University of Central Arkansas Logo

Psychology and Counseling

Menu

Counseling Psychology (MS)

Program Description

The Master’s of Science program in Counseling Psychology serves the state of Arkansas by preparing graduates to provide comprehensive psychological services, including assessment and intervention, to individuals and groups.  The majority of graduates from this program will work as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in community mental health centers, private practice, and state and private agencies.  The need for LPCs is met through course-work in the science and practice of psychology and counseling, individual supervision, and guided experiences in university and community settings.  These activities are coordinated by the Counseling Psychology Committee, composed of UCA faculty members who are licensed psychologists.  The program is guided by a belief in the scientist-practitioner model of education, training, and practice.  The faculty members of the department have been educated and trained under this model, and these values are expressed in university and internship experiences.

Student Learner Outcomes

  1. Graduates of the Counseling Psychology Program will be able to demonstrate knowledge and skill in implementing psychological treatments and administering and interpreting psychological tests.
  2. Graduates of the Counseling Psychology program will be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of ethical and professional standards within a counseling setting.
  3. Graduates of the Counseling Psychology program will have met core requirements to become licensed as Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas
  4. Graduates of the Counseling Psychology program will successfully enter the mental health profession.

College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Internship and Clinical Placement Policy

  • One or more clinical or internship components are required of most degree programs in CHBS. The majority of clinical and internship components are mandated by licensure boards and accrediting organizations.
  • Clinical and internship facilities have a variety of requirements that must be met by students, including vaccinations.
  • Vaccination status of students is not considered when making clinical or internship assignments. (UCA does not require a student to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or to produce any documentation regarding vaccination for COVID-19.)
  • Exemptions to vaccination requirements must be requested by the student through the clinical or internship facility.
  • Failure to comply with the requirements of the clinical or internship assignment may result in an indefinite delay of degree completion.

 

Prospective Students

Professional Information

Research

Program Faculty