Program Overview
The Master of Science degree in counseling psychology is designed to prepare individuals for ministry and employment in a variety of fields: community mental health centers, religious counseling centers, private practice, mental health institutions, community-based facilities, and pastoral care. All M.S. degrees in the counseling psychology program may lead to licensure and/or certification.
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 references 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 credit hours of graduate coursework.
- This program of study does not allow for probationary or incomplete admission status.
Transfer Credit
No more than nine 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 practicum-internship coordinator and 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.
