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    Nov 23, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Counseling Psychology (Christian Counseling), M.S. (36 or 60 hrs)

Location(s): Hattiesburg Campus


Program Overview


The 60-hour Master of Science in Christian counseling is designed for individuals who wish to become licensed professional counselors and practice in a religious setting. The 36-hour program is designed for ordained ministers who are exempt from licensure requirements. 

Graduate Outcomes


  • Counseling students will gain a sufficient knowledge base in the core areas of counseling: (a) Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice; (b) Social and Cultural Diversity; (c) Human Growth and Development; (d) Career Development; (e) Counseling and Helping Relationships; (f) Assessment and Testing; (h) Research and Program Evaluation; and (i) Group Counseling and Group Work.
  • Counseling students will gain experience with the professional roles and responsibilities of counselors and demonstrate a satisfactory commitment to professional practice and professional collaboration in an applied field experience.
  • Counseling students will gain experience with the professional roles and responsibilities of counselors and demonstrate a satisfactory commitment to ethical practice in an applied field experience.
  • Counseling students will expand their awareness of Christian values through the program curriculum and co-curricular activities.

Program Admission Requirements


To fulfill requirements for admission to the Master of Science degree program, the student must:

  • have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
  • have completed coursework that reflects adequate preparation for pursuing an advanced degree in counseling psychology;
  • possess a GPA > 2.5 for the last 64 hours of course work;
  • have submitted an official score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Although examination scores are only one factor considered in admission decisions, applicants should be aware that competitive scores significantly enhance the overall application;
  • two letters of recommendation from non-family members;
  • have completed undergraduate courses in general psychology, counseling psychology, abnormal psychology, and/or statistical methods; and
  • have made up any deficiencies in undergraduate course preparation prior to the completion of the first 18 hours of graduate coursework.
  • This program of study does not allow for probationary or incomplete admission status.
  • Ordained ministers must provide proof of ordination.

Transfer Credit

For the 60-hr program, no more than nine credit hours may be transferred from another institution. For the 36-hr program, no more than six credit hours may be transferred from another institution. Transferred credits will be applicable only if they contribute to the plan of study designed for the student. No graduate work carrying a grade of less than ‘B’ will be accepted. All transfer credits must meet the six-year limit on the completion of the degree. Independent study credit earned at another institution will not be accepted.

Dual Enrollment
Students may not be enrolled simultaneously in the M.S. in counseling psychology and any other graduate degree program.

Program Progression and Graduation Requirements


Program Progression Requirements

  • All application materials (application, application fee, official transcripts, recommendations, official test score reports) should be submitted to William Carey University office of graduate admissions no later than three weeks prior to the beginning of classes.
  • All work for the degree must be completed within a period not to exceed six years.

Practicum and Internship

Students who intend to register for practicum or internship must gain the approval of the appropriate instructor not less than two trimesters prior to the beginning of the term.

Advisement

While advisors are assigned to each student, it is the student’s responsibility to comply with all requirements of their degree program.

Professional Conduct

The graduate program in psychology is designed to prepare students to function in a mental health setting. This may include institutional/agency employment or private practice. In either event, a counselor is bound by the code of professional conduct of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Violations of the code may result in revocation of credentials or dismissal from the job. As a part of the training provided by William Carey University, all students are required to be familiar with and adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct; local, state and federal law; and rules and regulations of the university. Violations of any of these may result in disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to dismissal from the graduate program.

Change of Concentration

Students who desire to change emphasis areas must submit a new application form, meet requirements in this catalog for the program, receive approval of the advisor, and be admitted to the new concentration by the admissions committee.

Graduation Requirements

  • Students must have successfully completed the plan of study approved by the faculty with a GPA > 3.0 and no more than two ‘C’s within a six-year time frame.
  • Time extensions and course substitutions are considered on an individual basis.

Credentialing Disclosure

Completion of a degree program does not guarantee credentialing. Individuals who are seeking licensure or certification must satisfy all requirements of the various credentialing boards. Such students should contact the appropriate agency to obtain requirements prior to enrolling in a program at William Carey University. It is the student’s responsibility to satisfy these requirements.

Programs of Study (36 hrs or 60 hrs)