The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MA in CP)

MA in CP Purpose

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MA in CP) is designed to enable the student to understand the nature and needs of human beings, to appreciate the differences between people, to become familiar with the methods and conclusions of psychology, to develop skills in counseling, and to integrate faith into counseling theory and practice. The program is a professional licensure track program with the intent to train students to become licensed mental health professionals.

MA in CP Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

The admission requirements for the MA in CP are those described in the Admissions section of the catalog and those specific to the MA in CP program described below:

• An undergraduate major, which includes 9 hours of undergraduate psychology courses, including introduction to psychology, statistics, and either abnormal psychology or a developmental psychology course
• An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) are required.
• An interview with the MA in CP faculty may be required

MA in CP Statute of Limitation

All requirements in the Master of Arts programs must be completed within five years of matriculation into the program. Petition to extend the statute of limitation may be made by a student to the Academic Exceptions Committee.

MA in CP Candidacy Requirements

Admission to the Master of Arts programs must be followed by achievement of candidacy for the degree. Program candidacy occurs when

• A minimum of 12 hours in the program is completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5 after admission to the program.
• All entrance deficiencies and conditions are removed.
• After a review of student files for continued progress toward meeting graduation requirements, formal action is taken by the faculty to grant candidacy for the degree.
• MA in CP candidates are required to participate in group counseling while in residence.

MA in CP Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of all course work in the program, including required Field Education, with a minimum cumulative grade point average for program course work of 2.5, with no course work graded below a “C-” applicable to the degree. A maximum of 20 percent of course work may be completed in an independent study format (Reading, Guided Research, and Distance Education courses).
2. Successfully write the major comprehensive exam.
3. Completion of the Biblical and Theological Studies course sequences below meet the general comprehensive requirements in Old Testament, New Testament, and Systematic Theology.
4. A minimum of 60 hours of course work, at least 48 hours in counseling psychology.
5. Complete a Master of Arts capstone project for the MA in CP, which is completion of an internship or an acceptable thesis on an approved topic, exhibiting the ability to do competent research, to think critically, and to communicate effectively in the area of emphasis. The thesis may be for 0-3 hours credit, applicable to the student’s program.
6. Students should consult with the department faculty to ensure that requisite course work is met for state licensure.

MA in CP Curriculum

Updated to 2008-09 Catalog