Psychology
The Psychology Department offers the Master of Arts in Counseling, Forensic Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, Pastoral and Spiritual Care, and School Counseling. The Counseling and School Counseling degrees are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- The Counseling Program provides training and skills in counseling theory, practice, and research to prepare graduates for work in applied settings where training at the master's level is appropriate. The program also provides a sound foundation for working toward licensure as well as for doctoral-level study. A focus on training in techniques applicable to specific populations provides experiences that are transferable to the contemporary workplace.
- The Forensic Psychology Program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to provide effective, high quality services in a variety of forensic settings. These include probation and parole, victim assistance, law enforcement, evaluation, and testimony in civil and criminal matters. To accomplish this goal, the program balances traditional psychological knowledge and skills with a specialized understanding of the criminal justice and legal systems. The Forensic Psychology program has a long-term, ongoing joint research project with the FBI Behavioral Science Unit. Selected students may have the opportunity to work on research projects with faculty using criminal case files provided by the FBI. The Forensic Psychology program also offers a seven-week summer internship in London for selected students.
- The combined Forensic Psychology and Counseling Program provides students with the skills and knowledge required to provide ethical and effective evaluation and therapeutic counseling services in a variety of forensic settings, including probation and parole, victim assistance, policing, law enforcement and investigation, expert evaluation, and civil/criminal testimony. To accomplish this goal, the dual program provides a balance between traditional psychological knowledge and skills and specialized understanding and experience within the civil and criminal justice systems. Graduates of this program will be eligible to sit for the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) examination and to begin supervised experience necessary for licensure as a licensed professional counselor. Students must meet the admissions criteria for both the Forensic Psychology and Counseling programs. Dual program students will complete 75 credits and will be awarded two Master of Arts degrees. They must complete all required courses for both programs, plus electives that can be taken from either program.
- The Pastoral Counseling Programs are designed to train competent clinicians who will provide counseling services to individuals and groups from a faith-based and spiritual perspective in a religious/spiritual setting. Two degree programs are offered: the M.A. in Pastoral Counseling, a 60-credit program leading to licensure as a licensed professional counselor; and the M.A. in Pastoral and Spiritual Care, a 48-credit, nonlicensure track. An 18-credit post-master's Certificate of Advanced Study in Pastoral Counseling is also available for individuals who already possess a master's degree in Counseling or a related field.
- The School Counseling Program provides the education and training necessary to work as a school counselor in elementary-, middle-, and secondary-school settings.
Admission Requirements
Minimum requirements for admission include the following:
- 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;
- acceptable scores on the GRE;
- two letters of recommendation which speak directly to the applicant's academic and interpersonal skills; and
- a personal statement describing the applicant's background and motivation for entering the field of study for which he/she is applying.
Applications for the Forensic Psychology program must be received by December 1, February 1, or April 1 for review in those respective months. Applications received after April 1 will be considered for a future academic year.
See graduate program handbooks for detailed information.
Additional requirements for Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, and School Counseling applicants: After the initial review of an applicant's preliminary materials, he or she may be invited to participate in a two-hour interview process designed to assess interpersonal skills. The process includes group and individual interviews, and an orientation to the program. Please refer to the department's Web page for interview dates for the 2004-05 academic year.
Following the interview process, the Psychology Graduate Admissions Committee 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 Admissions and are asked not to contact the Psychology Department directly.
Students admitted to other Marymount graduate programs must meet the Counseling programs admissions requirements before they transfer into the program. Nondegree students may not register for the following courses: PS 522, 523, 560, 561, 597, 599.
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 (approximately $50) may be borne by the student. Students are required to obtain and present proof of liability insurance prior to the start of a practicum or internship experience.
Student Reviews
The Psychology faculty will review the academic progress and professional development of students in all graduate programs each semester. Students must demonstrate appropriate academic and interpersonal skills in order to progress to practicum and internship placement. Details of the review process and procedures are found in the graduate program handbooks.
Course Reviews
Students requesting course substitutions or course transfer from other institutions may be required to submit paperwork for review by the Graduate Psychology Course Review Committee. Clinical courses (PS 522, PS 523, PS 597, PS 599) must be taken at Marymount.
Internships
In order to be admitted to an internship, students must have completed the internship application process, which includes a review of student progress, completion of appropriate paperwork, submission of the $50 required application fee, documention of student professional liability insurance, and permission of the faculty.
Research Requirement
All students will be required to log a minimum of 20 hours of research assistance under the guidance of one or more members of the Psychology faculty. See the student handbook for details.
Service Requirement
All students in the Pastoral Counseling programs are required to log a minimum of 30 hours of service in the community or for the University.