Emphasis Programs
The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology Program offers two, post-baccalaureate emphases: (1) Addictions Counseling Psychology, and (2) Child and Family Counseling Psychology. In addition to FSU policies governing all post- baccalaureate programs (see page 9 of the Graduate Catalog), these emphases have the following prerequisites and entrance requirements.
- Emphases will be awarded only to those who have completed graduate degrees in the mental health counseling field. Appropriate master's degrees would include counseling or clinical psychology, school counseling, mental health counseling, clinical social work or equivalent degrees. Two master's degree programs at FSU meet this requirement: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and Master of Education in School Counseling.
- If you are not currently an FSU graduate student and you plan to enroll in courses in the emphasis program as a non-degree-seeking student, OR if you are an FSU graduate student in the M.Ed. School Counseling program, you must apply to the emphasis program and then meet with the faculty contact person PRIOR to enrolling in your first course in the emphasis program. Application requirements are listed below. Program faculty will determine if you have the necessary qualifications and prerequisites to begin emphasis courses.
- FSU M.Ed. School Counseling students (SCCO). All entrance requirements for the SCCO program meet emphasis admission requirements EXCEPT that students submitting MAT scores to qualify for admission to the SCCO program must achieve an MAT score of 50 for admission to the psychology graduate emphasis programs. Verification of satisfying these admission standards must be submitted prior to meeting with the faculty contact person.
- Non-degree-seeking students' requirements: Completion of a mental health counseling graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (verified by an official transcript) with a graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. One letter of reference from a mental health professional who has taught or supervised the applicant. Transcript and reference must be submitted prior to meeting with the faculty contact person.
- FSU M.Ed. School Counseling students (SCCO). All entrance requirements for the SCCO program meet emphasis admission requirements EXCEPT that students submitting MAT scores to qualify for admission to the SCCO program must achieve an MAT score of 50 for admission to the psychology graduate emphasis programs. Verification of satisfying these admission standards must be submitted prior to meeting with the faculty contact person.
- Some courses in the emphasis programs have as prerequisites other emphasis courses. Students are expected to take emphasis courses in the sequence prescribed by prerequisites. Students will be asked to withdraw from any courses where they have not met the prerequisite(s) or obtained permission of the course instructor.
- Professionals or students seeking this certification who are not enrolled in FSU's M.S. Counseling Psychology Program will be required to complete one semester of internship through the M.S. Counseling Psychology Program, and in this semester, 100% of internship direct services hours (i.e., 150 hours) must be in the service area related to the emphasis. Students enrolled In FSU's M.S. Counseling Psychology Program may complete their 150 hours over two semesters of internship.
- Addictions Counseling Psychology Graduate Emphasis
Program Description
Required Courses: 29 credits
Note: some courses are prerequisites for others
- PSYC 386** Drugs & Behavior or equivalent
- (candidates may elect to complete this area by credit-by examination)
- PSYC 570 or 602 Adv. Experimental or Adv. Research Evaluation & Interpretation
- PSYC 600 Introduction to Counseling & Assessment
- PSYC 610 Group Counseling
- PSYC 614 Advanced Developmental Psychology
- PSYC 617 Child and Adult Psychopathology
- PSYC 670 Multicultural Counseling Techniques
- PSYC 686** Addictions Issues and Treatment
- PSYC 695 and/or 696 Internship: 150 hours of supervised direct services in addictions counseling (5 credits minimum)*
Total: 29 credits minimum
In addition to the listed courses, completion of a graduate degree in mental health counseling is required. Appropriate master's degrees would include counseling or clinical psychology, school counseling, mental health counseling, clinical social work, or equivalent degrees. [This requirement is consistent with State of Maryland law; a master's degree is required in Health or Human Services.]
*Professionals seeking this certification who are not graduates of FSU's M.S. Counseling Psychology Program will be required to complete one semester of internship at FSU, and in this semester, 100% of internship direct services hours (i.e., 150 hours) must be with clients receiving addiction services. Students enrolled in FSU's M.S. Counseling Psychology Program may complete their 150 hours over two semesters of internship.
**not an M.S. Counseling Psychology Program requirement
Contact Person: Nicole Andrews, Instructor, Department of Psychology
- Child and Family Counseling Psychology Graduate Emphasis
Program Description
Required Courses: 26 credits
Note: some courses are prerequisites for others
- PSYC 600 Introduction to Counseling & Assessment
- PSYC 570 or 602 Adv. Experimental or Adv. Research Evaluation & Interpretation
- PSYC 614 Advanced Developmental Psychology
- PSYC 617 Child and Adult Psychopathology
- PSYC 630 Theories & Techniques of Counseling I
- PSYC 650 Family Therapy
- PSYC 695 and/or 696 Internship: 150 hours of supervised direct services with children/adolescents & families
Total: 26 credits minimum
In addition to the listed courses, completion of a graduate degree in mental health counseling is required. Appropriate Master's degrees would include counseling or clinical psychology, school counseling, mental health counseling, clinical social work, or equivalent degrees.
*Professionals seeking this certification who are not graduates of FSU's M.S. Counseling Psychology Program will be required to complete one semester of internship at FSU, and in this semester, 100% of internship direct services hours (i.e., 150 hours) must be with children/adolescents and families. Students enrolled in FSU's M.S. Counseling Psychology Program may complete their 150 hours over two semesters of internship. A criminal background check must be completed prior to interning.
Contact Person: Kimberly James, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology
- Non-Degree Status
You may be assigned non-degree status if you wish to apply for graduate study but do not wish to work toward a graduate degree. This category usually includes students who wish to take courses for professional development, for transfer to another institution, or for maintaining certification in the field of education. Non-degree status is based on the following requirements:
- Completion of the baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
- Submission of an official transcript certifying the completion of a baccalaureate degree. This official transcript must be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Services from the degree-granting institution.
- Completion of the baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited institution of higher education.