Psychology (B.A.)
Minor in Psychology
Community Counseling (M.A.)
Counseling (Graduate Certificate)
Forensic Psychology (M.A.)
Forensic Psychology/Community Counseling (M.A./M.A.)
Pastoral and Spiritual Care (M.A.)
Pastoral Counseling (M.A.)
Pastoral Counseling (Graduate Certificate)
School Counseling (M.A.)
The Department of Psychology offers B.A. and M.A. degrees as well as a minor.
At the undergraduate level, students with a degree in Psychology have the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level professional responsibilities in a variety of settings and a firm foundation for graduate study in Psychology or related fields. Psychology graduates work in a wide variety of community, business, government, and educational settings. They may teach, consult, counsel, or conduct research. Graduate training is required for advanced work in the field.
The Psychology undergraduate major allows students to get a general bachelor's degree or specialize in Education, earning licensure to teach grades PK-3 or learning disabled students in grades K-12. Students in Psychology can choose from courses that help them focus on careers involving human resources functions; marketing settings; human development across the life span; the influence of the social setting on the behaviors of individuals; teaching licensure eligibility; the health sciences; and helping services in a variety of mental health settings, such as substance abuse programs, family and child services, crisis counseling centers, and welfare agencies. Psychology majors can also choose courses that help prepare them for graduate study in Psychology and Counseling, as well as Marymount's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, offered through the School of Health Professions.
At the graduate level, the Department offers the M.A. in Community Counseling, Forensic Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, Pastoral and Spiritual Care, and School Counseling. The Community Counseling and School Counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Many courses are also available to students majoring in other fields. Detailed information about graduate programs begins on page 114.
Admission Requirements: All undergraduate Psychology students must follow general University admission requirements (page 14).
In addition, students in the Education (PK-3) emphasis area and those pursuing eligibility for teaching licensure in Education (Learning Disabilities) must meet the admission requirements of, and apply for, student teaching. See Education section (page 103) for admission requirements and procedures.
Internship Prerequisites: When other requirements are successfully completed in the senior year, the student is placed in an internship (PSY 400) or Student Teaching (ED 360 or ED 460E) for 240 hours (6 credits). Prerequisites for the internship are a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better, a grade of C- or better in all courses required in the major, senior academic standing, a minimum of 12 credits earned at Marymount, and completion of the required prerequisite courses.
Minimum Grade Requirements: Grade of C- or better in all courses required for the major. Students pursuing teaching licensure should also see "Minimum Grade Requirements" on page 103.
The Psychology major consists of a core of required courses plus completion of coursework chosen by students to reflect their interests and career aspirations.
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This emphasis may be selected by students interested in teaching at this level. Completion of the required emphasis and general studies courses leads to licensure eligibility at the PK-3 level. This program is approved by the Virginia State Department of Education. NOTE: If a student in this emphasis is not admitted to the PK-3 licensure program before the beginning of the senior year, the student would then switch to general B.A. in Psychology and complete its requirements.
Admission Requirements: Students in this program must seek admission to the teacher licensure program and apply for student teaching. See Education section (page 103) for admission requirements and procedures.
Degree Planning: Students in this program must take courses specified in the degree plan to ensure fulfillment of state licensure requirements. See an Education advisor in the School of Education and Human Services for further information.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C is required in ED 245E. A minimum grade of C- is required in the remainder of the courses.
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This may be selected by students interested in teaching learning disabled (LD) students in grades K-12. Completion of the required courses leads to licensure eligibility to teach LD students.
Admission Requirements: Students in this program must seek admission to the teacher licensure program and apply for student teaching. See Education section (page 103) for admission requirements and procedures.
Degree Planning: Students in this program must take courses specified in the degree plan to ensure fulfillment of state licensure requirements. See an Education advisor in the School of Education and Human Services for further information.
Minimum Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C is required in ED 245E. A minimum grade of C- is required in the remainder of the courses.
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Minor Requirements
Deadlines:
Students are admitted for the fall semester only. Applications must be received by March 1. Applications received after March 1 will be considered for a future academic year.
Additional requirements for Community 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. All application materials must be received in order to be considered for an interview. Each program conducts interviews in April.
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.
See graduate program handbooks for detailed information.
Admission Requirements for Certificate Programs: See "Certificate-Seeking Graduate Students" section on page 18. Applicants for the Counseling certificate and Certificate of Advanced Studies in Pastoral Counseling must already hold a master's degree in Counseling or a related field.
Admission Policies: Students admitted to other Marymount graduate programs must meet the Counseling programs admissions requirements before they transfer into the program.
Nondegree Students: Nondegree students may not register for the following courses: PS 522, PS 523, PS 560, PS 561, PS 597, PS 599.
Academic Progression: 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.
Internship Prerequisite: In order to be admitted to an internship, students must have completed the internship application process, which includes a review of student academic progress, completion of appropriate paperwork, submission of the $50 required application fee, documentation of student professional liability insurance, and permission of the faculty.
PS 597 and 24 credit hours of the program must be completed prior to internship placement.
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.
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.
Residency Requirement: Clinical courses (PS 522, PS 523, PS 597, PS 599) must be taken at Marymount.
Transfer Policies: 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.
This 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.
Degree Requirements
48 credits
With prior approval of faculty, other elective courses can be applied toward the student's degree.
Individuals who already have a master's degree in Counseling from an accredited institution and who are working toward certification as a professional counselor may opt for this program, which consists of a minimum of 18 semester credits of graduate coursework. Courses must be selected in conjunction with a faculty advisor.
This 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 periodically offers a seven-week summer internship in London for selected students.
Degree Requirements
39 credits
With prior approval of faculty, graduate credit for other elective courses can be applied toward the student's degree.
The combined Forensic Psychology and Community 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. Dual program students will be awarded two Master of Arts degrees.
Admission Requirement: Students must meet the admissions criteria for both the Forensic Psychology and Community Counseling programs.
Degree Requirements
75 credits
This is a nonlicensure 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 religious/spiritual setting.
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.
Degree Requirements
48 credits
This track leads to licensure as a licensed professional counselor to provide counseling services to individuals and groups from a faith-based and spiritual perspective in a religious/spiritual setting.
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.
Degree Requirements
60 credits
This certificate is available for individuals who already possess a master's degree in Counseling or a related field, and wish to gain the skills necessary to provide counseling services from a faith-based and spiritual perspective in a religious/spiritual setting.
Certificate Requirements
18 credits
Alternate courses may be substituted, upon approval, if any of the following courses have been successfully completed during a master's program:
The School Counseling program provides the education and training necessary to work as a school counselor in an elementary, middle, or secondary school. Students who successfully complete this program will receive endorsement in Virginia as a school counselor (grades PK-12).
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-Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Degree Requirements
Some of these courses require field experience, and have prerequisite or corequisite coursework. Please see the course descriptions for details.
51 credits