The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is a rigorous program of study that provides all the coursework necessary to meet one of the two primary requirements necessary to be eligible to sit for licensure exams on the path to becoming a licensed professional counselor.
All prospective students must apply through the PSYCAS portal to submit transcripts, 3 recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and resume.
Beyond counseling, the program provides an in-depth understanding of human dynamics for those planning a career in human services, education, management, or many of the helping professions. This sixty-credit program is unique in the region for its comprehensive coursework, spanning topics from children & adolescents, family counseling, group processes, and crisis intervention, to counseling theories and techniques, research methods and statistics, neurodiversity, career counseling, substance abuse, human sexuality, professional ethics, and psychopathology.
Nearly all faculty are currently employed in the field and are thus able to bring that experience to the classroom. The program concludes with two faculty-directed 300-hour practicums that provide invaluable experiential learning opportunities.
All licensing requirements vary slightly by individual state and by specific license. It is important to note, that in addition to the earned credit hours provided by this program, students will still need to accumulate supervised hours after graduation to satisfy eligibility requirements for licensing exams. Those hours must be earned within a prescribed time frame determined by the respective state. While not all positions require licensure, this can be a critical piece to career success. The MACP program is designed to help you best prepare for whatever track you want to pursue upon graduation.
Credits
60
Program Level
Degree Type
In addition to a well-deserved sense of pride, accomplishment, and confidence, graduates of the MACP program will have developed skills, attitudes, and attributes that will make them attractive to employers and an asset to their respective communities.
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program prepares graduates to be well-grounded in skills needed to successfully address a wide range of mental health and behavioral issues confronting individuals, families, and communities. In addition to being prepared to be a valued colleague and effective leader, you will recognize and embrace your role as an energetic social change advocate for the populations you serve. As an MACP graduate you will be armed with a needed heightened cultural sensitivity which will serve you well when working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Finally, you will also cultivate key interpersonal qualities, including respect, compassion, empathy, self-awareness, and honesty, to help foster a strong and meaningful professional relationship with clients.
The occupational outlook for graduates with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is promising, with a positive forecast according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The demand for qualified mental health professionals is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, driven by factors such as an increasing awareness of the importance of mental health, the need for counseling services in educational institutions, and a growing emphasis on holistic well-being. The BLS projects a strong job outlook for counseling psychologists, reflecting a growing demand for their services and a positive trend in the field of mental health.
Graduates can expect a wide range of career opportunities in various settings, including private practices, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and government agencies. They may also find employment in research and academia. With their advanced understanding of psychological principles and expertise in addressing individual and societal needs, graduates are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Please note that requirements for licensure vary from state to state.
Check out Delaware’s Requirements
A search of salary ranges within the field of Counseling Psychology indicates an average base salary across positions of approximately $75,000 annually. Given the current and growing need for mental health professionals of this caliber, it’s likely salaries will continue to rise.
I graduated with the first cohort in the GBC Master’s of Arts Counseling Psychology program, and I am so happy that I did. Throughout the two-year program, I developed the knowledge, confidence and connections needed to be successful in the mental health field. My peers from the program have become professional colleagues, and the professors remain a consistent resource while navigating the field. GBC has created a family environment that allows me to return easily when help is needed, even long after graduation.
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