Counseling Psychology Eclectic Option, MA

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Graduate Program Coordinator:
Dr. Cubie Bragg
 

Bowie State University offers a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology. Students may enroll in the program from the Eclectic theoretical approach to counseling or elect a specialized approach emphasizing the Adlerian or Individual Psychology school of thought originated and developed by Alfred Adler and his followers.

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree program provides professional preparation for persons wishing to become counselors in noneducational institutions, such as community mental health facilities. Concentrations in pastoral counseling and health counseling are offered for persons wishing to qualify in these specialties. Specializations are offered in addiction counseling, career counseling, family counseling, health counseling, human services, pastoral counseling and psychotherapy. Advanced certificates are available in family counseling and psychotherapy. Concentrations and certificate programs are available with either an Adlerian or Eclectic focus.

The Master of Arts in the Counseling Psychology degree program places great emphasis on interpersonal and helping relationships, which require considerable commitment on the part of the student. The student must complete a 48 semester hour program, a practicum placement and pass a Comprehensive Examination before enrolling in PSYC 858, Internship in Counseling Psychology, and a seminar paper. Students must plan their programs in consultation with an assigned advisor from the counseling faculty.

The Eclectic option is designed to allow the counseling student to develop expertise in the diverse array of counseling theories available today. Students develop an in-depth understanding of the origins, development, and latest research on the major psychodynamic, existential, humanistic, behavioral, and cognitive behavioral theories. Through the Eclectic option, students develop competence in counseling strategies that enable them to choose the best approach to counseling clients. Students develop advanced skills in identifying and modifying cognitive, behavioral, and emotional problems. Through the Eclectic program, students are encouraged to develop their own philosophy of counseling to meet the challenge of counseling diverse clients in the modern world.

The Adlerian or individual psychology option is designed to allow the counselor to develop an extensive expertise in Adlerian techniques and philosophy while developing a repertoire of methods and strategies from other appropriate eclectic theoretical orientations. Through the Adlerian option, counselors learn a wide variety of counseling strategies and psychological approaches to human behavior in general and Adlerian Counseling in particular. The student studies means of identifying mistaken convictions and notions about life, means for acquiring responsible behavior patterns, classroom discipline and management strategies, life style assessment techniques, family constellations, early recollection interpretations, and proven principles of parenting. The Adlerian philosophy also provides for corrective measures to acting-out behaviors of young children (both in the home and in school settings), violence and conflict mediation, insight into and understanding of personality or life style formation, and thematic interpretation of goals and purposes of one’s behavior for counseling methodology.

Admission to the Program

Individuals interested in pursuing the graduate program in counseling psychology must qualify for admission to the Graduate School. The following material must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. Completion of a B.A. or B.S. degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 and at least 12 credits in counseling, psychology or a related area.
2. Completed Graduate Application Form with the non-refundable application fee.
3. Submission of three letters of recommendation. Two letters must be from an academic instructor and one letter from an employer/supervisor. Recommendation forms may be obtained from the Office of Graduate Admissions.
4. Submission of a personal statement. The personal statement must be a typewritten statement not to exceed three single spaced pages in which the following points are addressed:
   1. Background information: Family, education and work.
   2. Goals: What do you expect to be doing in five (5) years? In ten (10) years?
   3. Strengths: What strengths do you have that would contribute to your being a good counselor?
   4. Change: What do you believe to be the facets of your personality, behavior, and/or outlook that, if modified or changed, would make you a better person/counselor? What plans, if any, do you have for making any such change(s)?
   5. Why Bowie State University? Why did you decide to apply to the counseling program at B.S.U.?
   6. Your comments: What additional information, thoughts, feelings, concerns and/or questions do you have?

Program Requirements

Option

Specific Requirements:

1. Seminar paper to be written in Seminar in Counseling Psychology: PSYC 861. Candidates MUST have passed the Comprehensive Examination to be able to enroll in this course. They must have passed the Comprehensive Examination before they can take either practicum or internship also.
2. Written Comprehensive Examination. Prerequisite – completion of or enrollment in EDUC 706: Introduction to Research, and 30 semester hours in program. The Qualifying Examination must be passed prior to enrollment in the Internship [600 hours] and Seminar.
3. Prospective Practicum [100 hours] students are required to attend an orientation session one semester prior to enrollment in the practicum course in order to make arrangements for a practicum placement, and a passing grade on the Comprehensive Examination.
4. The Internship [600 hours] cannot be taken prior to the completion of 30 semester hours in the program. Prerequisites: PSYC 502, PSYC 730 or 734, COUN 731, COUN 608, COUN 633, COUN 610, PSYC 780, PSYC 744 OR PSYC 714, PSYC 836, EDUC 706, passing grade on the Comprehensive Examination and completion of the Practicum experience.

Sequencing (48-Hour Degree Program)

Upon admission to the graduate program, each student is assigned an advisor to review the program options and to develop a plan of study. The majority of students in the Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology program are part-time students who follow the sequence of courses listed below; however, minor variations in sequencing of courses are made to accommodate full-time students enrolled in the degree program. The program requires prerequisites for more advanced courses. To guide students in the sequencing of courses, five levels of course sequencing have been identified. Students must obtain the approval of their advisor before enrolling in any courses.