Counseling Psychology

Why This Degree is For You

The M.S. in Counseling Psychology program at UBalt prepares students for careers in psychology, by providing a pathway to be employed as a licensed clinical professional counselor, or as a stepping stone to doctoral study in clinical or counseling psychology.

You can choose to pursue either the 48-credit General Counseling Psychology Track or the 60-credit Practitioner Specialization.

Program Type

Master of Science

M.S.

School

Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences

Locations/Format

UBalt Campus

Cost

More About Tuition & Fees
• UBalt offers "regional, in-state tuition" for select out-of-state areas.

Requirements

All Degree Requirements

Choose from the :

48-credit General Counseling Psychology Track
60-credit Practitioner Specialization

No test requirements for admission.

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Admission and Aid

UBalt 100 Celebration

M.S. in Counseling Psychology

We offer a stimulating learning environment that fosters the development of critical thinking, knowledge and skills in evidence-based practice, and your evolving professional identity.

Why study counseling psychology at UBalt?

Our program holds a nearly perfect (97 percent) first-time pass record on the National Counselor Exam over the past 10 years.
The Practitioner Specialization of our M.S. in Counseling Psychology is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) for the period of February 2022 through February 2030.
You can choose one of two options to help you prepare for your specific career goal. Our 48-credit General Counseling Psychology Track is particularly well-suited for students who work and juggle multiple demands.
Most of the counseling courses are offered in the evenings so that you can still work during the day; in fact; about half of our students work and attend class part-time.
Class sizes are small, so you'll receive individualized attention.
Our campus is nestled in the heart of downtown and easily accessed by train, light rail, bus or car.
All of the psychology programs have a wonderfully diverse student body. We value recruiting and training students who represent a variety of societal groups and diverse cultural backgrounds.

I had the privilege of being instructed by professors who captured my attention and motivation through their passion, dedication, and knowledge of the field. At UBalt, I had the opportunity to work as a tutor, psychological research assistant, graduate assistant, and was able to aid training students in basic counseling skills. The skills I learned in these roles have served me well in my career in seeking management and supervisory opportunities.

Paul Lotz, M.S. '13, LCPC therapist, Chase Brexton

Important information about licensure.
Students who complete the 60-credit Practitioner Specialization of the M.S. in Counseling Psychology program are able to meet the academic requirements for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) licensure in Maryland. Students who complete the 48-credit General Counseling Psychology Track of the M.S. in Counseling Psychology program AND complete the post-master's Certificate in Professional Counseling Studies (CPCS) program are also able to meet the academic requirements for LCPC licensure in Maryland.

For students who wish to be licensed in other states, you should recognize that each state has its own regulations, and these regulations can change. On a case-by-case basis, faculty and staff can direct students to more information and provide guidance, yet the program has not formally determined how our program aligns to the regulations for other states, territories, and commonwealths.

What are the similarities/differences between the two different counseling psychology options?

First, the 60-credit practitioner specialization requires more coursework to complete the master’s degree, as well as much more fieldwork (thus hands-on) experience than the general counseling psychology track. Practitioner specialization students complete 700 hours of clinical experience (across three semesters, students complete one 100-hour practicum and two 300-hour internships). The 700-hour requirement is part of what makes the Practitioner Specialization accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Students finishing the specialization are better trained for work in the field and closer to the necessary hours of supervised experience needed for licensure by the time they are finished. The 48-credit general counseling psychology track tends to be a better fit for students who must work full-time throughout the program, because it only requires 200 hours of clinical experience (two 100-hour practicum courses). It can be a good choice if a student has an interest in pursuing licensure (when combined with the post-master’s Certificate in Professional Counseling Studies (CPCS) program, which allows the student to complete all 60 graduate credits for licensure), as well as for students who want to complete a shorter master’s program prior to pursuing a doctoral degree.

Is it possible to work full-time while completing an internship?

It would be quite challenging to attempt internship (two full semesters at approximately 25 hours a week on-site) and work full-time. For students unable to complete internship due to the demands of working full-time, considering the general counseling psychology track is recommended. This track requires only two semesters of practicum (about 10-12 hours a week on site to accrue the required 100 hours of professional experience at the site). General counseling psychology track students can then apply to seamlessly transition from the master’s program to the CPCS program and take the remaining 12 credits of graduate coursework needed to fulfill the 60 graduate credits required to meet the academic requirements for professional counselor licensure in Maryland.

Would it be possible to take time off in between finishing the M.S. degree and completing the Certificate in Professional Counseling Studies (CPCS) program?

Yes, students can take time off between the programs. However, it is not possible to work as a counselor until licensed; the licensure law requires this.

Can you switch to another counseling specialization after starting with a different one?

It is understandable that a student’s career goals may change once they begin their coursework. So the short answer is yes. You should meet with the program director or academic advisor to see what the implications of the switch will be and how it will affect the timeline to graduation.

When should I apply to the post-master’s CPCS program?

To be eligible for the CPCS program, you need to complete your M.S. requirements first. This means you will need to apply to graduate with your master's.

To apply to the CPCS program: first, email/call Graduate Admission and let them know you're one of our APPL master's students who is intending to transfer to the CPCS program. They should waive your application fee (giving you a code for the online application to do so).

Second, go to the UBalt webpage and fill out an application online, indicating that you are applying to the CPCS program and what semester you plan to enter the CPCS program. Make sure you designate the right semester for which you'd enter the CPCS program--the semester following the one you graduate with your M.S. On the application itself, make sure you check the box that says "Former UBalt Student" so that your transcripts are applied to your CPCS application (saving you from having to submit them again); however, if there are any problems with transcripts, work with Admission on this. In the personal statement, a one-sentence statement will suffice: "I am completing my M.S. in Counseling Psychology at UBalt and wish to finish the academic requirements for licensure in Maryland by completing the CPCS program." Again, make sure that on your application, you state which semester you are applying to the CPCS for (this will be the semester AFTER you graduate with your M.S. degree, so the first semester you intend to take coursework in the CPCS program).

What Our Graduates Do

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the need for professional counselors is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations, by 7 percent between 2023 and 2033. In the managed health care system, there is an increasing need for skilled master's-level counselors who can provide mental health services.

As a graduate of this program, you will obtain the necessary skills to prepare for a Ph.D. program (general counseling psychology track) or become a licensed clinical professional counselor (practitioner specialization or general counseling psychology track). Our graduates work in hospitals, school-based mental health programs, community mental health clinics, residential treatment centers, crisis response units, substance abuse treatment centers and private practice.

Common Roles

Licensed Mental Health Counselor
School Counselor
Marriage and Family Therapist
Rehabilitation Counselor
Therapist
College Counselor

Nikki Yeboah, a UBalt alum and student, smiles at the camera.

Greater Expectations

I really want to be able to give back and help break the stigma that people of color can't engage in mental health treatment.

Nikki Yeboah B.A. '23, M.S. in Counseling Psychology student

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