Psychology Department

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GRADUATE PROGRAMS: OVERVIEW

The department contains two graduate programs, one in psychology and one in counseling. An overview of each program is provided below. Follow the links for more detailed information.

Psychology Graduate Program

The Psychology Graduate Program offers a 36-credit M.A. in Psychology degree, which focuses on training students in general psychology. The purpose of the degree is to give students a broad base of knowledge in psychology and offers students exposure to a variety of fields--including developmental, cognitive, social, experimental, counseling, and industrial/organizational psychology. The degree prepares students for entry into doctoral programs or employment in a variety of settings where psychology can be applied (human services, industry, education, and government).

» Detailed Program Information
» Steps for Applying


Counseling Graduate Program
THE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING DEGREE HAS BEEN APPROVED AS A 60-CREDIT PROGRAM. STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO GRADUATE WITH THE 60-CREDIT DEGREE STARTING IN AUGUST 2008.

The Counseling Graduate Program currently consists of an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling degree, which is now approved as a 60-credit program. An MS in School Counseling degree is under development; when information about the start date of the school counseling program is available, it will be published here. Check back for details.

The intention of the M.S. in Mental Health Counseling degree is a 60-credit program intended to produce license-eligible master’s level counselors capable of functioning within the parameters of a practitioner-scientist model. The program is registered with New York State as meeting the educational requirements for licensure in mental health counseling. The counseling faculty offers a variety of theoretical and applied perspectives, including but not limited to humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, systemic, constructivist, feminist, multicultural and experiential approaches to counseling. Students immerse themselves in research and theory while gaining experience at a variety of rigorous training sites. The purpose of the degree is to provide students an opportunity to develop theoretical and applied skills in counseling, research, and psychotherapy at the master’s degree level. While many graduates obtain employment and licensure as mental health counselors upon graduating, others enter doctoral programs. The training includes the eight common areas that are consistent with accredited counseling programs. These areas are:
  1. Human Growth and Development
  2. Social and Cultural Foundations
  3. Helping Relationships
  4. Group Work
  5. Career and Lifestyle Development
  6. Appraisal
  7. Research and Program Development
  8. Professional Orientation

NOTE: Students completing the old 48-credit requirements have until December 2009 to graduate; at that time, the 48-credit program will be discontinued.

» Detailed Program Information
» Steps for Applying