Master’s Degree Programs
Students are admitted into one of four emphasis areas leading to the doctorate (clinical, counseling, experimental, school) based on an assessment of their potential to successfully complete a doctoral program. Hence, admissions requirements are essentially the same as those as listed for the Doctor of Philosophy in psychology (see description under Doctor of Philosophy in psychology). Some students initially seek a doctoral degree but may, at some point, opt to terminate with a master’s degree and typically complete a program leading to a Master of Science degree in Psychology. Regardless, the completion of any master’s degree does not guarantee admission to advanced doctoral study in one of the Doctor of Philosophy programs offered by the department.
Students are admitted to the Master of Science in counseling psychology based upon the student’s previous academic record, scores on admission tests, and recommendations. Admission is selective; the faculty select the best candidates from the applicant pool. The following tests are required for the respective master’s programs:
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology - Graduate Record Examination (GRE) official scores
The admissions committee takes into account factors such as test scores, undergraduate grade point average, and letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study in making admissions decisions.
Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Plan of Study. Students must submit their signed, official Plan of Study form to the Graduate School by the end of the first semester they are enrolled. The Plan of Study forms are available at www.usm.edu/graduateschool/planofstudy.php. - click on the “Plans of Study” link.
Research and Scholarly Integrity Education
All faculty holding Regular or Associate graduate faculty status, must complete CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments. All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page –www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.
Continuous Enrollment Requirement: Students must meet the requirements specified in the front section of this Bulletin for continuous enrollment.
Curriculum:
The Master of Science in Counsleing Psychology is designed to accommodate the needs of students who plan to seek employment in human services agencies or pursue additional doctoral studies. A thesis option is available for students who wish to prepare for doctoral studies. The program is offered only on a full-time enrollment basis. New students are admitted for the fall semester only. Applications received by March 1st will receive full review.
Master’s comprehensive examination requirements are described in the General Academic Requirements section of this Bulletin. A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.
