Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Website: https://twu.edu/psychology-philosophy/graduate-programs/counseling-psychology/masters-program/

Our master’s program in counseling psychology provides a uniquely feminist perspective while preparing students for careers primarily in psychological counseling. Students learn to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to promote optimal mental, emotional, and relational health and well-being.

Understanding oneself and others as existing and participating in multiple multicultural and social contexts is a critical part of our program. We are committed to our students' development as ethical, self-reflective professionals and providing training based in the science of psychology.

Our MA degree prepares students to obtain licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in most states and provides excellent preparation for those students seeking to pursue doctoral training in counseling psychology.

Marketable Skills

Defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's 60x30 Strategic Plan as, "Those skills valued by employers that can be applied in a variety of work settings, including interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skills areas. These skills can be either primary or complementary to a major and are acquired by students through education, including curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities."

  1. Communicate with individuals from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
  2. Advocate for others in a professional setting.
  3. Make decisions and solve problems.
  4. Obtain and process information.
  5. Plan, organize, and prioritize work.
  6. Write clinical progress notes and other client-related paperwork.
  7. Providing individual and group counseling.

Admissions

All students must meet the University requirements as outlined in the Admission to the TWU Graduate School section of the catalog.

The academic program may have additional admission criteria that must also be completed as outlined on the program's website.

Degree Requirements

Total SCH Required

A minimum of 61 semester credit hours (SCH) including 6 SCH for thesis or 3 SCH for the Capstone Experience. The number of SCH required depends on the particular degree program. Consult the coordinator of the program for details.

Required Courses
COUN 5143Addiction Counseling3
PSY 5304Advanced Psychological Statistics I3-4
or PSY 5353 Research Design
PSY 5313Psychological Tests and Measurements3
PSY 5502Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling Psychology2
PSY 5513Advanced Psychopathology (Prepracticum courses)3
PSY 5523Clinical Therapeutic Group Processes (Prepracticum courses)3
PSY 5541Psychotherapy Skills I: Microskills Lab1
PSY 5551Principles of Abnormal Human Behavior1
PSY 5653Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling3
PSY 5773Family Psychology: Theory and Practice3
PSY 5923Supervised Practicum (To be taken for 4 Semesters)12
PSY 6333Psychology of Gender3
PSY 6383Multicultural Psychology3
PSY 6613Advanced Developmental Psychology3
PSY 6803Seminar in Vocational Psychology3
PSY 6833Ethics in Psychology (Prepracticum courses)3
In consultation with the student's major advisor, the student should select either the Thesis Track or the Coursework Only Option, both of which are outlined below.9
Thesis Track
Thesis
Thesis
Select one of the following
Psychology of Violence, Trauma, and Abuse
Psychology of Human Sexuality
Coursework Only Option
Capstone Proficiencies
Psychology of Violence, Trauma, and Abuse
Psychology of Human Sexuality
Total SCHs61-62

Practica

Counseling Psychology students will spend a minimum of two semesters each in two practicum placements for a total of four semesters of practicum. The student will consult with the Practicum Coordinator to arrange for appropriate placement.

Special Requirements

Students are required to maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale in all courses applied to the degree. If a grade of C or less is earned in a course, the student will be required to complete a formal remediation process. If a second grade of C or less is earned (in at least six SCH total), the student will be dismissed from the program.

Comprehensive Examinations

A written comprehensive exam will be required for all students who do not complete a Thesis.