MA in Professional Clinical Counseling

This program prepares you to provide competent, culturally informed, and clinically relevant therapeutic services to diverse communities. You will learn to manage the clinical environment, identify the clinical needs of clients, and support the overall growth of individuals in need.

Become a Licensed Counselor: Hands-On Training, Clinical Experience, and Cultural Competence

The Master of Arts in Professional Clinical Counseling program prepares students to utilize assessment techniques, diagnostic processes, and theory-based interventions to support and foster the clinical growth of clients. A big part of the program is hands-on learning through clinical experience. You’ll complete three practicum courses over six months, gaining real-world experience by providing clinical service hours at a community-based agency. While you're responsible for finding your practicum site, the Clinical Support Team will be there to guide you through the process and help you succeed.

By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to create effective treatment plans, apply the right counseling interventions, and provide the best care for clients from all walks of life.

Students in this program benefit from:

  • Faculty mentors who are available to address academic and professional questions.
  • Clinical support team members who are available to address practicum-related questions.
  • A program designed and taught by experts in their field.
  • The opportunity to pursue licensure and become a professional clinical counselor.

Next Session

Spring I (Jan 6, 2025)

Estimated Tuition

Ways to Learn

Online

Discover Affordable Education

At UMass Global, our goal is to change your life through affordable education. We work with you to find grants, scholarships, tuition discounts, and low interest loans to keep your costs down.

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Support When You Need It

UMass Global’s experienced faculty members are available for mentoring and support as you move through your coursework.

A Better Balance for Work and School

Affordable, asynchronous classes that fit your work schedule, offered 100% online so you can learn while you earn.

Finish Faster

You can save up to 12 semester credits or 18 quarter credits if you have past, relevant coursework to transfer.

Imagine Your Future In Psychology: Professional Clinical Counseling

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    Someone considering their degree, definitely go for it. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s easy. I think one of my biggest challenges during my degree was doing it all throughout COVID, but I had a really good support system. The ups and downs is kind of what helps you out throughout the process.

    Vanessa Soto
    MA in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling
    The counseling program prepared me for my surprise career in behavioral health by providing me with a strong background and practical experience in counseling techniques and a strong skill set in research and critical thinking—key in building a leadership career.
    Robert P.
    MA, Professional Clinical Counseling
    All of my instructors inspired me. They were working in the field as well as teaching, so the stories they shared made it relatable and attainable. The staff and faculty are all very positive and provide motivation for the students.
    Quinton J.
    BA, Psychology
    The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.
    Dominique H.
    BA, Psychology
    WSCUC

    University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    Admission Requirements

    Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

    • Completed application
    • Autobiographical Essay
    • Signed Ethical and Responsibility Statement form
    • Acknowledgement of Program Handbook receipt
    • Acknowledgement of Licensure Limitation Policy
    • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
    • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
    Residency Restrictions

    This program meets the requirements for licensure in most states.


    Contact a University Enrollment Coach for additional details.

    Transcripts

    Only credits from regionally accredited institutions may be accepted in transfer. Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university may be considered a violation of academic integrity.

    No grad level exam required

    This Master’s degree program does not require applicants to take costly exams like the GRE. Why? Because we value your professional and life experience. You should get credit for what you already know.

    HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>

    Program Resources

    Program Curriculum

    •  
      Code Course Name Credits
      Foundation Courses

       

      PSYU 502 History and Foundations of Therapeutic Practices

      3

      PSYU 506 Ethical & Professional Issues
      3
      PSYU 522 Individual and Family Development
      PSYU 528 Research and Bibliographic Methods 3
      PSYU 534 Clinical Assessment

      3

      Foundation Courses Subtotal

      15

      Marriage Therapy

       

      PSYU 514 Couples Therapy

      3

      Marriage Therapy Subtotal

      3

      Multicultural Counseling and Techniques

       

      PSYU 524 Clinical Issues in Human Diversity 3
      Marriage and Family Studies Subtotal 3
      Adult Counseling Core
      PSYU 510 Psychopathology & Diagnosis

      3

      PSYU 520 Advanced Individual Therapy I 3
      PSYU 521 Advanced Individual Therapy II 3
      Adult Counseling Core Subtotal

      9

      Specialized Topics

       

      PSYU 516 Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse

      3

      PSYU 518 Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and Child Abuse Reporting

      3

      PSYU 530 Theory and Practice of Group Therapy

      3

      PSYU 536 Psychopharmacology

      3

      PSYU 538 Gender, Intimacy, and Sexuality

      3

      PSYU 539 Crisis and Trauma Counseling 3
      PSYU 542 Community and Environmental Mental Health 3
      PSYU 545  Transition to Work and Career 3
      Specialized Topics Subtotal

      24

      Practicum

       

      PSYU 688 Practicum I *

      3

      PSYU 689 Practicum II *

      3

      PSYU 690 Practicum III* 3
      Practicum Subtotal

      9

      *If a student does not complete the required practicum hours and/or the Capstone Case Study during the PSYU 688, 689, 690 course series, they will be enrolled in a required PSYU 695 Practicum Continuation course (0 credits) and required to pay a Graduate Practicum Continuation Fee. The student will remain enrolled in PSYU 695 until they complete the required practicum hours and/or the Capstone Case study and presentation, or until the student's seven-year program completion timeline has expired. Students will accumulate hours toward their practicum requirements only when enrolled in PSYU 688, 689, 690, or 695.

       

      Total Credits

      63


    Meet Our Faculty

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