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Masters of Science (MS) in Psychology

Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Psychology

Counseling Psychology specialization

This master's in counseling psychology specialization offers a rigorous foundation of courses Counseling Psychology, a generally interventional approach to psychology that focuses on assessing and building on clients' strengths. You will delve into such topics as counseling theory, individual and group counseling interventions, testing and assessment, research methods, and counseling diagnosis. People who choose this specialization are often planning to pursue a doctoral degree in counseling psychology or in a counseling-related field, but may also pursue counseling, employee assistance, or research positions in social service, health care, business, or educational settings.

This specialization is not designed to meet licensure requirements for the counseling professions. If you are seeking information on professional licensure, please visit our Licensure Resource site.

Note: This specialization may be a good first step for those who wish to pursue a PsyD or PhD, which is generally required for licensure as a counseling psychologist.

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Read what others have to say about this specialization, or leave your own comment, and be sure to check back often to converse with others about their Capella experiences.

Total Program: 70 quarter credits
Up to 15 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
Admission Requirements Icon indicating PDF
Next Start Date: March 5, 2012
Credit: $423

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Residency requirements: Three 6-day residential colloquia

Learn about the residential colloquia experience.
In addition to your online courses, you will attend three 6-day residential colloquia at specific stages in your program. These energizing residencies provide you with insights and knowledge that will be valuable during your MS studies and beyond.

What is the cost to attend?

The price for each colloquium is $1,495 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment), but doesn’t include costs for evening meals and travel. You’ll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.
  • Learn more about residency requirements.
  • Get more detailed information and learn how the residency experiences will enrich your learning at Capella University. Speak with an enrollment counselor at 1.888.227.3552.

Gain more value from your degree

Expand your educational and career opportunities by choosing one of Capella's degree enrichment options.

  • Expand your career options with additional specializations

    Increase your knowledge and career options by earning multiple specializations as part of your bachelor's or master's degree program at Capella. If you have elective courses in your program, you may be able to use them toward earning another specialization. Completing additional specializations may extend your total credits beyond the requirements of your degree. The specializations in School Psychology and General Psychology cannot be included as additional specializations.

Core Courses (each course 5 quarter credits unless noted)

  • PSY5002 - Orientation to Graduate Learning in Psychology
  • PSY7210 - Lifespan Development
  • PSY7543 - Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology*
  • PSY7610 - Tests and Measurements
  • PSY7620 - Inferential Statistics
  • PSY7650 - Research Methods
  • PSY6210 - Introduction to Psychopathology
  • PSY6230 - Introduction to Psychological Testing*

Specialization Courses (each course 5 quarter credits unless noted)

  • PSY6090 - Counseling Theories
  • PSY6091 - Group Counseling*
  • PSY6092 - Counseling Skills and Procedures*
  • PSY5201 - Integrative Project for Master's Degree in Psychology*

Two Elective Courses (each course 5 quarter credits unless noted)

  • Recommended elective courses
  • PSY7225 - Child and Adolescent Psychology
  • PSY7310 - Biological Basis of Behavior
  • PSY8162 - Career Counseling Theory
  • PSY6310 - Introduction to Theories of Psychotherapy
  • PSY6510 - Family Systems Theories
  • PSY6505 - Principles of Family Psychology*
  • PSY6545 - Couples in Family Psychology
  •  
  • For learners interested in gaining practicum experience, the following two-course sequence is available. Both courses must be taken to complete the practicum experience:
  • PSY6391 - Master's Practicum I*
  • PSY6393 - Master's Practicum II* OR
  •  
  • Choose any graduate courses, excluding introductory and special topics courses, lectures, seminars, practica, internships, and any Capella-designated first course.
Courses without a PSY designation may be worth fewer than five quarter credits. Learners must carefully plan their elective courses to ensure that total credit requirements for the degree are met. Special topics courses in the Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences can be used as an option to complete the total required credits needed for graduation.
Check state licensure requirements. The license to practice as a professional psychologist or counselor is regulated independently in each state or province. Learners who intend to seek licensure or certification should check the program requirements in the state or province in which they hope to practice. This specialization is not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

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Check state licensure requirements. The license to practice as a professional psychologist or counselor is regulated independently in each state or province. Learners who intend to seek licensure or certification should check the program requirements in the state or province in which they hope to practice. This specialization is not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Learn more about our related specializations:

PhD

Master's degree





Excellent school, but online coursework receives stigma in certain states

January 21, 2011lisa Capella's education is great. But reality is several states (check MO, IN, KS, etc.) WILL NOT recognize this coursework for any counseling-related license (LPC, LCPC, etc) because it is online. You never know where you may move...best bet is a transportable degree. It would be sad to move to a state which "null and voids" your M.S. degree. Turns out that many states allow online programs if they are CACREP accredited. There are several online CACREP programs in counseling (including Capella's). So if you plan on only pursuing a Master's, pick a degree that closely aligns to potential state licensure policies - and make sure it is CACREP accredited. CACREP is VERY important for licensure, insurance compensation (no CACREP = no TRICARE = no military clients) and potential marketability. Unless you are preparing for a PhD/PsyD - or never plan on moving and your states' regulations check out - you need a CACREP accredited degree.

Fantastic School

November 27, 2010Maria Capella is constantly working to improve its appeal to the "real world" as well as its rigor and overall ease with its learners. I found my experience in this particular program to exceed my expectations (often being much more difficult than my undergraduate degree at a brick and mortar school). In terms of licensure, one just needs to be sure that their particular state accepts the program. One of the things that I was very grateful for is that Capella made this very clear. I was the first Capella graduate to receive a license to practice in NJ, and I do have to say that the state did not make it easy. What will make it easier in the future is a CACREP-approved program (which I believe is available in a different department).

Experience at Capella

November 23, 2010Sherriel I completed my undergraduate degree online at another university and it was a wonderful experience. Regretfully, I can't say this about my experience at Capella. I have found some of the Instructors in my program to be very unreasonable.

Experience at Capella

December 20, 2010Kim I completed my MS in Professional Counseling in 2003 here at Capella. At the time I was a wife, mom of 4, community volunteer and part time chemical dependency counseling intern. Capella was a lot of work, filled with professional growth potential and well worth it. Because of my attendance at Capella I became lead counselor and the policy writer for the mental health agency and became a faculty member in a local university. I have since moved on to a leadership position for the military heading one of their Family programs and promoted to a senior faculty member being recruited by other universities. I am considering Capella again for a terminal (PhD) degree and to "round me off" for a bright future. With kids, leadership and faculty positions and as home business owner I know the heavy workload Capella requires and I welcome it. I would expect nothing less otherwise it would be like the other "easy" schools and I would not be considering coming back. Capella, see you in a few months.

Current Student

August 31, 2011Priscilla I must start off with---I love Capella. I knew where I wanted to obtain my Masters Degree when I was completing my Bachelor's. As I read some of the comments below, I too had questions regarding licensure requirements in different States etc., or which program of study would best fit what I want to do in my career. The Capella staff has helped me with my inquiries, I was impressed and immediately new they were attentive and dedicated to their students. Obtaining your Master's is not an easy task. Their is a lot of hard work involved, being dedicated, and implementing a schedule. I work, I am a mother, wife, and a student. This works because I want it to work, bottom line. I have goals that I want to accomplish and although I may come across a few bumps here and there, I do not allow the vision that I have for myself and my family to be obscured by them. It helps tremendously to know that staff members are willing to assist in any way they can.

Loving Capella

November 26, 2010CassieB Many view the online education as a pass time event not affording the degree seeker the same advantages as the brick and mortar institutions. My experience with obtaining my degree online has offered many advantages and I have experienced much wisdom from experienced psychologists who are professors adding to the learning experience. The professors have been beneficial in the use of hands-on education not just the theoritical aspects of the profession, but affording the learner more extensive training for real-life challenges of the profession. Capella's Psychology program is gainful in understanding the profession and an individual's perspective of helping others throughout their quest through balance and healing. CJB - Counseling Psychology learner

Good Education

December 2, 2010Kwajalein I enjoyed my experience at Capella. I can admit that I learned more in my online program then I did at a traditional university for my undergraduate program. My only regret is not keeping up with my degree completion plan and getting lost along the way causing me to have to change my concentration. However, while I take blame for my actions I blame all parties involved. My academic advisor should have been aware of the situation before it happened and reminded me of some things that needed to be done so that I didn't need to change my concentration. Overall, I did enjoy Capella and if they were APA I would go back for my PsyD.

Degree Choice

February 24, 2011Sharon After research on programs by degree, I am sure that Capella will be the university of choice. However, I'm interested in working with the family system, but may consider higher education(Doctoral)in Counseling/Psychology. What channel should I follow? Thanks ~Sharon

Information Packet

March 16, 2011Jennifer I filled out my personal info to receive more information on the program I am interested in, but it kept saying my phone number needed to be 7 digits- and it is, but no number would work.

Books

September 15, 2011Nita Are books included with the tuition? Need to know this before I consider this school, thanking all who answer in advance.
Image of enrollment counselor who specializes in Capella's psychology graduate programs and online psychology degrees
Image of enrollment counselor who specializes in Capella's psychology graduate programs and online psychology degrees

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