This 48-credit program emphasizes study of the scientific bases of behavior, including biological, social, and individual causes and their correlates. The broad training model is oriented to empirically supported treatment and the development of assessment and intervention skills. In addition to course work, you will complete 100 hours of clinical practicum, 600 hours of supervised internship experience, and a master’s research paper.
The degree can be pursued full-time or part-time and can be completed in two years of full-time, year-round study. All coursework is offered during the day. As a Penn State Behrend student you’ll have priority access to educational and research experiences with the college’s Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Community Outreach, Research and Evaluation (CORE) and Prevention of Aggression Resource Center (PARC).
With an additional 12 credits of course work and post-graduate supervised clinical training, you will be eligible to seek the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) designation in Pennsylvania and most other states. As an LPC, you can operate your own private practice, clinic, or treatment facility, bill insurance companies, supervise, and provide consultation.
The program’s training in empiricism, scientific bases of behavior, and research methodology is consistent with the standards of the Council of Applied Master’s Programs in Psychology (CAMPP), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Association for Psychological Science (APS).
Optional Preparation for LPC Licensure
If you wish to prepare to become Licensed Professional Counselor, you can seamlessly add 12 credits of additional course work at the graduate level to your master’s program. In addition to these 12 credits, 3,000 hours of supervised experience must be completed after graduation but prior to taking the licensure examination.