Counseling Psychology, M.Ed.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Learn more about the Master of Education in Counseling Psychology.

About the Program

The Counseling Psychology program offers a 60-credit master's degree in Education (M.Ed.) with two areas of concentration:

  • Mental Health Counseling prepares students to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups in various settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, and consulting agencies. Completion of the Counseling Psychology master’s degree with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling qualifies the student to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • School Counseling prepares students to work with students, teachers, administrators, and parents in either an elementary or secondary school setting. Completion of the Counseling Psychology master’s degree with a concentration in School Counseling qualifies the student for certification as a Pre-K-12 school counselor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 4 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Full-time students complete the degree program by taking classes during the day and in the evening. Part-time students take classes that start after 4:00 p.m.

Areas of Specialization: The program offers concentrations in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling.

Job Prospects: Graduates typically engage in careers as licensed professional counselors or school counselors, or use their degree to pursue doctoral training in a field related to Counseling Psychology.

Licensure: When post-degree requirements specified by the state licensing board are met by graduates of the Mental Health Counseling concentration, they are eligible for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Approximately two additional years of post-master's work experience is required prior to sitting for licensure. Students in the School Counseling concentration are eligible to apply for Pennsylvania school counseling certification (Educational Specialist I) at the time of graduation from the program.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Students may take up to, but not more than, 9 credits of graduate study in the program before being admitted to the program. The credits transfer into the program, if the student is admitted. Students completing non-matriculated courses before being admitted to the program are NOT guaranteed admission.

Financing Opportunities: Financial support opportunities may include scholarships, tuition remission, and other financial aid such as grants, loans, and federal work study.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: February 1

Applicants should submit all required admissions documents by the application deadline to receive priority consideration for admission and financial support. The faculty admissions committee reviews application materials to evaluate evidence of:

  • Work experience and/or volunteer public service relevant to professional development in counseling psychology;
  • Intra- and inter-personal skills (or potential for the development of such skills) as indicated in the applicant's personal and career statements; and
  • Aptitude for graduate-level academic work as determined by graduate and undergraduate grades, especially work in the major and in prerequisite psychology courses.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained to provide insight regarding the applicant's academic competence. References from college/university faculty are recommended.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A bachelor's degree is required. A minimum UGPA of 3.0 is expected.

International applicants should also submit an official document that validates completion and conferral of a degree, diploma, and/or certificate. While not required, international applicants are encouraged to submit transcript(s) to the World Education Services (WES) for evaluation.

Statement of Goals: In 500 to 1,000 words, outline your interest in seeking a master’s degree with a specific focus on the career to which you aspire, your interests, and your academic and job-related experiences that are relevant to the program.

Standardized Test Scores:
Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

  • TOEFL iBT: 79
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 53

Interview: An interview with the faculty admissions committee may be required after a complete application is received.

Resume: Current resume required.

Other Requirement: Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all accredited institutions attended and/or from which credit was earned must be submitted.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 60

Required Courses:

Core Courses
CPSY 5492Theories of Counseling Psychology3
CPSY 5519Group Counseling3
CPSY 5526Multicultural Counseling3
CPSY 5564Addiction, Counseling, and Biological Bases of Behavior3
CPSY 5579Introduction to Couples and Family Counseling3
CPSY 5591Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling Psychology3
CPSY 5593Career Counseling and Development3
CPSY 5694Introduction to Assessment3
CPSY 5698Fundamental Counseling Techniques3
CPSY 5699Crisis Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation3
CPSY 9085Advanced Counseling Techniques (2 terms)6
CPSY 9185Master's Internship in Counseling Psychology (2 terms)6
CPSY 9387Practicum in Counseling Psychology I & II3
EDUC 5325Introduction to Statistics and Research3
EPSY 5561Development and Learning Over the Lifespan3
Concentration Courses9
Select the courses identified for the chosen concentration:
Mental Health Counseling
CPSY 5566
Professional Issues in Mental Health Counseling
CPSY 5691
Diagnosis in Counseling Psychology
Elective
School Counseling
CPSY 5511
Counseling in the Schools
CPSY 5565
Educational Specialists Coordinating Community Resources for Diverse Learners
Elective
Total Credit Hours60

Internship: Students are required to complete a 780-hour internship, with 280 direct client contact hours completed at a training site approved by the program. Students in the Mental Health Counseling concentration complete their training in a community mental health setting, while those in the School Counseling concentration complete theirs in a school setting. Students receive individual on-site supervision and faculty supervision as a part of their training experience.

Culminating Events:
Comprehensive Examination:
The comprehensive examination is designed to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply both their didactic and practice-oriented academic experiences.

Courses

CPSY 5492. Theories of Counseling Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the function and essential elements of counseling theories and examines the student's philosophical beliefs as they apply to counseling.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5511. Counseling in the Schools. 3 Credit Hours.

First course for those concentrating in school counseling. The nature, techniques, and problems of school counseling are explored.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5519. Group Counseling. 3 Credit Hours.

An exploration of the functions of group counseling in meeting client/student needs. Emphasis on theory and principles of group process and on the development of group skills by participation in an experiential group counseling situation. Attention to the practice of effective group leadership skills.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5526. Multicultural Counseling. 3 Credit Hours.

Survey course exploring racism, sexism, ageism, and the cultural conditions that affect development of counseling relationships. Small group activities used to help students explore prejudices and attitudes towards culturally different groups.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5564. Addiction, Counseling, and Biological Bases of Behavior. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will learn about the biological bases of behavior and their relations to human functioning, including the basic structure and function of the nervous system, normative neurological development and the biological functions implicated in common diagnoses, and the mechanisms by which common psychotropic medications affect the nervous system and behavior. Students will then explore the issues pertaining to the assessment, treatment, and prevention of addictions with the overall purpose of increasing our scientific and clinical expertise in working with individuals in counseling.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5565. Educational Specialists Coordinating Community Resources for Diverse Learners. 3 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to support the development of students' school counselor identities. This course is designed to build off of previous school counseling coursework and further expand the knowledge and skills needed to address contemporary professional issues in school counseling K-12.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5566. Professional Issues in Mental Health Counseling. 3 Credit Hours.

This core course is designed to introduce graduate students to the field of counseling so that you will be prepared to meet the professional challenges in your practicum and internship placements. As such, this course is similar to a survey course, in that you will be exposed to the breadth of the field; yet it is more, in that we will be covering some topics in more depth. For example, you will be reviewing professional identity issues, PA licensure requirements, needs of special populations, and counseling in special settings.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5571. Introduction to Counseling Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

For students not majoring in counseling psychology. A lecture-laboratory course focusing on the nature, history, philosophy, techniques, and problems of counseling psychology.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5572. Interviewing Techniques. 3 Credit Hours.

For students not majoring in counseling psychology. The theory and techniques of interviewing especially as they apply to problems of educational, vocational, personal and social counseling, rehabilitation, and employment.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5579. Introduction to Couples and Family Counseling. 3 Credit Hours.

An introductory course on theoretical and therapeutic components of major schools of thought within marital and family therapy using videotapes, training films, guest lecturers, simulations, and observation of family sessions to explore specific therapeutic behaviors that differentiate schools of thought. Focusing on perceptual, conceptual, and clinical skills of family therapists provides a foundation for future training in this area.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5591. Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

To familiarize students and mental health professionals with the history and development of professional ethics and standards and their legal implications in the areas of counseling and psychotherapy. Topics include: privileged communication, confidentiality, rights of the client and agency, civil commitment, and licensure and mental health laws.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5593. Career Counseling and Development. 3 Credit Hours.

Theories, strategies, and techniques of career counseling are described and illustrated. Research and theories in career development and decision-making are explored and related to lives of workers. Instruction is given in the work personality, history, and future of work, and needs of special populations.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5668. Sem Counseling: Dev Psych. 3 Credit Hours.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5691. Diagnosis in Counseling Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

Course content focuses on historical perspectives related to psychopathology and diagnoses, diagnostic biases, and understanding the symptoms and treatment of major mental illnesses as they are expressed in a culturally diverse society. Pedagogical techniques include lectures, role-plays, and criterion-related exercises.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5694. Introduction to Assessment. 3 Credit Hours.

Training of students in interpretation and use of various methods of assessment and diagnosis in schools and agencies. Lectures and laboratory procedures are employed to integrate theory and practice.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5698. Fundamental Counseling Techniques. 3 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to develop the basic skills students will need in order to conduct successful client-counselor interactions. We accomplish this through the practice and development of counseling microskills in an experiential format. Students will have an opportunity to begin to develop mastery of these skills through in class role-playing, mock interviews, and videotaped counseling session role-plays.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 5699. Crisis Prevention, Intervention, and Consultation. 3 Credit Hours.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with both an understanding of the theoretical concepts of counseling as well as practice in further developing your clinical skills. Using the foundation of Fundamental Counseling Techniques, more advanced areas (such as crisis counseling) will be explored in preparation for practicum and internship placement.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 8701. Seminar in Counseling Supervision and Consultation. 3 to 12 Credit Hours.

Focuses on the significance, structure, and techniques of supervision and consultation in the work of counselors. First-hand experience offered through supervising counselors-in-training. For advanced students in counseling.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 8764. Seminar in Counseling and Psycho-pathology. 3 Credit Hours.

The objectives of this course are for doctoral students to develop an understanding of the etiologies, diagnoses, and treatment approaches of the major psychopathological disorders within a multi-cultural context, become versed in the application and use of the DSM, apply the scientist/practitioner approach to diagnosis and treatment issues, and develop process skills which will enable students to adapt to future changes in the area of psychopathology.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 8789. Seminar in Race, Culture, and Gender in Psychotherapy. 3 Credit Hours.

The course focuses on the issues raised by diversity in the practice of psychotherapy. Students examine the literature and research related to this issue as well as their own perspectives and feelings. The attitudes, history, and culture of different groups in our society are reviewed. The objective is to assist students in integrating their knowledge of different groups and psychology with their self-awareness so they understand the demands of the transcultural therapist in a society with complex diversity.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 8790. Seminar in Counseling. 3 to 12 Credit Hours.

Taught on a rotating basis by the graduate faculty in counseling. Current trends, research, issues, and professional problems.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CPSY 8791. Seminar in Learning Theory and Behavior Therapy. 3 Credit Hours.

The history, philosophy, and theoretical perspectives of learning theory and behavior therapy are examined. Learning theory as the foundation for behavior therapy is explored. Techniques of therapy such as cognitive therapy, relaxation training, systematic desensitization, contingency management, and flooding are reviewed. Additionally, concepts related to behavioral humanism are introduced, particularly as they relate to marriage and family therapy.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 8792. Seminar in Theories and Systems of Psychology and Counseling. 3 Credit Hours.

The course reviews and evaluates the theories and systems of psychology and counseling. Students explore how these theories and systems form the foundation for the current practices of behavior change and psychotherapy. Evaluative research related to the practices of psychotherapy and behavior change are examined. Students are expected to clarify their beliefs and theories about the therapeutic change process.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 8793. Seminar in Assessment. 3 Credit Hours.

Emphasis on the knowledge, skills and methods in comprehensive psychological assessment in counseling psychology. Practice in diagnostic interviewing, comprehensive assessment, integration of data, and reporting results. Instruction in assessing different individual dimensions, disorders and populations.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 8794. Seminar in Group Counseling and Group Therapy. 3 Credit Hours.

A didactic-experiential course focusing on selected theories of group counseling and psychotherapy, leadership training, research, and critical issues of the therapeutic management and/or facilitation of a counseling or therapy group.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 8795. Seminar in Family Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

Taught from a scientist-practitioner perspective, the course covers the development of family psychology, and as a part of this movement, the conceptual and clinical foundations of family therapy, including integrative approaches.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 8796. Seminar in Neuropsychology. 3 Credit Hours.

The course focuses on the theories and research related to neuropsychology. The physiology of the brain and its interconnection with the psychology of the brain are explored. Further, the parameters and methods of neuropsychological assessment and remediation are reviewed.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 8797. Seminar in Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling and Psychotherapy. 3 Credit Hours.

To familiarize students and mental health professionals with the history and development of professional ethics and standards and their legal implications in the areas of counseling and psychotherapy. Topics may include: privileged communication, confidentiality, rights of the client and agency, civil commitment, and licensure and mental health laws.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 8799. Community Counseling Clinic. 3 to 12 Credit Hours.

Clinical training with clients presenting vocational, educational, and personal problems.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.

CPSY 9085. Advanced Counseling Techniques. 3 Credit Hours.

Provides counseling training experience that improves counseling skills and processes, while developing documentation and report writing skills.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CPSY 9185. Master's Internship in Counseling Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

First-hand experience in doing the work of the counselor through placement in one or more appropriate settings.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CPSY 9285. Master's Internship in Counseling Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

First-hand experience in doing the work of the counselor through placement in one or more appropriate settings.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CPSY 9385. Internship in Counseling Psychology. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

This course is a one-year full-time experience working on the staff of an approved agency where counseling psychologists typically are employed. Placements are tailored to satisfy the professional training needs and interest of students. Emphasis is on advanced skill development.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CPSY 9387. Practicum in Counseling Psychology I & II. 3 to 12 Credit Hours.

This is a two-sequence course that provides students with exposure to the professional environments that they plan to be employed in the future (I.e., agencies or schools). Students will be involved in a variety of supervised activities at their program-approved sites (i.e., individual, couples, group, family counseling; various administrative and professional development activities).

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CPSY 9982. Independent Study in Counseling. 1 to 12 Credit Hour.

Intended to meet the needs of students who desire to carry on an individual investigation. For advanced students only.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

CPSY 9999. Doctoral Dissertation in Counseling Psychology. 1 to 6 Credit Hour.

Registration limited to candidates for the Ph.D. program who have successfully completed the preliminary examination and the minimum hours of course work required for the degree. Continuous registration during the fall and spring semesters is required until the dissertation has been completed and accepted by the Graduate Board.

Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Student Attribute Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Student Attributes: Dissertation Writing Student.

Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.

Contacts

Program Web Address:

https://www.temple.edu/academics/degree-programs/counseling-psychology-med-ed-cpsy-med

Department Information:

Dept. of Psychological Studies in Education

College of Education

1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19122-6091

educate@temple.edu

215-204-0999

Submission Address for Application Materials:

https://apply.temple.edu/COE/

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Office of Enrollment Management

educate@temple.edu

215-204-0999