BSU Catalog Home | Graduate Psychology Course Descriptions

Psychology

Department of Psychology

Hagg-Sauer Hall 218-755-2880

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Graduate Faculty

Dr. Richard Hook (Chair; rhook@bemidjistate.edu), Dr. Russell Bennett, Dr. Laurie Desiderato, Dr. Marsha Driscoll, Dr. Angela Fournier, Dr. Dwight Fultz, Dr. John Gonzalez, Mr. Lawrence Hanus, Dr. James Rafferty

• Master of Science - Counseling Psychology

Master of Science - Counseling Psychology

The Master of Science is the highest degree awarded by the Department of Psychology. It provides a broad background in Counseling Psychology with a particular emphasis on the development of counseling and psychotherapy skills, as supported by research in psychological principles and in the helping process. The program culminates in an original thesis or research paper, and in an internship designed to further hone students’ professional competencies and identity.

Preparation Requirements

Undergraduate major in Psychology, Applied Psychology, or a related field. Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is strongly recommended. Prior coursework must include one basic helping skills course. The Department of Psychology may require some applicants to complete additional undergraduate course work in psychology.

University Requirements

See Section II, Graduate Study for degree requirements.

Course Work Requirements

I. Required Core

Select one of the following two courses:
PSY 5403 Advanced Statistics and Research Design (4 credits)
SOC 5001 Social Statistics (3 credits)

Complete all of the following:
PSY 6002 Counseling Research Methods (3 credits)
PSY 6118 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3 credits)
PSY 6119 Advanced Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment Modalities (3 credits)
PSY 6331 Practicum in Counseling and Supervision (3 credits)
PSY 6337 Group Counseling (3 credits)
PSY 6777 Professional Ethics: Theory and Practice of Professional Conduct in a Diverse Society (2 credits)
PSY 6778 Counseling in a Diverse Society (2 credits)
PSY 6888 Personal Growth and Development (1 credit)
PSY 6970 Internship in Counseling Psychology (9 credits)

Subtotal 32-33 Credits

II. Required Research

PSY 6870 Research Proposal Seminar (1 credit)

Select one of the following:
PSY 6980 Research Paper (2 credits)
PSY 6990 Master’s Thesis (4 credits)

Subtotal 3-5 Credits

III. Electives

Select at least 13 credits from the following courses:
NRSG 5457 Sexual Abuse (2 credits)
PSY 5328 Behavioral and Cognitive Intervention (3 credits)
PSY 5332 Counseling and Crisis Interventions (4 credits)
PSY 5347 Psychological Measurement (3 credits)
PSY 5357 Industrial and Organizational Psychology (3 credits)
PSY 5408 Human Services Program Management (3 credits)
PSY 6120 Developmental Psychopathology (3 credits) CEL/Online
PSY 6229 Assessment and Career Development (3 credits)
PSY 6332 Advanced Practicum (3 credits)
PSY 6407 Student Affairs Administration (3 credits)
PSY 6408 Issues in College Student Development (3 credits)
PSY 6469 Family Therapy (3 credits)
SOC 5000 Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

Subtotal 13 Credits

Total Semester Credits Required for the Degree 48-51 Credits

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT
All students must demonstrate competency in computer applications in applied statistics. This requirement may be satisfied by successfully completing PSY 5403 Advanced Statistics and Research Design or SOC 5001 Social Statistics with a B or better.

Students must demonstrate competency in psychological measurement. This can be satisfied by taking an undergrad measurement course and completing it with a B or better, or PSY 5347 Psychological Measurement as an elective. This may mean that more than 48 credits will be needed to meet licensure requirements.

LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Students intending to apply for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselor through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) must complete the following requirements:

1. The graduate degree must be at least 48 credits, and the following courses must be chosen from the Electives section and taken prior to the completion of the degree:
   

   PSY 6229 Assessment and Career Development (3 credits)
   PSY 6332 Advanced Practicum (3 credits)
   PSY 6469 Family Therapy (3 credits)
   
   Students intending to apply for licensure as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) through the BBHT must add
   PSY 6120 Developmental Psychopathology (3 credits)

2. Post-graduate course work. In addition to the required 48 credits, those applying for licensure must take 12 additional graduate credits in the four years following the completion of the degree.