Counseling (M.A.)
Marymount offers the M.A. in counseling with three specialization options: clinical mental health counseling (in-person and on-line), clinical mental health counseling with a concentration in pastoral clinical mental health counseling (in-person and on-line); and school counseling (in-person). The school counseling program has stopped taking applications since Fall 2021.
The clinical mental health counseling, clinical mental health counseling with a concentration in pastoral clinical mental health counseling, and school counseling specializations are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The school counseling specialization, all teacher licensure programs (elementary, secondary, and special education), and the M.Ed. in administration and supervision program are accredited by the Division of Teacher Education and Licensure of the Virginia Department of Education, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Upon successful completion of the clinical mental health counseling, clinical mental health with concentration in pastoral clinical mental health counseling, , and school counseling specializations, students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge base required for professional counselors. That knowledge base, as outlined by CACREP, includes the following:
- advanced human growth and development
- multicultural counseling
- individual skills
- group counseling
- career development and counseling
- testing and assessment
- research methods
- professional, legal, and ethical issues in counseling
Students also will demonstrate an understanding of current trends in the job market through self-marketing strategies.
Minimum Grade Requirements: For the M.A. programs in clinical mental health counseling and clinical mental health counseling with a concentration in pastoral clinical mental health counseling, a minimum grade of B is required in the following courses to advance in the program: CE 501, CE 502, CE 508, CE 520, CE 522C, CE 523C, CE 597C, and CE 599C.
For the school counseling M.A. specialization, a minimum grade of B is required in the following courses to advance in the program: CE 508, CE 520, CE 522S, CE 523S, CE 560, CE 561, CE 597S, and CE 599S.
Residency Requirement for M.A. Students: Clinical courses (CE 522C or CE 522S; CE 523C or CE 523S; CE 597C or CE 597S; CE 599C or CE 599S) must be taken at Marymount.
Degree Requirements - Counseling
60 credits
Shared Degree Requirements
45 credits
| CE 500 | Research and Evaluation | 3 |
| CE 501 | Bases of Psychopathology | 3 |
| CE 503 | Advanced Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| CE 508 | Crisis Assessment and Intervention | 3 |
| CE 509 | Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention | 3 |
| CE 510 | Survey of Testing and Assessment | 3 |
| CE 520 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| | | |
| CE 522C | Counseling for Individuals (Counseling section) | 3 |
| | OR | |
| CE 522S | Counseling for Individuals (School Counseling section) | 3 |
| | | |
| CE 523C | Group Counseling Techniques (Clinical Mental Health Counseling section) | 3 |
| | OR | |
| CE 523S | Group Counseling Techniques (School Counseling section) | 3 |
| | | |
| CE 524 | Theories and Techniques of Family Counseling | 3 |
| | | |
| CE 530C | Career Development Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling section) | 3 |
| | OR | |
| CE 530S | Career Development Counseling (School Counseling section) | 3 |
| | | |
| CE 551 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 |
| | | |
| CE 597C | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| | OR | |
| CE 597S | School Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| | | |
| CE 599C | Internship: Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| | OR | |
| CE 599S | Internship: School Counseling | 3 |
CE 599C or CE 599S is repeated in two semesters for a total of 6 credits.
Specialization Courses
In addition to the courses above, a student must choose from one of three specializations (15 credits).
Clinical Mental Health Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling is also offered as an online cohort option with the same CACREP-core requirements and electives outlined for the on-ground program.
| CE 502 | Foundations, Ethics, and Professional Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| CE 536 | Advanced Counseling: Theories and Techniques | 3 |
Nine (9) elective credits in counseling education or forensic legal psychology courses.
Electives must have approval from an advisor. Students should consult with their state licensing board to determine appropriate electives.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization
| CE 502 | Foundations, Ethics, and Professional Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | 3 |
| CE 540 | Contemporary and Historical Religious Perspectives | 3 |
| CE 541 | Pastoral Counseling Integration | 3 |
| CE 542 | Grief and Loss | 3 |
| CE 549 | Moral and Spiritual Development and Ethical Issues in Counseling | 3 |
School Counseling Specialization
The school counseling specialization provides the education and training necessary to work as a school counselor in elementary, middle, or high school. Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible for licensure as a school counselor (grades PK-12) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Students also meet the requirements for the LPC with completion of CE 501. The school counseling program has stopped taking applications since fall 2021.
Field experience, practicum, and internship hours must be completed when school is in regular session: September through June, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
| CE 505 | Advanced Study of Individuals with Exceptionalities | 3 |
| CE 534 | Counseling Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| CE 560 | Foundations, Ethics, and Professional Issues in School Counseling | 3 |
| CE 561 | Practices of School Counseling | 3 |
An elective from counseling education or forensic legal psychology graduate courses, three (3) credits.