Assess Your Goals When Considering an Advanced Counseling and Psychology Degree
Completing your bachelor’s degree opens many new paths on your way to a career in counseling and psychology. With so many options, it’s important to assess your goals when selecting which program of study is the best fit. Consider your career aspirations, academic interests, and lifestyle needs as you embark on this journey toward finding an education that will set you up for success in this fascinating field.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers outstanding programs to help you earn an M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology degree. Below, we discuss several options for those looking to advance in their counseling and psychology education and career.
What Can I Do With an M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services?
A M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to become licensed practitioners, such as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Licensed graduates can provide mental health services, including individual counseling, and work in a variety of healthcare and human service settings. This type of work requires patience, empathy, and compassion as well as technical expertise. Mental health counselors are labeled as a “bright outlook” job by the U.S. Department of Labor and are in high demand.
What Can I Do With a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology Degree
Pursuing a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology degree offers graduates the educational requirements and opportunity to make an impact as licensed psychologists. Licensed psychologists often work in clinical practice settings, such as community mental health centers or private practices, where they provide psychotherapeutic services to individuals or families. This type of work is both challenging and rewarding. It is also highly sought-after due to its potential for long-term growth and professional development opportunities.
Earning this degree can also open students up to a wide range of opportunities. Students gain many transferable skills that apply in different practice settings, including advocacy, consultation, critical thinking, and leadership.
Counseling and Psychology Graduate Degrees at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we are proud to offer two state-of-the-art graduate degrees in counseling and psychology.
The M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program offers a unique opportunity to apply for early entry to the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program which allows for an accelerated pathway for earning both your master’s and doctoral degree. This accelerated pathway allows you to achieve your academic goals faster by allowing for simultaneous completion of your master’s degree while beginning your Psy.D. coursework.
Our Psy.D. curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices in psychological assessment and diagnosis, treatment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and supervision. It is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and prepares students for licensure as health service psychologists.
Get Started on Your Advanced Counseling and Psychology Degree
Both graduate degree programs in Counseling and Psychology provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical application strategies that prepare them for success wherever they go.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a licensed counselor, working as a licensed psychologist, in clinical practice settings, or pursuing research opportunities, we’re confident a degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will be beneficial to your long-term goals. Serving students throughout Minnesota and beyond, we provide person-centered education with a commitment to the principles of the Catholic Lasallian tradition.
Reach out to us to learn more or start your application today.
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