Psychotherapy Training Grounded in Evidence-based Practice and Psychological Science
The 2-year Master of Arts in Counseling & Clinical Psychology at SMCM is grounded in psychological science and designed to meet state licensing requirements. Through coursework and clinical experience, students learn the foundational principles and techniques of counseling and clinical practice. Graduates will be license-eligible as LCPCs (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors) or may choose to pursue a PhD in Counseling or Clinical Psychology.
What is the program like?
The 2-year MCCP program is designed to be flexible and accessible (see course progression below). Students take foundational courses in their first fall semester and begin practicum training by the second semester. In the third semester, students will complete supervised field experience at the SMCM Wellness Center. The fourth and final semester includes two classes taught via Zoom and a half-time internship at a location of the students choosing. Courses throughout the program will be two times per week, leaving the other three working days (and the weekend) open for work, course preparation, and down time. We believe in a holistic and sustainability approach to training where balance between work and personal wellbeing is emphasized. Given our closeness with the Patuxent River Naval Airstation (PAX River NAVAIR), we also offer a unique emphasis on psychological support for military members and their families.
Program Requirements for the Master of Arts in Counseling & Clinical Psychology
Classes, practica, and field experience are 4 credits. Internship is 8 credits.
| Semester/Year | Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 1 | MCCP501 | Ethics and Theory in Counseling |
| Fall 1 | MCCP502 | Techniques of Counseling |
| Fall 1 | MCCP503 | Psychopathology & Diagnosis |
| Fall 1 | MCCP504 | Multicultural Counseling |
| Spring 1 | MCCP505 | Wellness Across the Lifespan |
| Spring 1 | MCCP506 | Career Counseling |
| Spring 1 | MCCP507 | Family Systems in Practice |
| Spring 1 | MCCP508 | Group Counseling |
| Fall 2 | MCCP601 | Psychological Testing |
| Fall 2 | MCCP602 | Biological/Substance Issues in Counseling |
| Fall 2 | MCCP603 |
Advanced Techniques in Counseling Pre-Requisite: MCCP502 |
| Fall 2 | MCCP604 |
Supervised Field Experience Co-Requisite: MCCP603 |
| Spring 2 | MCCP605 | Legal & Professional Issues in Counseling (Zoom) |
| Spring 2 | MCCP606 | Research in Counseling (Zoom) |
| Spring 2 | MCCP701 |
Internship in Counseling Psychology (8 credits) Pre-Requisite: MCCP604 |
Facilities
The Master of Arts in Counseling & Clinical Psychology (MCCP) program at St. Mary’s College of Maryland is based in Goodpaster Hall, a modern academic building with classrooms, laboratories, computer labs, and flexible spaces for learning and collaboration. MCCP students will learn to develop counseling skills and apply what they learn in the program in the Psychological Training and Research Suite. With accessible faculty and spaces designed for group work, projects, and applied learning, students gain the knowledge and experience needed to prepare for careers in counseling and clinical psychology.
Admission And Application Information
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. You will need to send your official transcript to St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The degree may be completed or in process, as long as the graduation date is the summer before matriculation into the MCCP program. A final official transcript showing your graduation date is required.
- Applicants are not required to have an undergraduate degree in psychology. However, all applicants must have taken the following prerequisite courses (completed with a grade of C or better) prior to matriculation in the program:
- Introduction to Psychology (e.g., PSYC101, General Psychology, etc.). AP Credit for Psychology that was accepted at your undergraduate institution will count for the pre-requisite requirement as long as the transfer credit is listed on your undergraduate transcript; and
- Psychopathology (e.g., Abnormal Psychology) at any undergraduate level (e.g., 200-level, 300-level, 400-level).
- An undergraduate cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 is required for admission. GPAs of 3.0 or higher are preferred.
- No GRE scores are required.
- The most competitive applicants will be invited for an interview with the program in February. The interview is a required part of the application process.
Deadlines
The deadline for submitting applications: January 15.
The first round of acceptance letters will be distributed in mid-March.
Admitted applicants must notify SMCM of their decision and pay the non-refundable $250 commitment deposit (which will be applied to your tuition) by April 15.
Application Requirements
Completed online application
Submission of $50 application fee
Submission of official college/university transcript(s)
Two letters of recommendation that detail the applicant's strong interpersonal skills and potential to succeed in graduate school
A copy of your resume or curriculum vita (CV) detailing your psychological, clinical, research or other experiences related to your interest in the MCCP program.
Tuition and Fees
$22,500 in tuition and fees per year
Financial Aid
To find out about financial aid opportunities, please visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
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Connect with Your Program Chair
All the faculty here at St. Mary's College of Maryland want to help you explore your interests and set you up for success. We look forward to connecting with you and meeting you on campus.
she/her
Professor of Psychology and Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling and Clinical Psychology Program
enwilliams@smcm.edu