The M.A. in counseling psychology is based on a developmental philosophy that encourages academic learning and personal growth. The overall emphasis is on the promotion of healthy psychological functioning and the prevention of psychological disturbances. A core curriculum provides theoretical frameworks and practice in counseling skills from which students can develop their unique strategies and pursue specialty training.
Students select an emphasis during their second semester.
Community counseling students may elect coursework that provides a foundation for pursuing licensure as a psychological practitioner in the State of Minnesota or as a licensed professional counselor in many other states. The college counseling emphasis offers preparation for student support and development in colleges and universities. Experiential requirements for Minnesota professional school counselor licensure can be met through completion of a supervised one-year school counseling residency after completing this program or through holding a valid Minnesota teaching license and having one year of teaching experience at the level of licensure desires. A written statement providing evidence of social service or teaching experience and three recommendation forms are required. Applications should be submitted by March 15 for consideration for admission in the following fall quarter.