Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Advisors: Carla Adkison-Johnson, Mary L. Anderson, Mary Z. Anderson, Samuel Beasley, Stephanie T. Burns, Andrew Clay, Stephen Craig, Jennifer M. Foster, LaShonda Fuller, Phillip Johnson, Kelly McDonnell, Joseph Morris, Patrick Munley, Glinda J. Rawls, Tangela Roberts, Eric Sauer, Beverly J. Vandiver, Jennipher Wiebold
Department Office, Room 3521, Sangren Hall.

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology provides, beyond the departmental required core course work, a focus on psychopathology, psychological assessment, counseling and psychotherapy theories and practices, and advanced practicum experiences. This program is selected by students seeking limited licensure as a psychologist in the state of Michigan.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is based upon grade point average, educational background, counseling and/or related experiences, as well as other factors. Prior to consideration by the M.A. Admissions Committee, applicants are required to complete and return a questionnaire prepared by the department. Interviews, letters of recommendation, test scores, and other materials may also be required.

The Department has three different application deadlines for M.A. program admissions during the year: January 15, for ensuing Summer and Fall semesters, May 15, also for the ensuing Fall semester, and September 15 for the following Spring semester. Applicants interested in beginning their graduate master’s degree studies in the Fall semester are encouraged to meet the January 15 application deadline. This allows applicants to receive admission offers well in advance of the fall semester. Also, applicants who plan to seek assistantships or campus employment beginning in the fall semester should apply by January 15 to be competitive for such assistance or positions. Applicants must complete a WMU graduate application through the online application system.

Applications materials are available on-line through links on the WMU Office of Admissions and department web pages. Upon admission, each student is assigned an advisor who will assist in preparing a program of study. It is recommended that the program of study, be completed during the first semester or session of enrollment.

The department recognizes the importance of increasing the educational opportunities of racial minority students, as well as the importance of ensuring an increased diversity of role models in the fields represented by its training programs. Therefore, the department strives to create an atmosphere conducive to the concerns of racial minorities and diverse populations, to integrate these concerns into programs and course offerings, and to fulfill its commitment to recruit, admit, support, and graduate a diverse population of students prepared for their chosen careers.

Program Requirements

The counseling psychology program requires a minimum of 48 semester hours of course work, including seven, three-semester-hour, core courses. A curriculum guide for the program is available from the department office or on-line.

Students are expected to work with advisors in order to be informed of policies, course offerings, prerequisites, and applications required for designated courses. A student’s performance and progress will be evaluated throughout the program. This process includes “check points,” such as the program of study, assignment of a grade below “B” in any course, and final evaluation prior to graduation. The student is referred to the department’s Policy on Retention.