MA in Psychology and Counseling

The low-residency MA in Psychology and Counseling is a 48–60-credit graduate program devoted to progressive education and embracing students with a wide range of interests and abilities. The program addresses and nurtures each student’s individual approach to the field, resulting in a unique plan of coursework. The MA in Psychology and Counseling Program is approved by the Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology (CAMPP).

Students in the program earn a minimum of 48 credit hours while studying full 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. Students may elect to follow one of two semester credit tracks throughout their program. Students in the 12-credit semester track complete four three-credit courses each semester. Students in the 9-credit semester track complete three three-credit courses each semester.

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 in Psychology and Counseling 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 in the MA in Psychology and Counseling 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, 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 in Psychology and Counseling 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 a written thesis 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 in Psychology and Counseling 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