We have three scheduling options for students beginning in Fall or Spring Semester.
Our program is 100% in person at our campus in Philadelphia, PA.
We expose students to all theories so that they have the foundational knowledge to work with professionals from a range of backgrounds across the span of their career. However, our expectation is that by the time student begins Practicum, they have selected a theory that best fits their clinical approach. La Salle’s curriculum requires coursework in trauma and addictions, and offers electives in counseling and family therapy.
Classes typically are scheduled Monday through Thursday from 4:30-7 p.m. and 7:30-10 p.m. in the Fall and Spring semesters, and 6-9:30 p.m. in the Summer semester.
About 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 who are beginning a second or third career. We encourage students to learn from and assist one another, and we appreciate the diversity of life experience of our students.
Your field placement start depends on your plan of study. No matter which path you choose, we make sure you’ve built a strong foundation before you work with clients.
2+ Plan of Study
3 Year Plan of Study
4 Year Plan of Study
Yes, one of the distinguishing features of our program is our multiple plans of study. Depending on your personal circumstance, we offer plans of study with a little more flexibility than a traditional cohort-model.
Our classes are small so every student gets individualized attention and personal feedback from our faculty. Our counseling skills classes have approximately 12-16 students and our Practicum/Internship seminar classes are capped at 12 per CACREP. Our larger courses have about 20 students and are shared with MFT and MSW students, giving our students exposure to different approaches in the field. You’ll get personal attention from our counseling faculty while benefiting from an interdisciplinary experience.
We have approximately 50 approved sites across the greater Philadelphia area in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, partial hospital, group practices, schools, and opportunities to work with children and adults. Students can even establish their own site with the assistance of our Program Field Placement Coordinator. All practicum sites must be approved prior to placement.
The degree requirements must be completed in 7 years.
In addition to the 60 credit-hour M.A. degree, you also must pass a licensure examination and complete at least two years of 3000 hours of supervised work experience (i.e., a paid position). For more information on licensure requirements for professional counseling in all 50 states, visit the American Counseling Association website.
The job market is strong for students receiving their M.A. in Professional Clinical Counseling. Students in the PCC Program are well-prepared for licensure and find jobs after graduation in clinics, agencies, schools, and college counseling centers. After licensure, many LPCs opt to also open a private practice. For more information on employment and wages, visit the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website for mental health counselors.
La Salle’s M.A. in Professional Clinical Counseling provides excellent preparation for a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision or a related degree. Doctoral programs typically seek applicants with clinical and research experience; students graduate from La Salle’s PCC program with at least 700 clock hours of field experience (and at least 340 hours of client contact), and there is opportunity within La Salle’s program to collaborate with a faculty member to gain research experience or complete a research project.
We do not have a concentration in school counseling. Students completing the Professional Clinical Counseling Program can obtain certification by taking courses at another university.
We offer merit-based scholarships based on a holistic review of the application for admission. Scholarships are applied to the tuition during the first year in the program.
La Salle offers Graduate Assistantships, which are on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can apply for an assistantship upon acceptance into the program; assistantships are listed on La Salle’s Human Resources website (search under “Staff Listings”).
We usually notify applicants who have submitted completed files within 2 weeks. Applicants are notified by e-mail.
Many of our students work full-time or part-time. For information about funding your degree, visit La Salle’s Financial Aid website.