*Required coursework may be waived depending on previous graduate education.
**Practicum may be waived depending on previous supervised training or employment in addictions.





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