Home > Graduate Programs > School of Education and Human Services > Counseling

Counseling

In this section

Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health/Forensic and Legal Psychology (M.A./M.A.)

Counselor Education and Supervision (Ed.D.)

Marymount offers the M.A. in counseling with specializations in clinical mental health counseling, pastoral clinical mental health counseling, pastoral and spiritual care, and school counseling. Marymount also offers the Ed.D. in counselor education and supervision.

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling are accredited as Community Counseling programs. The School Counseling Program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Marymount also offers a forensic and legal psychology option for students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. This is a unique opportunity to earn both a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and a master’s degree in forensic and legal psychology, then complete the post-master's clinical supervisory requirements needed to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC).

Admission Policies: Students admitted to other Marymount graduate programs must reapply to the university and meet the Counseling Program's admissions requirements before they will be admitted into a counseling program.

Nondegree Students: Students who have been denied admissions to any of the counseling programs will need to be approved by the department. Nondegree students may only register for the following courses with permission from the department chairperson and if space permits after registration ends for fully admitted students: CE 500, CE 501, CE 502, CE 503, CE 505, CE 520, CE 529, CE 532, CE 540, CE 541, CE 542, CE 549, CE 551.

Nondegree students are not accepted into the Ed.D. program. All 700- and 800-level courses are reserved for those admitted into the doctoral program or by faculty permission.

Admission Requirements for Doctoral Degree Program: In addition to the universitywide graduate admission requirements, the following are required:

official transcripts of all postsecondary education, showing a satisfactory GPA
satisfactory scores on the GRE (including the Analytical Writing section).
professional résumé
two letters of recommendation, one of which is from a faculty member or clinical supervisor; and
a personal statement summarizing the applicant’s experience and professional goals.
The personal statement is designed to display the applicant's written skills and response to an open-ended expressive writing opportunity. The personal statement should be no longer than three single-spaced pages and should address each of the following areas:
1. rationale or purpose for pursuing the doctorate in the applicant's area of emphasis
2. theoretical perspectives currently utilized by the applicant in practice
3. significant life events that have led the applicant to the decision to pursue the doctoral degree
4. personal and professional goals as they relate to the decision to pursue the doctoral degree
Enrollment Policies and Application Deadline:

Students begin in the the fall semester only. Deadlines for completed applications are February 1 and April 1. Applications will not be held over for another academic year. Applicants may not defer enrollment to another semester or academic year. Applicants who decline admission, but wish to be admitted later, must reapply in time for the academic year in which they wish to enroll and complete the interview process in its entirety

Process: After the initial review of applicants' preliminary materials, they may be invited to participate in an interview process designed to assess clinical and interpersonal skills. The process includes group and individual interviews, a mock clinical session, preparation of a writing sample, and an orientation to the program. All application materials must be received in order to be considered for an interview. Following the interview process, the counseling faculty will review the entire application profile and render a final decision based on an assessment of both academic and interpersonal appropriateness for the program and the counseling profession. Applicants will be notified of their status by the Office of Graduate Enrollment Services and are asked not to contact the counseling department directly.

Admission Requirements for Master's Degree Programs: In addition to the universitywide graduate admission requirements, the following are required:

a bachelor’s degree and acceptable GPA (an undergraduate major in psychology is preferred, however candidates from other fields will be considered)
official transcripts of all postsecondary education
satisfactory scores on the GRE (including the Analytical Writing score), as determined by the department
two letters of recommendation that speak directly to the applicant’s academic and interpersonal skills
a personal statement describing the applicant’s background and motivation for entering the field of study
Enrollment Policies and Application Deadlines:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Pastoral and Spiritual Care, and the Pastoral Counseling programs: Students are admitted for the fall semester only. Completed applications must be received by February 3 or May 1. Applications received after these deadlines will be considered for a future admission date. If space permits, students may be admitted for the spring semester. Contact the Office of Graduate Enrollment Services for information.

School Counseling Program: Students are admitted for the summer semester only. Students are expected to begin in the summer immediately after their admission to the program. Completed applications must be received by the February 3 priority deadline or by the second deadline of April 1. Applications received after these deadlines will be considered for the summer, space permitting.

Process: After the initial review applicants' preliminary materials, they may be invited to participate in an on-campus interview process with the faculty. The process includes group and individual interviews and an orientation to the program. All application materials must be received in order to be considered for an interview. The Office of Graduate Enrollment Services will contact those applicants selected for an interview with the date.

Following the interview process, the counseling faculty will review the entire application and render a final decision based on an assessment of both academic and interpersonal appropriateness for the program and the counseling profession. Applicants will be notified of their status by the Office of Graduate Enrollment Services and should not contact the counseling department directly.

Special permission by the counseling faculty is required for the following clinical courses: CE 522C, CE 522S, CE 523C, CE 523S.

Academic Progression: The counseling faculty will review the academic, clinical, and professional development of students in all graduate programs each semester. Students must demonstrate appropriate academic, clinical, professional, and interpersonal skills in order to progress in the program and to be placed into a practicum and internship. Details of the review process and procedures can be found in the graduate program handbooks.

Academic Probation: Students may only be on non-consecutive probation once during their graduate studies. If a student's cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 for a second time, the student will be dismissed. Students who wish to appeal their dismissal should refer to the Academic Dismissal section of this catalog for the proper procedure.

Legal Limitations of Practice: The practice of counseling is regulated by state laws. Questions concerning licensure in a specific state should be directed to that state’s board of professional counselors. Before being placed in a practicum or internship site, agencies may require a national criminal background check of the student. The cost of the investigation is the responsibility of the student. Students are required to obtain and present proof of liability insurance prior to the start of a practicum or internship experience and carry the insurance until graduation.

Maximum Credits: Students enrolled in the M.A. programs in counseling are limited to registering for a maximum of 12 credits per semester.

Minimum Grade Requirements:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Pastoral Counseling M.A. Programs: CE 501, CE 502, CE 508, CE 520, CE 522C, CE 523C, CE 523P, CE 597C, CE 597P, CE 599C, and CE 599P require a minimum grade of B to advance in the program.

Counselor Education and Supervision Ed.D. Program: CE 701, CE 702, CE 720, CE 723, CE 801, CE 803, CE 805, CE 809, and CE 815 require a minimum grade of B to advance in the program. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 and receive minimum grade as outlined to proceed in the program. If a student does not maintain the GPA or receives less than the minimum grade outlined, the student may be dismissed. If a student breaks cohort due to not meeting the required GPA or minimum grades, the student must reapply to be readmitted for another cohort.

School Counseling M.A. Program: CE 508, CE 520, CE 522S, CE 523S, CE 560, CE 561, CE 597S, and CE 599S require a minimum grade of B to advance in the program.

Practicum and Internship Prerequisites:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, and School Counseling M.A. programs: In order to be admitted to a practicum or an internship, students must have completed the practicum and internship application process, which includes attending a mandatory meeting one semester prior to the placement; attained a satisfactory review of student academic progress; completed appropriate paperwork; submitted documentation of student professional liability insurance; and attained the permission of the faculty.

Students must complete all prerequisites and 24 credits prior to registering for CE 597C, CE 597P, or CE 597S Practicum. The practicum and 30 credit hours of the program must be completed prior to being admitted to CE 599C, CE 599P, or CE 599S Internship.

Counselor Education and Supervision Ed.D. Program: In order to be admitted to the practicum and internship (CE 803, CE 805, CE 809), students must have completed the internship application process, completed all prerequisite coursework, submitted the required application fee for each clinical course, provided documentation of student professional liability insurance, and attained the permission of the faculty.

Research Requirement: All students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, and School Counseling programs are required to log a minimum of 20 hours of research assistance under the guidance of one or more members of the counseling faculty or another approved faculty member. See the Counseling Student Handbook for details. All pastoral counseling students are also required to fulfill service hours. See Service Requirements below.

Residency Requirement for M.A. Students: Clinical courses (CE 522C or CE 522S; CE 523C, CE 523P, or CE 523S; CE 597C, CE 597P, or CE 597S; CE 599C, CE 599P, or CE 599S) must be taken at Marymount.

Residency and Candidacy Requirement for Ed.D. Students: Students in the Ed.D. program must apply for residency followed by candidacy. The intent of a residency requirement is to ensure that doctoral students benefit from and contribute to the full spectrum of educational and professional opportunities provided by the graduate faculty of a comprehensive university. When establishing residency, the student should interact with faculty and peers by regularly attending classes, conferences, and seminars, and using the library, library services, and other resources that support excellence in graduate education.

The doctoral residency requirement may be satisfied only after admission to the doctoral degree program and completion of at least 24 semester credit hours of doctoral seminar classes for at least three consecutive semesters (fall, spring, and summer) in the first year. Students may apply for residency no sooner than summer of the first year an upon successful completion of CE 701, CE 702, CE 710, CE 720, CE 723, CE 801, CE 803, and CE 813 with required grades and GPA.

Students in the doctoral program must then apply for candidacy for the Ed.D. They may do so no sooner than the completion of the second semester of their second year and may be granted residency after the completion of their second semester, second year, including the completion of 42 doctoral seminar semester credits. Candidates must also meet the following requirements:

complete the residency requirement, including CE 701, CE 702, CE 710, CE 720, CE 723, CE 725, CE 801, CE 803, CE 805 (two semesters), CE 809, CE 810, CE 813, CE 815
achieve a minimum grade point average of B+ (3.5)
submit documentation verifying a professional paper was presented at a professional conference (e.g., ACA, ACES, ASCA) attached to the petition for candidacy, including the cover page of the program and a copy of the description of the paper from the program
complete two service requirements per year for the department or association as outlined in the Counselor Education and Supervision Handbook;
file a program of study
form a doctoral committee
Pass a written comprehensive examination after completion of all coursework
Pass an oral comprehensive examination.
form a dissertation committee

When the application is formally reviewed by the counselor education and supervision faculty, the student will be notified of the faculty's decision.

Scheduling of Courses: Courses listed are not offered every semester. Students should consult their program advisor for guidance on course rotations and scheduling.

Service Requirements: All graduate students in any pastoral counseling program are required to log a minimum of 30 hours of service to Marymount or the community. See the Pastoral Counseling Student Handbook for details.

Transfer Policies:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, and School Counseling M.A. programs: Students requesting course substitutions or course transfer from other institutions are required to submit paperwork for required courses for review to the counseling department’s Course Review Committee. Upon approval by the department, students may transfer a maximum of 12 credits. After admission into a program, students may transfer a maximum of 6 credits. Students must gain approval prior to enrolling in a course outside of Marymount from the counseling department's Course Review Committee. Many CACREP courses are not permitted to be transferred. No online classes can be transferred for CACREP core classes.

Counselor Education and Supervision Ed.D. Program: A maximum of 48 credits may be transferred after review and approval of the faculty to fulfill core prerequisite requirements. Transfer credit must be from an accredited institution recognized by Marymount, carry graduate credit with a minimum grade of B (or equivalent, if a different grading system is used), be dated within a five-year period for courses used in the doctoral program, and be equivalent to CACREP master's core curriculum coursework. The faculty reserves the right to refuse the petition of transferred courses or require similar classes be repeated to assess skill competencies. Students must also take the outlined departmental core prerequisites if they do not have equivalent coursework in their master's program.

All doctoral-level courses required for the Ed.D. (60 credits) must be taken at Marymount.

Counseling (M.A.)

Marymount University offers a M.A. in counseling with three specializations from which a student must choose. These specializations are clinical mental health, pastoral counseling, and school counseling. The M.A. in pastoral and spiritual care is a separate 48-credit, non-licensure track program and is not accredited by CACREP.

Marymount's CACREP, licensure-track counseling program provides an opportunity to earn a degree and complete coursework needed for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) in 60 credit hours. Individuals are eligible to sit for the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) examination at Marymount toward the end of their program of study and begin the supervised experience necessary to become a licensed professional counselor upon completion of this degree program. Electives in any specializations should be done in consultations with advisors to meet licensure requirements in other states.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to

display a command of the knowledge base required for professional counselors, including foundation of the counseling field, individual and group counseling skills, tests and measurements, research methods and design, human growth and development, career development, counseling theory, diagnosis and treatment, multicultural counseling, and ethical issues in counseling;
effectively conduct individual and group counseling sessions;
apply American Counseling Association (ACA) ethics and professional standards; and
demonstrate an understanding of current trends in the job market, self-marketing strategies, and professional, legal, and ethical compliance.

In addition, those specializing in pastoral clinical mental health counseling will be able to demonstrate how they have met or will meet the competencies for addressing spiritual and religious issues in counseling as put forth by the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC).

Degree Requirements - Counseling

Shared Degree Requirements:

42 credits from the required courses and 18 credits in a specialization area (60 total credits)

In addition to the courses below, a student must choose from one of the three specializations, requiring 18 additional credits:

CE 500 Research and Evaluation

CE 503 Advanced Human Growth and Development

CE 508 Crisis Intervention

CE 509 Substance Abuse and Assessment and Intervention

CE 510 Survey of Testing and Assessment

CE 520 Theories of Counseling

CE 522C/S/P Counseling for Individuals

CE 523C/S/P Group Counseling Techniques

CE 524 Theories and Techniques of Family Counseling

CE 530C/S/P Career Development Counseling

CE 551 Multicultural Counseling

CE 597C/S/P Practicum Based on Specialty

CE 599C/S/P Internship Based on Specialty

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization

18 credits

Required Courses:

CE 501 Bases of Psychopathology

CE 502 Foundations, Ethics, and Professional Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

CE 536 Advanced Counseling: Theories and Techniques

Nine (9) credits in CE or FLP. Electives must have approval from an advisor. Students should consult with their state licensing board to determine appropriate electives.

Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization

18 credits

Required Courses:

CE 501 Bases of Psychopathology

CE 502 Foundations, Ethics, and Professional Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

CE 540 Contemporary and Historical Religious Perspectives

CE 541 Pastoral Counseling Integration

CE 542 Grief and Loss

CE 549 Moral and Spiritual Development and Ethical Issues in Counseling

School Counseling Specialization

18 credits

The school counseling specialization provides the education and training necessary to work as a school counselor in elementary, middle, or high school. Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible for licensure as a school counselor (grades PK-12) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Students also meet the requirements for the LPC with completion of CE 501.

School counseling courses may be offered in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Field experience, practicum, and internship hours must be completed when school is in regular session: September - June, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Required Courses:

CE 505 Advanced Study of Individuals with Exceptionalities

CE 529 Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence*

CE 534 Counseling Children and Adolescents

CE 560 Foundations, Ethics, and Professional Issues in School Counseling

CE 561 Practices of School Counseling

3-credit elective from CE or FLP graduate courses

*Students seeking LPC must take CE 501 not CE 529.

Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health/Forensic and Legal Psychology (M.A./M.A.)

Marymount offers a forensic and legal psychology option for students in the clinical mental health counseling program. Through this program, the student has an opportunity to earn a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling and a Master of Arts in forensic and legal psychology.

Marymount’s forensic and legal psychology program balances traditional counseling knowledge and skills with a specialized understanding of the criminal justice and legal systems, while tapping into the rich resources of the nation’s capital. Coursework is interdisciplinary, combining study in sociology, criminal justice, and public policy, in addition to many subfields in psychology. (See forensic and legal psychology for more information.)

The clinical mental health counseling program provides an opportunity to earn a degree, be eligible to sit for the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) examination toward the end of the program of study, and begin the supervised experience necessary to become a licensed professional counselor.

Admission Requirement: To be admitted to this program, students must first seek admission to the clinical mental health counseling program. After completion of 40 credit hours in the program, the student may apply to be admitted to the forensic and legal psychology program.

Total Program Requirements – Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health/Forensic and Legal Psychology Option (M.A/M.A.)

75 credits

CE 500 Research and Evaluation*

CE 502 Foundations, Ethics, and Professional Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

CE 503 Advanced Human Growth and Development

CE 508 Crisis Intervention

CE 509 Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention

CE 510 Survey of Testing and Assessment

CE 520 Theories of Counseling

CE 522C Counseling for Individuals

CE 523C Group Counseling Techniques

CE 524 Theories and Techniques of Family Counseling

CE 530C Career Development Counseling

CE 536 Advanced Counseling: Theories and Techniques

CE 551 Multicultural Counseling

CE 597C Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum

CE 599C Internship: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (6 credits)

FLP 501 or CE 501 Bases of Psychopathology

FLP 511 Legal and Investigative Psychology

FLP 512 Issues in the American Legal System

FLP 527 Psychology , Public Policy, and Law

FLP 531 Psychology of Criminal Behavior

FLP 540 Forensic Assessment

Nine (9) credits of electives from CE and FLP courses. Electives must have approval from an advisor. Students should consult with their state licensing board to determine appropriate electives.

*FLP 502 will not count in place of CE 500 due to CACREP and licensure requirements.

Counselor Education and Supervision (Ed.D.)

This doctoral program prepares professional counselor educators and supervisors who will function in a wide variety of settings and who will demonstrate advanced clinical and supervisory competencies and effective ethical decision making and practices. Students will be prepared to serve as the next generation of leaders in the counseling profession as educators, researchers, clinicians, and supervisors.

Students admitted for doctoral study must have completed programs of study that meet Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) entry-level (master's) standards.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to

develop an identity as counselor educators and demonstrate evidence of professional leadership potential;
demonstrate clinical skills and show the ability to articulate the practice and philosophy through writing, supervision, and teaching;
show evidence of effective teaching strategies and the utilization of appropriate technology, clinical practices, supervision skills, consultative skills, and research; and
demonstrate multicultural competence in teaching, research, supervision, and clinical practice.

Degree Requirements – Counselor Education and Supervision

Core Prerequisite Requirements

48 credits

The following Marymount classes, or classes deemed equivalent and approved by Marymount counseling faculty, are required prior to beginning doctoral coursework:

CE 500 Research and Evaluation

CE 501 Bases of Psychopathology or CE 529 Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence

CE 502 Foundations, Ethics, and Professional Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or CE 560 Foundations, Ethics, and Professional Issues in School Counseling

CE 503 Advanced Human Growth and Development

CE 508 Crisis Intervention

CE 509 Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention

CE 510 Survey of Testing and Assessment

CE 520 Theories of Counseling

CE 522C or CE 522S Counseling for Individuals

CE 523C or CE 523P or CE 523S Group Counseling Techniques

CE 524 Theories and Techniques of Family Counseling

CE 530C or CE 530S Career Development Counseling

CE 551 Multicultural Counseling

CE 597C or CE 597P or CE 597S Counseling Practicum (3 credits)

CE 599C or CE 599P or CE 599S Counseling Internship (6 credits)

Degree Requirements

60 credits

CE 701 Advanced Diagnostic Classification and Treatment of Mental Disorders

CE 702 Professional Issues in Counselor Education and Supervision

CE 710 Advanced Assessment of Social and Personality Functioning

CE 720 Advanced Theories and Models in Counselor Education

CE 723 Advanced Group Counseling Techniques and Issues

CE 725 Theories and Models in Counseling Supervision

CE 801 Advanced Clinical Skills Assessment Lab

CE 803 Advanced Clinical Practicum

CE 805 Internship in Counselor Education (6 credits, two semesters)

CE 809 Practicum in Counselor Supervision

CE 810 Multivariate Data Analysis and Advanced Research Design

CE 813 Qualitative Research Designs

CE 815 Empirical Bases of Research

CE 899 Dissertation Research (9 credits minimum)

Cognate Specialty Area (9 credits): Counselor education students are preparing for careers in a variety of settings. Therefore, they are expected to have a knowledge base in a cognate area that relates to their professional goals. Cognate, or specialty, areas are developed through 9 semester hours concentrated in coursework related to the population or setting in which the student has a professional goal, e.g. clinical mental health counseling, forensic and legal psychology, pastoral counseling, or school counseling. In developing the cognate area, students must seek the advice and approval of their academic advisor.

Pastoral and Spiritual Care (M.A.)

This is a non-licensure program that seeks to train competent clinicians who will provide counseling services to individuals and groups from a faith-based and spiritual perspective in a variety of settings. This program is not intended for those who are seeking licensure as a licensed professional counselor (LPC).

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to

display a command of the knowledge base required for professional counselors, including foundations of the counseling field, individual and group counseling skills, tests and measurements, research methods and designs, human growth and development, career development, counseling theory, diagnosis and treatment, multicultural counseling, and ethical issues in counseling;
effectively conduct individual and group counseling sessions;
apply American Counseling Association (ACA) ethical and professional standards;
demonstrate an understanding of current trends in the job market, self-marketing strategies, and professional, legal, and ethical compliance; and
demonstrate how they have met or will meet the competencies for addressing spiritual and religious issues in counseling as put forth by the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC).

Degree Requirements – Pastoral and Spiritual Care (M.A.)

48 credits

CE 501 Bases of Psychopathology

CE 502 Foundations, Ethics, and Professional Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

CE 503 Advanced Human Growth and Development

CE 508 Crisis Intervention

CE 509 Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention

CE 520 Theories of Counseling

CE 522C Counseling for Individuals

CE 523P or CE 523C Group Counseling Techniques

CE 524 Theories and Techniques of Family Counseling

CE 540 Contemporary and Historical Religious Perspectives