Overview
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Counseling program is designed to provide graduates with basic knowledge in the theory and practice of counseling. Opportunities are provided for acquiring skills and experience specific to counseling and consultation in organizations and environments such as business, education, criminal justice, and community service. This program is not for professional licensure or certification in New Jersey.
Program Goals
- Gain a thorough understanding of and competence in the practice of individual and group counseling.
- Acquire an appreciation for the role of the counselor in society and an understanding of the ethical and legal responsibilities associated with that role.
- Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the theories of adaptive and maladaptive human behavior and their applicability to assessment and promotion of improved human functioning.
- Develop competency in the design, conduct, and evaluation of counseling research.
- Acquire professional skills and practical experience in the provision of counseling services in settings relevant to the student’s career focus.
Program Requirements
- Comply with the academic policies and procedures of Centenary University
- Complete 45 program prescribed graduate credit hours
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of “B” (3.0) or better for courses completed for the degree
- Complete a residency requirement consisting of minimally 33 credit hours at Centenary University
- Complete the program within 7 years from the date of initial enrollment
- Demonstrate throughout the program course of study behavior consistent with the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics.
Grading Policy for Counseling Programs
Graduate students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above in order to receive a degree. Any graduate student who receives more than one grade of C (to include C+, C, and C-) will be dismissed from the program. No grades of D will be given (anything lower than a C- is an F). A grade of F will result in dismissal from the program.
Audit
Students who are required to complete undergraduate foundation courses may request that they be taken as an official audit. Students choosing this option must designate such at the time of registration or by the end of the first week of the respective semester in which the courses are taken. Audited courses are recorded on the student’s permanent record as an “AUD,” and cannot be converted to a letter grade.
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or applicants with an undergraduate degree in another discipline will be required to take a series of prerequisite undergraduate psychology courses
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA 3.0
- Personal Statement
- Interview
- No GRE required
Curriculum Requirements
Counseling Theory and Practice-15 credits
| GCO-501 | Counseling: the Profession | 3 |
| GCO-502 | Ethics for the Counseling Profession | 3 |
| GCO-505 | Counseling: Theory & Practice I | 3 |
| GCO-506 | Counseling: Theory & Practice II | 3 |
| GCO-510 | Clinical Interviewing | 3 |
Counseling Groups-3 credits
Research, Evaluation and Assessment-9 credits
Development, Behavior and Diversity-12 credits
| GCO-561 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| GCO-562 | Social & Cultural Foundations of Behavior | 3 |
| GCO-566 | Personality Theory | 3 |
| GCO-568 | Maladaptive Behavior I | 3 |
Field Experience-3 credits
| GCO-601 | Clinical Counseling Field Experience I | 3 |
Selected Electives-3 credits (choose one)
| GCO-525 | Counseling Consultation | 3 |
| GCO-530 | Marriage & Family Counseling | 3 |
| GCO-582 | Crisis Intervention | 3 |
| GCO-584 | Life Span Counseling | 3 |
| GCO-586 | Career Counseling | 3 |
| GCO-590 | Substance Use Disorders Counseling | 3 |
| GCO-591 | Substance Use in the School Setting | 3 |
| GCO-592 | Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| GCO-593 | Prevention Planning, Program Evaluation, & Community Resources | 3 |
| GCO-594 | Substance Use and the Family | 3 |