Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has accredited the Felician University Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP) program under the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)

Mission Statement

As a Franciscan institution Felician University has always focused on preparing students to be compassionate, community focused, facilitative of the potential of others, and striving to maintain the ideas of the Gospel as modeled by the service of others of Saint Francis of Assisi. In the realm of counseling over the course of the last ten years a new paradigm, positive psychology, has emerged. Further, an emphasis on mindfulness, spiritual development, and empowering the potential of others has become a new and core theoretical expansion of models of counseling. With these two models in mind the following program represents a synthesis of these approaches and represents a unique approach to preparing professional counselors. 

Program Objectives and Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Counseling program, students will learn to:

• Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical challenges and responsibilities in the field of counseling.
• Articulate a personal model for addressing these responsibilities that is consistent with Catholic and Franciscan values.
• Assess individuals and groups that display patterns of psychopathology.
• Use information and technology literacy for maintaining best practices in counseling.
• Articulate a clear and precise treatment plan for addressing the diagnoses of individuals and groups.
• Adapt to the unique cultural, gender, racial, and sexual orientation needs of individuals and groups they serve.
• Demonstrate competence in appropriate scientifically validated treatment modalities including individual psychological counseling, marital and couples counseling, family counseling, group counseling, and organizational consultation and interventions.

Admission Requirements

In addition to a completed application, the following are required:

• Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate program
• Official transcripts of past collegiate work including post-baccalaureate work
• Nine credits in psychology coursework or its equivalent
• Resumé
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation

The Admission criteria are flexible and multi-faceted such that no one factor is determinative of the acceptance decision. Evidence of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is highly recommended, although not required. The Admissions Committee of the M.A. in Counseling Psychology Program will review the entire application package in its deliberations.

Degree Requirements

The Master’s degree consists of sixty credits and conforms to the licensing expectations of the New Jersey Professional Counselor Licensing Law. In accordance to the laws and regulations, students will complete coursework in the following areas: counseling theory and practice; the helping relationship; human growth and development and maladaptive behaviors; lifestyle and career development; group dynamics, processes, counseling and consulting, appraisal of individuals; social and cultural foundations; research and evaluations; and the counseling profession (including ethics).

Transfer of Credit Policy

Up to 6 graduate credits may be transferred from another accredited graduate program. Transfer credits or course substitutions will not be permitted for coursework beyond the three foundations of counseling courses (PSYC 505, 507, or 510). Credits must have been earned within the past 5 years and only courses with a final grade of “B” or higher will be considered. A determination regarding the transferability of credits is done on a case-by-case basis by the M.A. in Counseling Program Director whose decision will be final.

Graduation and Retention Policies

1. A grade of B or better is required in all courses. In the event of a grade “C”, the student will discuss with his/her advisor the circumstances in which it happened, and the advisor will decide with the student if repeating the course is required. Please note that more than one “C” grade will result in an Academic Probation and a third “C” will result in a possible dismissal from the program.
2. A 3.00 Grade Point Average (GPA) and successful completion of the 60 credit curriculum are required for graduation.
3. If, after 9 completed credits, the student’s GPA is below 3.00, he or she will be placed on Academic Probation. The student’s progress will be reviewed at the completion of 9 additional credits and if the 3.00 requirement is not met at that time, the student will be dismissed from the program.
4. Degree requirements must be completed within 5 years from the date of admission. This includes leaves of absence. Students not completing their degree requirements within the 5 year period will either be dismissed from the program or will be required to take additional courses as determined by the M.A. in Counseling Psychology Program Director.
5. Students who temporarily separate from the course of study and wish to be readmitted must submit a formal application to the Program Director of the M.A. in Counseling Psychology Program. The application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Upon acceptance, and depending on the period of absence from the program, there may be a requirement to repeat one or more courses or complete additional courses if there were curriculum changes during the period of separation from the program.

6. All students will be given a Graduate Student M.A. in Counseling Psychology Handbook. This document details the curriculum, student behavior, professional development and program policies and standards. The Handbook is based on the best practices for counselor preparation.

Diversity Statement

The Felician University Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program strictly adheres to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics (2014) and maintains a strong commitment to diversity and inclusivity. This program highlights the importance of multicultural counseling psychology and actively promotes diversity within the broader community. Located within diverse multicultural environments, our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to address the needs and complexities of individuals from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, national origins, religious, spiritual, and political beliefs, physical abilities, ages, genders, gender identities, and sexual orientations. Our educational approach is dedicated to fostering an understanding of stereotypes, microaggressions, prejudice, and discrimination. Through rigorous academic coursework and practical, experiential learning opportunities, we prepare our students to become compassionate, ethical, and effective counselors who can advocate for and contribute positively to a just and equitable society.

Program length:  24 months