M.A. Degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a full-time or part-time degree?
About one-third of our students attend full-time and two-thirds part time.
How long does it take to complete the programs?
Usually it takes two years if you attend full-time and three years if you attend part-time, including summers.
What time of the day are the classes held?
Most classes are scheduled from 4:30-7:00PM and 7:30-10:00PM. There are some morning and afternoon classes held on Main Campus.
What is the average age of students?
Nearly half of our students come directly from undergraduate programs. The others vary widely in age, from those with a few years of work experience, to those at or near retirement age and planning a second career. We encourage students to learn from and assist one another.
Can I complete the programs at the Bucks or Montgomery County Campuses without going to the Main Campus, or vice versa?
All concentrations are available at Main Campus and the Bucks Campus. The Professional Counseling Program can be completed at the Montgomery County campus, and the Marriage & Family Therapy Program in it’s entirety will be offered at this campus beginning Fall 2009. Students in the Addictions concentration of the Professional Counseling Program and students in the I/O-Management & Human Resources Program attend classes at Bucks or Main.
What is the longest amount of time before the degree needs to be completed?
10 years
How do I complete the Pennsylvania licensure requirements after I complete the M.A. degree?
In addition to the 48 hour master’s degree, you need 12 additional hours (60 total). You also must pass a licensure examination and complete 3 years of 3600 hours of supervised work experience (a paid position).
How does each of the programs qualify a student for the job market?
The job market is good for students in all three programs. Students in the Marriage & Family Therapy Program and the Professional Counseling Program are well-prepared for licensure and find jobs in clinics, agencies, and hospitals. Students in the I/O-Management & Human Resources Program enter the workforce in a variety of settings.
What is the difference between a Master’s and a Psy.D., as it pertains to employment after graduation?
Either will qualify you to work as a mental health professional, including private practice. Salaries are usually higher for those with a doctorate. Most academic positions require a doctorate.
Will graduation from any of the programs enable me to become a school counselor?
We do not have a concentration in school counseling. Students completing the Marriage & Family Therapy Program or Professional Counseling Program can obtain certification by taking courses at another university.
Do I have to take the MAT or GRE?
Yes, EXCEPT if you already hold an M.A. or comparable degree OR if you have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
What are the cutoff scores for the GRE and MATs?
We expect students to be above the 50th percentile on graduate norms, but take all credentials into consideration.
What is the minimum GPA La Salle University looks for to be accepted?
We usually require a 3.0 but take all credentials into consideration.
Which is better to take the MAT or GRE?
If you are applying to several programs, including doctoral programs, or if you do well on timed tests you should probably take the GRE. If you have been out of college for several years, or if you read widely you will usually do better with the MAT. Review directions and sample questions before deciding.
What are the deadlines for each semester for applying?
We have rolling admission, but 3 weeks before the start of classes is the usual deadline.
How long after my file is complete will I hear a decision and how will I be notified of the decision?
Usually within two weeks, and you will be notified by mail.
If there graduate housing available? Where do students live?
Yes, there are graduate apartments on Main campus. Students who take classes primarily on Main Campus and often choose to live off-campus live in surrounding neighborhoods, including Center City Philadelphia, Manayunk, East Falls, and Chestnut Hill, all of which are 15-20 minutes away from Main campus. Students find apartments to rent through classified adds on “craigslist.”
Is parking a problem?
There is secure on-campus parking available on all campuses.
John J. Rooney, Ph.D.
Director
Graduate Clinical Counseling Psychology
1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141 USA
Phone (215) 951-1767
Fax (215) 951-5140
e-mail: psyma@lasalle.edu
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