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Gain advanced training

Master’s with Direct Admission to the PsyD

Master of Arts (MA) with Direct Admission to the Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (PsyD)

Our Master of Arts (MA) with Direct Admission to the Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (PsyD) program is for qualified candidates seeking direct admission to the PsyD program with a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. These students should be able to demonstrate preparation for doctoral study in a practitioner-scholar model.

Students in the Direct Admission program successfully complete the MA program requirements (degree conferred) in two years and are guaranteed admission to the doctoral program. The MA in Counseling Psychology provides students with a firm foundation of psychological theories and practical counseling techniques, while the PsyD in Counseling Psychology is designed to build on previous training in psychology and prepare professionals for a variety of work settings.

Students in the Direct Admission program place a high value on professionalism, self-knowledge and diversity awareness.

Where You'll Learn:

Minneapolis Campus

When to Start:

Fall

About the Degree

Coursework Requirements

Total Credits for MA (48) + PsyD (82): 130

Coursework for MA only:

  • CPSY 600: Psychological Statistics (3 credits)
  • CPSY 602: Learning and Behaviors Change in Counseling Psychology (3 credits)
  • CPSY 603: Introduction to Group Psychotherapy (3 credits)
  • CPSY 604: Psychological Assessment I (3 credits)
  • CPSY 605: Theories of Career Development (3 credits)
  • CPSY 606: Basic Counseling Skills Lab (3 credits)
  • CPSY 607: Ethics and Professional Issues (3 credits)
  • CPSY 608: Counseling Practicum I (4 credits)
  • CPSY 609: Counseling Practicum II (4 credits)
  • CPSY 610: Counseling Practicum III (1 credit)
  • CPSY 611: Theories of Counseling and Personality (3 credits)
  • CPSY 612: Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
  • CPSY 631: Physiological Bases of Behavior (3 credits)
  • CPSY 632: Psychopathology (3 credits)
  • CPSY 650: Introduction to Marriage and Family Psychology (3 credits)
  • CPSY 680: Diversity Issues in Counseling (3 credits)

You can also review PsyD coursework.

Coursework Requirements

Total Credits for MA (48) + PsyD (82): 130

Coursework for MA only:

  • CPSY 600: Psychological Statistics (3 credits)
  • CPSY 602: Learning and Behaviors Change in Counseling Psychology (3 credits)
  • CPSY 603: Introduction to Group Psychotherapy (3 credits)
  • CPSY 604: Psychological Assessment I (3 credits)
  • CPSY 605: Theories of Career Development (3 credits)
  • CPSY 606: Basic Counseling Skills Lab (3 credits)
  • CPSY 607: Ethics and Professional Issues (3 credits)
  • CPSY 608: Counseling Practicum I (4 credits)
  • CPSY 609: Counseling Practicum II (4 credits)
  • CPSY 610: Counseling Practicum III (1 credit)
  • CPSY 611: Theories of Counseling and Personality (3 credits)
  • CPSY 612: Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
  • CPSY 631: Physiological Bases of Behavior (3 credits)
  • CPSY 632: Psychopathology (3 credits)
  • CPSY 650: Introduction to Marriage and Family Psychology (3 credits)
  • CPSY 680: Diversity Issues in Counseling (3 credits)

You can also review PsyD coursework.

Practicum Opportunities

With a wide variety of practicum sites to partner with, Counseling Psychology students can apply to many agencies to complete their training. Sites include university counseling centers, community mental health clinics, correctional facilities, schools, hospitals and the Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services.

Practicum Opportunities

With a wide variety of practicum sites to partner with, Counseling Psychology students can apply to many agencies to complete their training. Sites include university counseling centers, community mental health clinics, correctional facilities, schools, hospitals and the Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services.

Accreditation/Licensure Information

In October of 2000, the PsyD at the University of St. Thomas's Graduate School of Professional Psychology was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA). Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation.

  • Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
    American Psychological Association
  • 750 First St., N.E., Washington, DC 20002-4242
  • (202) 336-5979
  • Email: apaaccred@apa.org
    APA website

The PsyD in Counseling Psychology in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) at the University of St. Thomas is founded on a practitioner-scholar model. The GSPP aims to train entry level health service psychologists who integrate the science of psychology with self-reflective practice, think systemically and developmentally, and who provide ethical, inclusive, and culturally sensitive services to advance the common good.

Why St. Thomas?

Evening and Weekend Courses to Fit Your Life

With evening and weekend courses, you'll be able to continue working or complete a practicum while completing your education.

Faculty Advisors

Our faculty are practitioners who go out of their way to connect you to a strong network of diverse students, faculty and alumni. Your advisor will be a full-time faculty member in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology.

Get Involved

Enhance your experience in groups for counseling psychology students, like the Graduate Student Organization and the Students of Color, Multiracial and Indigenous Students (SOCMI) group.

Student Experiences

Maria Helena Buitrago Cohoon headshot

Maria Helena Buitrago Cohoon

Hear from Maria Helena Buitrago Cohoon, who is pursuing her PsyD at St. Thomas after entering the MA with Direct Admission to the PsyD program.

Maria's Story