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."
- Communicate with individuals from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
- Advocate for others in a professional setting.
- Make decisions and solve problems.
- Obtain and process information.
- Plan, organize, and prioritize work.
- Write clinical progress notes and other client-related paperwork.
- 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.
| Code | Title | SCHs |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| COUN 5143 | Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 5304 | Advanced Psychological Statistics I | 3-4 |
| or PSY 5353 | Research Design | |
| PSY 5313 | Psychological Tests and Measurements | 3 |
| PSY 5502 | Professional and Ethical Issues in Counseling Psychology | 2 |
| PSY 5513 | Advanced Psychopathology (Prepracticum courses) | 3 |
| PSY 5523 | Clinical Therapeutic Group Processes (Prepracticum courses) | 3 |
| PSY 5541 | Psychotherapy Skills I: Microskills Lab | 1 |
| PSY 5551 | Principles of Abnormal Human Behavior | 1 |
| PSY 5653 | Theories of Psychotherapy and Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 5773 | Family Psychology: Theory and Practice | 3 |
| PSY 5923 | Supervised Practicum (To be taken for 4 Semesters) | 12 |
| PSY 6333 | Psychology of Gender | 3 |
| PSY 6383 | Multicultural Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 6613 | Advanced Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 6803 | Seminar in Vocational Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 6833 | Ethics 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 SCHs | 61-62 | |
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.
