Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MS)
Fully Accredited
Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSHE). / ADDRESS / 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104. | Phone: (267) 284-5000
The Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Psychology is accredited by the Counsel for Accrediting Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- Undergraduate Core Curriculum
- Curricular and Co-Curricular Guides
- Academic History
- Student Outcomes Data
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the graduate program in school and clinical mental health counseling is to train master’s-level students to be ethical and caring decision-makers who attend to the varied developmental needs of individuals in Pre K-12 educational and clinical mental health settings. Housed in a comprehensive regional institution steeped in the Catholic tradition, the Marywood counseling program, its faculty and curricular experiences, inspire and transform students to learn, lead and serve in a diverse and changing world. Within this context, the education of the whole person is paramount. The standards-based curriculum is rigorous; faculty expectations are high; and students are challenged to understand and apply the ethical dimensions of personal and professional life and to examine their own attitudes, values and beliefs. Bearing this in mind, while endeavoring to synthesize and integrate the general education and the professional preparation of its prospective counselors, the Counseling Program faculty adopts the following program objectives:
COUNSELING PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- To exhibit ethical professional behavior, skills, and dispositions consistent with the ACA and its affiliate standards in order to assume the role of professional counselors in school and clinical mental health settings.
- To acquire sufficient knowledge and skills to effectively provide individual, group, and outreach to meet the various concerns of diverse populations in clinical mental health and school settings.
- To exhibit professional leadership and advocacy skills necessary to serve as effective agents of change and advance the cause of diverse and underrepresented groups. Likewise, to develop a mastery of consultation skills and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary collaborations.
- To acquire a comprehensive knowledge base of research principles and assessment in order to be consumers and producers of quality research. Further, to integrate current empirical information to reform and refine all aspects of the professional counselor.
- To demonstrate the capacity for self-reflection, self-evaluation, and integration of feedback.
Master the Science of Counseling Psychology at Marywood
Marywood University's M.S. in Counseling Psychology offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for a successful career as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. This program blends the best practices from both counseling and psychology disciplines, providing students with a holistic approach to mental health services.
In our program, you will gain expertise in culturally informed and sensitive practices to improve well-being and address the diverse needs of individuals across the lifespan. Emphasizing a strength-based approach, we focus on the healthy aspects and strengths of our clients, while considering crucial environmental factors such as cultural, sociopolitical, gender, and socioeconomic influences. Our training ensures you develop a broad understanding of both the scientific foundations and practical applications necessary for professional counseling.
Key components of the program include:
- Individual, family, and group counseling and psychotherapy
- Crisis intervention, disaster, and trauma management
- Assessment techniques for diagnosing psychological disorders
- Test construction and validation
- Research methodologies
I chose to study Clinical Psychology here at Marywood because not only is the campus welcoming, but the Psychology department is immaculate. All my professors know me by first name due to the small class sizes and it feels good to have that personal connection with them. Whenever I have a question or concern, they are always there to help.
Alysha Smigiel '23 Read All Testimonials
Full-time students in the Counseling Psychology program can expect to complete their degree requirements in a minimum of five academic semesters, plus summers. The program is meticulously designed to meet the educational training requirements for LPC licensure in Pennsylvania. Graduates will need to fulfill additional non-educational training requirements and supervised professional experience to obtain licensure.
Outcomes & Opportunities
Top Employers
- Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals
- Outpatient Care Centers
- Residential Care Facilities
- Offices of Physicians
Top Career Paths
- Behavioral Therapist
- Grief Counselor
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Family Counselor
Dig Deeper Into the Program Details
If you have any questions about this program, we're here to help.
Applicants must submit the following to be considered for the Counseling Psychology program:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0, or a “B” average during the undergraduate degree.
- Demonstrated potential for graduate work.
- Completed application.
- An essay demonstrating professional and personal qualities that will help the applicant lead to success as a professional counselor.
- Official Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member and/or professional reference who are familiar with the applicant’s skills and potential for graduate study in counseling psychology.
The Psychological Department is located in the McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies.
Psychological Services Center
Map & Directions
The Psychological Services Center (PSC), located in Room 1009 in the McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, is a clinic and training facility. It serves the community as an outpatient mental health clinic that provides services to individuals across the life spectrum from young children to older adults. The entry of the PSC is privately located on the north side of the McGowan Center on Marywood's campus. The PSC is composed of several individual, couple, family, and group therapy rooms, as well as a reception area and waiting room.
Learn More
McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies
1201 University AvenueMap & Directions
The McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, located on the corner of University and North Washington Avenues, contains classrooms and related clinical/professional space for Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology and Counseling, Education, and Business students. Market Marywood is also located here.
Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's scholarship programs are designed to encourage and support outstanding students who work hard, demonstrate a strong will to succeed, and have financial need. Our scholarships provide financial assistance and academic support to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.
View Tuition RatesBadner, Dr. Stuart B
- Department Chair
- Associate Professor of Practice
- sbadner@marywood.edu
- x2250
Popple, Leah M
- Assistant Director of Clinical Training (Psy.D.)
- Assistant Professor of Practice
- lmpopple@marywood.edu
Morton, Dr. Lindsay C
- Undergraduate Psychology Program Coordinator
- Associate Professor
- lcmorton@marywood.edu
- x2248
Muse-Burke, Dr. Janet L
- Counseling Program Fieldwork Coordinator
- Professor
- jlmuse-burke@marywood.edu
- x2367
For further information about the LPC and State Board requirements, visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors website (see links below). When seeking licensure in other states, students are advised to contact the credentialing boards or agencies in those states, as other requirements may exist.
Professional Counselor Licensure Requirements
Pennsylvania Code Educational Requirements
Chapter 49 — Licensure of Professional Counselors
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Latest Program News & Events
Graduate Student Events
Fully Accredited
Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSHE). / ADDRESS / 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104. | Phone: (267) 284-5000
The Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Psychology is accredited by the Counsel for Accrediting Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
- Undergraduate Core Curriculum
- Curricular and Co-Curricular Guides
- Academic History
- Student Outcomes Data
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the graduate program in school and clinical mental health counseling is to train master’s-level students to be ethical and caring decision-makers who attend to the varied developmental needs of individuals in Pre K-12 educational and clinical mental health settings. Housed in a comprehensive regional institution steeped in the Catholic tradition, the Marywood counseling program, its faculty and curricular experiences, inspire and transform students to learn, lead and serve in a diverse and changing world. Within this context, the education of the whole person is paramount. The standards-based curriculum is rigorous; faculty expectations are high; and students are challenged to understand and apply the ethical dimensions of personal and professional life and to examine their own attitudes, values and beliefs. Bearing this in mind, while endeavoring to synthesize and integrate the general education and the professional preparation of its prospective counselors, the Counseling Program faculty adopts the following program objectives:
COUNSELING PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- To exhibit ethical professional behavior, skills, and dispositions consistent with the ACA and its affiliate standards in order to assume the role of professional counselors in school and clinical mental health settings.
- To acquire sufficient knowledge and skills to effectively provide individual, group, and outreach to meet the various concerns of diverse populations in clinical mental health and school settings.
- To exhibit professional leadership and advocacy skills necessary to serve as effective agents of change and advance the cause of diverse and underrepresented groups. Likewise, to develop a mastery of consultation skills and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary collaborations.
- To acquire a comprehensive knowledge base of research principles and assessment in order to be consumers and producers of quality research. Further, to integrate current empirical information to reform and refine all aspects of the professional counselor.
- To demonstrate the capacity for self-reflection, self-evaluation, and integration of feedback.
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