Psychology (M.A) - Counseling Psychology

Why Earn a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology?

Towson offers one of the few graduate-level counseling psychology programs in the area to train students to become licensed clinical professional counselors. Full-time students can complete program requirements in two years, but students may attend part time for a portion of their degree work. The post-master's program allows students to complete all of the required 60 credits/units for licensure in Maryland.

The program trains individuals to support the growth and development of individuals with mental health problems and those who have difficulty coping with the challenges of everyday life. The program is targeted to individuals with interests in counseling clients with personal, social, vocational and educational concerns.

Participate in Clinical Experiences and Domestic Violence Agencies

The program includes clinical field experiences in the form of practicums and internships. These clinical experiences are part of the requirements needed for certification or licensure in Maryland. The Counseling Psychology program works hard to ensure that students receive quality, supervised experiences. A few examples of the wide range of training opportunities include counseling families, children and adults in an outpatient clinic, group and individual therapy in an outpatient substance abuse facility, a therapeutic residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed children, and a multi-disciplinary care facility for children with autism and other developmental disorders. Students may also work at local college counseling centers.

Meet Licensing Requirements

The program allows students to accumulate as many as 1,000 of the 3,000 supervised hours required for licensure while in the master's program. Faculty members work closely with students to ensure clinical requirements are met.

Advance Your Career or Educational Objectives

Many students continue course work in the post-master's program ( CAS program – see below), seeking licensure as clinical professional counselors. Graduates find employment in a variety of settings such as community mental health centers, hospitals, group homes, rehabilitation centers and substance abuse programs. Graduates are also well prepared to gain admission into doctoral programs in clinical and counseling psychology.

Certificate of Advanced Study

The Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in counseling psychology is specifically designed for post-master's degree students seeking to take up to 30 credits/units beyond the master's degree to meet their educational and career objectives. Each student's program is custom tailored and students may take courses that include career development, counseling strategies for drug and alcohol abuse, family counseling techniques and multicultural counseling.