MA in Psychology and Counseling

Welcome from Program Director Steve James

The low residency Masters in Psychology and Counseling is a 48-60 credit graduate program devoted to progressive education and embracing a wide range of student interests and abilities. The program addresses and nurtures each student’s individual approach to the field, resulting in a unique plan of coursework.  The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Program is approved by the Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology (CAMPP).

Students in the low residency MA in Psychology and Counseling Program develop skills in practice, communication, personal development, professional development, and research. Such competencies are grounded in theory and research, personal experience and self-knowledge, and are influenced by current social complexities and the state of psychology. These skills can be used in clinical, research, and community settings. Studies within the program incorporate issues of social justice and an understanding of social contexts, preparing graduates to make a difference in the communities in which they live and work.

Work of the Program

Studies within the low residency Masters in Psychology and Counseling Program consist of a combination of eight-day on-campus residencies and directed, independent study at home. It is based on an extended relationship between students and their faculty advisor and faculty mentors, as well as with a community of student colleagues. The course of study includes a carefully planned exploration of relevant psychological literature, a supervised internship, and a written thesis that demonstrates the application of theory and research to practice. Students work with their faculty advisor to fashion a course of study tailored to the student’s individual goals.

Students in the low residency MA in Psychology and Counseling Program earn a minimum of 48-semester credit hours while studying full time. The majority of students complete 60 semester hour credits in order to cover both the degree requirements and their state’s licensure requirements. Up to 12 relevant, graduate semester credit hours may be transferred upon approval of the faculty. Students may elect to follow one of two semester credit tracks throughout their program. Students in the 12-Credit Semester Track complete four 3-Credit courses each semester. Students in the 9-Credit Semester Track complete three 3-Credit courses each semester.

Students who already hold a Master’s degree in psychology or a related field may enroll for additional courses.

Students without adequate and timely undergraduate preparation in key areas may apply to the program and work an additional semester for undergraduate credit, in preparation for entry into the graduate program.

Many low residency MA in Psychology and Counseling students enter the program with the intention of going on to a doctoral program. Program graduates who set this advancement as a goal have a good success rate.

The Faculty

Faculty advisors in the low residency Masters in Psychology and Counseling Program help students to keep personal and professional goals in sight, creating a relationship that lasts for the length of the student’s program. In addition, faculty act as mentors for the specific courses a student takes each semester. Because of the nature of the low residency MA in Psychology and Counseling Program, faculty members are hired not only for their strengths in a specialty area, but also for their ability to work with students in many areas of the field. As a result, many courses are offered by more than one faculty member. Faculty members are available to interact with students through a wide range of means, including email, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings, as their schedules permit.

“As a faculty, we believe that students are adults who have chosen an intensive residency program because of their need to balance graduate study with other responsibilities, or who feel their needs are not met by traditional approaches. We work to create a challenging, flexible, and non-competitive environment where this will be possible. We encourage students to set their own goals and to stretch their own boundaries as psychologists by experimenting with different genres and styles. We respect and value individual differences, and we are committed to working together to create an open and welcoming program.” -- The Pyschology and Counseling Faculty

The Residency

Students in the low residency Masters in Psychology and Counseling Program attend an eight day residency on the Goddard campus in Central Vermont at the start of each semester. The residency is primarily a time for planning the ensuing semester and attending seminars. Students work closely with their faculty advisor to design a plan of course work that addresses their unique interests and professional goals, as well as the program's requirements.

Students also work directly with their course mentors to fashion a syllabus that provides a firm foundation for understanding the area of the field at issue as well as reflecting their individual interests and goals. The residency provides an opportunity for students to develop a solid working relationship with the program faculty and to become acquainted with other highly motivated students, sharing a wide variety of interests and perspectives.

Some recent residency seminars included: Advanced Counseling Skills with Families, Ethical Dilemmas in Counseling, Introduction to Art Therapies, Power and the Therapy Relationship, and Qualitative Research Methods. In addition to the skills-building seminars and study planning, the residency includes a series of workshops for the development and enhancement of skills related to independent, directed study.