Our Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Program consists of academic (i.e., course work) and practical training. Specifically, in order to graduate, students need to complete the following:

1. either a thesis or graduate research project (see thesis/non-thesis research program tab)

2. earn a grade of A or B in all graduate courses (60 required semester credits), which will satisfy the academic requirements for the counselor licensure in the state of Texas (i.e., LPC). Student’s earning a C in any given course will be allowed to repeat the course in order to attempt to earn a grade of A or B. For more about courses, see course requirement and suggested course sequence sections. 

3. complete comprehensive exam and meet degree requirements.  (see comprehensive exam tab)

4. complete practical training (i.e., practicum)

5. complete all paperwork required by graduate studies.

6. Finally, in addition to the Department Requirements, all students must be familiar with the Academic Policies and Degree Requirements established by the Graduate School. These are located in the Graduate Student Handbook, the handbook can be found at the office of Graduate Studies located in College Hall, 700 University Blvd. (MSC 118), Kingsville, TX 78363, phone number (361) 593-2808, or on the graduate school website. Please read all of these Graduate School requirements closely -- Students are responsible for being familiar with and understanding all of this information. Additional information regarding Grad School requirements is located in Handbook or TAMUK Graduate Studies website.

     The core curriculum (i.e., 60 credits) for all students is listed below. Also listed is the number of credits for each course and the semester during which the course is typically offered. There may be some variation in timing of course offerings, so use this as a general guideline only. Your advisor and other faculty members are available to help you plan your coursework according to your specific needs. NOTE:  Starting in the Fall of 2022, students will not be allowed to enroll in thesis (5306) or research project (5305) courses unless they have completed  statistics (5310)  and research methods courses (5381). Students must get a B or A in each course. 

 

Thesis or Non-thesis (i.e., research project) Option

      A common question is “Should I do a thesis or the research project option?”  The answer to this question depends on what are your reasons for completing a Masters in Counseling and your future goals.

      The easiest and most accurate response to this question is:  If you plan on doing a PhD you should do a thesis. If you plan on doing future research work you should do a thesis. On the other hand, if you wish to become a practitioner and do not desire to do research then you should consider completing just a research project.

Two semesters of supervised clinical work (practicum) in the counseling psychology program are required for students who are earning a degree in Counseling Psychology. Practicum sites enable students to integrate professional aspects of a counselor's role. Students will develop skills, methods, and procedures in counseling individuals, groups, and/or couples. These skills include beginning and ending counseling relationships; professional, legal, multicultural, and ethical issues and their applications; case conceptualization, goal setting, and treatment planning; building and maintaining the therapeutic relationship; case management and record keeping; self-monitoring and self-analysis; and utilization of supervision.

Off-site Placement

Students will work off-site at a local agency for 10 to 20 hours per week. Students will be supervised on a weekly basis by an agency supervisor. Students are responsible for finding their own sites, the program will provide assistance. An acceptable site must be willing to provide weekly face-to-face supervision and allow students to audio or video tape sessions. The site must also be willing to provide mid-term and final student evaluations. Students must show at least 50 hours of direct onsite client contact per semester to complete the practicum course. 150 hours of practicum experience in a professional setting per semester plus two hours of individual or group supervision per week. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: PSYC 5304, PSYC 5308, PSYC 5325, PSYC 5333. 

 

• Annual Performance Evaluation
• Exit Requirement for All Students
• Additional Exit Requirements for Students Completing a Thesis
• Grade-Point Average