Offering Campuses
Argosy University, Inland Empire; Argosy University, Los Angeles; Argosy University, Orange County; Argosy University, San Diego; Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area; Argosy University, Seattle
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology degree program is designed to provide students with sound foundation for preparation to obtain licensure as a master’s level practitioners in the states of California and Washington. Refer to campus-specific program requirements for more information.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Outcome One: Professional Practice
Competency 1 – Assessment and Skills
Formulate assessments of psychological functioning and apply therapeutic intervention strategies when working with individuals, couples, families, and groups, toward the development of optimal mental health.
Competency 2 – Theory
Interpret and apply psychological and developmental theories to therapeutic intervention strategies.
Competency 3 – Writing
Employ appropriate media and technology when presenting information orally and in writing, so that the presentation is concise, organized, well supported, professional, and appropriate to the audience.
Program Outcome Two: Research
Competency 1
Analyze research and translate research findings for improvement of counseling psychology services using statistics and program evaluation methods.
Program Outcome Three: Interpersonal Effectiveness and Professional Development
Competency 1
Apply active listening communication skills in interpersonal scenarios to establish empathetic relationships.
Competency 2
Analyze the importance of effective nonverbal communication skills in interpersonal relationships.
Competency 3
Solicit and utilize feedback to build and maintain interpersonal relationships.
Competency 4
Utilize effective communication and relationships skills in order to promote the growth of others and effect change.
Program Outcome Four: Ethics
Competency 1
Using the American Counseling Association’s Standards of Practice or the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Code, as well as local state law as it applies to the behavior of mental health professionals, identify ethical dilemmas and apply ethical decision-making strategies while engaging in professional activities.
Program Outcome Five: Diversity
Competency 1– Multicultural Skills
Provide assessment, counseling, and consultation services by applying psychological and multicultural theories and research to diverse populations, and modifying interventions as needed to work effectively with diverse clients.
Competency 2 – Multicultural Awareness
Examine personal values and biases, reflect on personal beliefs, and understand how they impact work with clients and interpersonal relationships with others.
Competency 3 – Multicultural Knowledge
Assess the complexity of cultural issues in the field of counseling psychology and apply appropriate cultural/diversity theories in developing interpersonal relationships with clients and others.
Eligibility for Licensure
Marriage and Family Therapist and Mental Health Counselor licensure requirements vary by state. Refer to campus-specific program requirements for more detail.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or an appropriately certified foreign institution.
- A grade point average (GPA) as described below. Additional requirements may apply.
- 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of coursework (including graduate work).
- Between 2.75 and 2.99 may be admitted to the MA in Counseling Psychology degree program, but must complete foundation courses within the first year. See “Foundation Course Requirements.”
- A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies, “English Language Proficiency Policy .”
- Completion of an interview with a member of the program Admissions Committee.
All applications for admission must be submitted to the Admissions Department. An admissions representative is available to help interested applicants complete the following required documentation:
- Completed application for Admission Form.
- Application fee (Non-refundable, except Arizona, the application fee is refundable if the application is canceled within three business days of the applicant signing the Enrollment Agreement.)
- Personal statement with a self-appraisal of qualifications for the profession.
- Current résumé (or career summary).
- Three completed Applicant Recommendation Forms.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended.
Admission Notification
Students are notified in writing of the admission decision. Admission decisions are final and not subject to appeal. Applicants who have been denied admission may reapply after the passage of one year from the date of denial by submitting all documents required of a new applicant. Individuals who intend to reapply for admission are strongly encouraged to contact the Admissions Department prior to reapplying.
Applications to Multiple Campuses
An applicant who wants to apply to more than one campus must complete a separate application and forward a full set of application materials to each campus.
Application Deadlines
Students may enter the program at various points throughout the year, although course sequencing begins in the fall semester. All admission materials for the MA in Counseling Psychology degree program should be submitted by the dates listed below. Applicants needing an exception should contact the campus Director of Admissions. All admission materials for the MA in Counseling Psychology degree program must be submitted by the following dates:
| October 30 |
Final Deadline |
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to provide all required materials to the Admissions Department by the application deadline. All applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled with applicants who meet the requirements to determine the level of fit between a prospective student and Argosy University. The director of Admissions will notify all applicants of admissions decisions.
Foundation Course Requirements
The following foundation courses are required of all students who enter with a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99:
Students must earn a letter grade of B- or higher in each of the foundation courses and/or an overall GPA of 3.0 in both foundation and program courses to continue in the program. Students must take one graduate level course each semester, along with their foundation course(s), to qualify for financial aid.
Note
*May be waived, if a student has taken this course and earned a letter grade of B- or higher.
Program Formats
Courses are offered in the following formats: in-residence, blended in-residence, blended not in-residence, and online (see “Course Types and Delivery Methods ” under Section Seven, Academic Policies and Procedures ). In addition, courses are scheduled for weekdays, weeknights, and weekends.
Graduation Requirements
Students admitted into the MA in Counseling Psychology degree program are responsible for completing the program requirements that are in effect at the time of admission. However, the program retains the right to modify these requirements in accordance with the demands of the profession. The courses will be completed in the order recommended by the program. See campus-specific program requirements.
Campus-Specific Program Requirements
To review the program requirements for a given campus, click on the relevant link below:
Gainful Employment Information
The following links provide program duration, tuition, fees, other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info for the Master of Arts in (MA) in Counseling Psychology degree program offered at Argosy University:
