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If you’ve wondered how to become a licensed professional counselor, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can help. We offer an M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program that can be completed in as little as two-and-a-half years, either online or in person. The program is designed to help students meet the educational requirements to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in Minnesota.
Students enrolled in our master’s program can apply to the PsyD. in Counseling Psychology program as an early entry student and, if accepted, can use courses from the PsyD program to complete their Master’s degree while starting their PsyD degree, which expediates a student’s path to the completion of both degrees. Learn more about our M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program and how to enroll.
Looking at a Career as a Licensed Professional Counselor
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), counselors who go into mental health and substance abuse specialties typically average just under $24 an hour, or nearly $50,000 a year.
Students who graduate with their MA in Counseling and Psychological Services are also equipped to other counseling specialties such as:
- Grief counselor
- Child counselor
- College counselor
- Rehabilitation counselor
- Career counselor
LPC or LPCCs can work with individuals, groups, couples, and organizations and may or may not work in a healthcare setting. Some LPCs have private practices or work at nonprofit organizations or schools. Wherever your professional career in counseling takes you, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can help prepare you for the adventure.
How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor
Becoming an LPC or LPCC begins with studies at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, based in Lasallian Catholic education. It’s designed around student-centered education for people who are passionate about helping others, with a dedication to the advancement of knowledge and appreciation of art and culture.
Program Highlights
The program offered by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota combines rigorous coursework taught by experienced faculty. With compassionate and skilled practitioners, we are here to guide students with hands-on practicum placements. Other program highlights include:
- Elective courses that align with current trends in the field and allows students to focus their studies on their particular areas of interest
- Hands-on experience during a 700-hour practicum in the community
- Potential to continue your studies as a doctoral student through the early student entry program
- Opportunity to pursue the Dual Track: A. in Counseling and Psychological Services and Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies program
- Opportunity to take up to six graduate credits while still in the bachelor program
Throughout their time, students can choose courses that help them grow and learn within their field. Students interested in becoming a licensed professional counselor or a licensed professional clinical counselor can take a variety of classes at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, including:
- Developmental Psychology
- Counseling Theory and Technique
- Counseling Skills and Practice
- Group Counseling
- Ethics and Professional Issues
Skills Learned in Our Program
The M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program equips students with the knowledge needed to thrive after graduation. After earning a degree, students should be able to:
- Use appropriate written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills with clients and other mental health
- Counsel clients of diverse backgrounds based on awareness and appreciation of diversity.
- Provide reasoning in support of diagnosis and treatment interventions for clients.
- Apply the fundamentals of research in counseling psychology to practice.
- Apply ethics to counseling, incorporating the rules and regulations of the profession, critical thinking, and compassion.
- Articulate appropriate plans for future professional development that include ongoing supervision and consultation of clients.
- Apply knowledge and theory of counseling practice.
- Assess client strengths, attributes, and problems.
Other than being versed in psychological and counseling theories, a successful LPC or LPCC also will need to be skilled in:
- Communication
- Interviewing
- Computer skills
- Counseling
- Documentation
- Objectivity
- Critical thinking skills
The M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota helps its students develop into well-rounded individuals. This helps them to provide a variety of counseling services to their clients.
Advance Your Career With a Master’s Degree in Psychology
If you are interested in learning how to become a licensed professional counselor or a licensed professional clinical counselor, an M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota could be exactly what you are looking for. Here, you can complete your degree in as little as two-and-a-half years with the choice of attending classes online or in person at our Minneapolis or Rochester campuses.
We encourage potential students to explore the campus virtually. For more information about admissions, contact us or request more information today.
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