Admissions Requirements
DEADLINES:
October 1, 2025
for the Spring 2026 semester.
February 1, 2026*
– Priority deadline for early admission for both the Summer I 2026 and Fall 2026 cohorts.
April 1, 2026
– Final deadline for Summer III 2026 applications.
*Applications submitted after February 1 will still be reviewed, but must be received no later than July 1, 2026, which is the final deadline for Fall 2026 consideration.
Applicants must submit the following to be considered for the Counseling Psychology program:
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A completed application
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A cumulative GPA of 3.0, or a “B” average during the undergraduate degree.
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Demonstrated potential for graduate work.
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Transcripts from all previously attended universities.
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Completed application.
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Resume
Facilities & Technology
McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies
The McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, located on the corner of University and North Washington Avenues, contains classrooms and related clinical/professional space for Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology and Counseling, Education, and Business students. The Marywood Market is also located here.
The McGowan Center is home to the School of Education and the School of Business and Global Innovation. The Counseling/Student Development Center is also located here.
The building has modern classrooms, computer labs, and controlled lab settings for the Psychology and Communication Sciences and Disorders programs. Students from the School of Education may utilize the Curriculum Lab, which houses hundreds of school textbooks, teacher manuals, and other teaching materials.
Market Marywood is a convenience store located on the first floor of the McGowan Center. It features favorite beverages, snacks, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, on-the-go sandwiches, fruit, and salads.
McGowan Center Classrooms
The McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, located on the corner of University and North Washington Avenues, contains classrooms and related clinical/professional space for Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology and Counseling, Education, and Business students.
The Communication Sciences and Disorders program has many facilities and features a Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, where students have the opportunity to work with individuals with speech, language, and hearing difficulties. The clinic is equipped with video monitors and a complete audiological evaluation facility.
The Psychology and Counseling program features distinctive teaching and research facilities to support counseling and psychology students.
The School of Business and Global Innovation operates facilities such as The Wall Street West Financial Lab and a Flight Simulator for students in Aviation Management.
The School of Education maintains a curriculum lab of texts, manipulative materials, and software designed for K-12 programs. For those interested in working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, there are ample opportunities to observe and teach right on campus.
Psychological Services Center
The Psychological Services Center (PSC), located in Room 1009 in the McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, is a clinic and training facility. It serves the community as an outpatient mental health clinic that provides services to individuals across the life spectrum from young children to older adults. The entry of the PSC is privately located on the north side of the McGowan Center on Marywood's campus. The PSC is composed of several individual, couple, family, and group therapy rooms, as well as a reception area and waiting room.
- Individual Therapy
- Marital/Couples Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Child Play Therapy
- Parent Training
- Educational & Geriatric Assessment
- Psychological and Personality Assessment
The PSC is not able to provide emergency services. If you have a life threatening emergency, please go directly to your nearest emergency room or dial 911.
Scholarships
Morris K. Udall Scholarship
The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics. The Foundation also seeks future Native American and Alaska Native leaders in public and community health care, tribal government, and public policy affecting Native American communities, including land and resource management, economic development, and education.
Faculty
Dr. Matthew J Schaffer
Director of Clinical Training | Clinical Supervisor | Assistant Professor of Practice
Leah M Popple
Assistant Director of Clinical Training | Assistant Professor of Practice | Clinical Supervisor
Dr. Bradley A Janey
Professor
Dr. Lindsay C Morton
Associate Professor
Dr. Janet L Muse-Burke
Professor
Dr. Kelsey A Allison
Lecturer
Dr. Stuart B Badner
Associate Professor of Practice
Dr. Cheryl Patchcoski Banull
Instructor (Pro-Rata)
Dr. Jennifer S Barna
Professor
Kimberly E Bolesta
Lecturer
Sr. Gail Cabral
Professor Emeritus | Lecturer
Dr. Catherine Estelle Campenni
Associate Professor
Dr. Brooke J Cannon
Professor
Santina Renee Cilento
Lecturer
Gail S Clark
Lecturer
Dr. Edward J Crawley
Associate Professor
Christine E DeSousa
Lecturer
Cara-Jean N Dougherty
Lecturer
Dr. Mindy M Farley
Assistant Professor of Practice
Heather Lynne Fiedler
Lecturer | Lecturer
Samantha Lynn Fitz-Gerald
Lecturer
Allison R Fruehan-Nah
Instructor (Pro-Rata)
Karen A James
Lecturer
Caroline M Johanson
Lecturer
Amanda Y Katchur
Lecturer
Deborah S Katz
Lecturer
Michael R Lavin
Lecturer
Dr. Brittany N Lippert
Lecturer
Fauve Luckey
Lecturer
Kelly A Meek
Lecturer
Meagan Molina
Lecturer
Sara E Nardone
Lecturer
Derek J Parker
Lecturer
Heather Rakestraw
Assistant Professor of Practice
Bree H Riley
Lecturer
Karen Rossmell
Administrative Assistant
Randi M Spiker
Assistant Professor
Alexa Angela Strelecki
Lecturer
Noelle T Torres
Lecturer
Katie Ann Trinovitch
Instructor (Pro-Rata)
Kevin Washington
Lecturer
Christopher M Wessinger
Lecturer
Jenny Wildrick
Assistant Professor of Practice
Michelle Zapotoski
Lecturer
Chiara A Zigray
Lecturer
Courses & Curriculum (60 total credits)
Based on our knowledge and experience, the required courses of the Counseling Psychology MS program will meet the educational standards for the LPC in Pennsylvania; however, because this program is not accredited, the Department cannot guarantee the LPC will be granted following completion of this program along with other State requirements (e.g., licensure examination, supervised post-Master’s experience). For more information on the LPC and State Board’s requirements, go to: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/SocialWorkersMarriageanFamilyTherapistsandProfessionalCounselors/Pages/Professional-Counselor-Licensure-Requirements-Snapshot.aspx and http://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/049/chapter49/s49.2.html&d=reduce
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Course Numbers
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Course Names
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Credit Hours
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|---|---|---|
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Counseling Concentration
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21 total credits
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COUN 505
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Career Development I
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3
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COUN 507
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Principles and Practices of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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3
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COUN 518
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Foundational Counseling Techniques
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3
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COUN 530
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Ethics/Professionl Condct for Counselors
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3
|
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COUN 532
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Multicultural Issues-Prof Counseling PrýProfessionals
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3
|
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COUN 543
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Group Process in Counseling
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3
|
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COUN 544
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Advanced Counseling Techniques
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0
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Counseling Closure/Fieldwork Experience
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9 total credits
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COUN 500
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Field Placement Prep
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0
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COUN 545
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Pract: Clin Ment Hlth Coun (Grp Superv)Counseling/Mental Health
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3
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COUN 545A
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Practicum CMH (Individual)Health Counseling
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0
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COUN 545B
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Practicum CMH (Individual) Health Counseling
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0
|
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COUN 545C
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Pract: Clin Ment Hlth Coun (Ind Superv)supervision
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3
|
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COUN 553
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Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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0
|
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Psychology Concentration
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30 total credits
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PSYC 503
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Research Methods and Statistics I
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3
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PSYC 504
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Research Methods and Statistics II
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3
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PSYC 508
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Biological Bases of Behavior
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3
|
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PSYC 514
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Human Development
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3
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PSYC 517
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Personality Theories in Psychology
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3
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PSYC 521
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Social Psychology
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3
|
|
|
|
|
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PSYC 522
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Cognitive/Affective Bases of Behavior
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3
|
|
|
Or
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|
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PSYC 523
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Contemporary Learning Theories
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3
|
|
|
|
|
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PSYC 531
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Psychopathology
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3
|
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PSYC 561
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Introduction to Psychological Testing
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3
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Psychology Closure Experience
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0 total credits
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PSYC 555
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Professional Contribution
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0 total credits
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Students are reminded that certain courses are sequential and must be taken consecutively. Students are not permitted to take Practicum and Internship simultaneously. Certain courses (i.e., Practicum) are not available during summer sessions. Some courses (i.e., COUN 530) are summer only courses. The following courses require a B or better to continue in the sequence: COUN 518, COUN 530, COUN 543, and COUN 544.
Full-time students in the Counseling Psychology program should expect to spend a minimum of five academic semesters, plus summers, to complete their degree requirements. Admission to Practicum and Internship require permission of the academic advisor and the Counseling Fieldwork Coordinator.
Counseling Psychology students are encouraged to take the Psychology Graduate Comprehensive Examination immediately upon completion of the seven required courses. Further details regarding the comprehensive exam are available in the Psychology Master’s Student Handbook.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Graduates of this program will be equipped with the professional knowledge and skills for developing competencies in professional counseling. Further, they will develop a broad-based understanding of the scientific foundations of the field.
Student Resources
For further information about the LPC and State Board requirements, visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors website (see links below). When seeking licensure in other states, students are advised to contact the credentialing boards or agencies in those states, as other requirements may exist.
Professional Counselor Licensure Requirements
Pennsylvania Code Educational Requirements
Chapter 49 — Licensure of Professional Counselors
