MA in Psychology and Counseling

The low-residency MA in Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (P&C Program) is devoted to progressive education and to embracing students with a wide range of interests and abilities. The P&C program addresses and nurtures each student’s individual approach to the field, resulting in a unique plan of coursework. The  P&C Program is approved by the Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology (CAMPP).  

 

The requirements for each degree (Psychology or CMHC) are explained in their respective Program Addenda.  Program degree requirements are linked to licensure preparation for students seeking clinical practice licenses.

 

Watch a video clip from Program Director Dr. Stephen James describing the program.

Students in the program earn a minimum of 48 credit hours for the Psychology degree (min. 60 for CMHC degree) while studying full time or part time. The majority of students complete 60 hour credits in order to cover both the degree requirements and their state’s licensure requirements. Up to 12 relevant, graduate-level credit hours may be transferred upon approval of the faculty. Full time students earn 12-credits per semester by completing four three-credit courses each semester. Part time students earn 9-credits per semester,  completing three three-credit courses each semester.  Students preparing to seek licensure are supported by their Academic Advisor, Course Mentors, the Internship Coordinator.

 

Students who already hold a master’s degree in psychology or a related field may enroll for additional courses. Students without adequate and timely undergraduate preparation in key areas may apply to the program and work an additional semester for undergraduate credit, in preparation for entry into the graduate program. Many students in the MA P&C Program enter it with the intention of going on to a doctoral program. Program graduates who set this advancement as a goal tend to have a good success rate.

 

Students whose academic background in psychology is not current and/or broad enough to prepare them for graduate studies in the field of psychology, but are otherwise strong candidates, may be accepted into the MA in Psychology Degree.  Under this condition, students enroll for an undergraduate (Pre-Graduate) semester within the Psychology degree program and take 5 courses.  At the successful completion of the semester (passing all five courses), they advance to the graduate Psychology degree without having to reapply. 

 

Students in the MA in the P&C  Program develop skills in practice, communication, personal development, professional development, and research. Such competencies are grounded in theory and research, personal experience, and self-knowledge, and are influenced by current social complexities and the state of psychology. These skills can be used in clinical, research, administrative, and community settings. Studies within the program incorporate issues of social justice and an understanding of social contexts, preparing graduates to make a difference in the communities in which they live and work. Studies within the MA P&C  Program consist of a combination of eight-day residencies on the Goddard campus in central Vermont, and of directed, independent study at home. The residency is primarily a time for planning the ensuing semester and attending seminars, workshops, and other learning activities.

 

The course of study includes a carefully planned exploration of relevant psychological literature, a supervised internship, and either a thesis or other capstone project that demonstrates the application of theory and research to practice. Students work with their faculty advisor to fashion a course of study tailored to the student’s individual goals. Faculty advisors in the MA P&C Program help students keep personal and professional goals in sight. In addition, faculty members act as mentors for the specific courses a student takes each semester. Faculty members are available to interact with students through a wide range of means, including email, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings, as their schedules permit.

 

 

“As a faculty, we believe that students are adults who have chosen an intensive residency program because of their need to balance graduate study with other responsibilities, or who feel their needs are not met by traditional approaches. We work to create a challenging, flexible, and non-competitive environment where this will be possible. We encourage students to set their own goals and to stretch their own boundaries as psychologists by experimenting with different genres and styles. We respect and value individual differences, and we are committed to working together to create an open and welcoming program.” -- The Psychology and Counseling Faculty