Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Catalog V2 
    
2020-2021 Academic Catalog V2 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Counseling Psychology, M.A.


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The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is a rigorous program of study that provides all the coursework, including site-supervised practicums(s) that earn the graduate the sixty (60) credit hours as part of the requirement to be eligible to sit for the Delaware licensure exam. While not all careers in the field currently require licensure, this serves well those who eventually wish to pursue becoming a licensed professional counselor.*  Beyond counseling, the program provides an in-depth understanding of human dynamics for those planning a career in human services, education, management, or many of the helping professions. This sixty-credit program is unique in the region for its comprehensive coursework, spanning topics from children & adolescents, family counseling, professional ethics, group process, and crisis intervention, to counseling techniques, counseling theories, substance abuse, and psychopathology.  Every student is paired with a faculty member to mentor them throughout the program. The experiential learning presented by the practicum requirement also serves to enhance the attractiveness of graduates and subsequent hiring opportunities.   

* Passing the licensure exam is just one portion of achieving licensure.   Additional counseling hours beyond the practicum conducted in the program are also required to earn a license. Please note that requirements for licensure vary from state to state. Here is a link to Delaware’s  requirements for licensure:  https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/profcounselors/newlicense/.

 

Program Goals:

Upon successful completion of the Masters of Arts in Psychology, graduates will:

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the principle constructs, concepts, theories and practices associated with the direct practical application of Psychology for addressing individual and/or societal needs.  
  • Possess understanding of the Professional Ethical Principles and Guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA) as well as demonstrate the ability to apply ethical decision-making models.
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of contextual (family, school, peers, community, institutions) factors contributing to the development, maintenance, and treatment of psycho-emotional disorders.
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of, and ability to utilize effective intervention strategies and prevention programs relevant to a range of mental health issues.  
  • Possess a depth of awareness of cultural sensitivity, and demonstrate understanding of the needs, assets, and challenges inherent in working with multicultural and diverse communities, families, and individuals.
  • Possess the ability to articulate comprehension of essential scientific methodology and statistical skill needed to assess and apply empirical research relevant to the field.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to apply human qualities of respect, compassion, empathy, congruence, self-awareness, and veracity within the context of the professional relationship. 
  • Develop a commitment to fostering autonomy while valuing the role of advocate as key components of professional skills and social responsibility. 

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