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Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Elizabethtown College's Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is designed to prepare highly skilled mental health practitioners to integrate evidence-based practices and multicultural competencies into a career in counseling. Students have the opportunity to specialize in Child & Adolescent Counseling, Substance Use Counseling, or a Generalist Concentration. These options allow students to develop a focus of clinical expertise in addition to their generalist training. Graduates of this program will complete 700 hours of practicum and internship training and will meet the educational criteria to sit for the National Counselor Exam and ultimately pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in PA and other states with commensurate requirements. Course listings and descriptions can be accessed through the course catalog.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of individual and group theories and practices of counseling and psychotherapy.
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of ethical and professional standards.
- Understand the use of scientific methods to evaluate clinical work, programs, interventions, and the expansion of the counseling knowledge base.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role of work in people’s lives, the relationship between biological factors and human functioning, and human development across the lifespan.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and competency in working with individuals, groups, and communities who represent varied cultural backgrounds and characteristics.
Program Formats:
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Hybrid
Credits Required: 60
Tuition:
- $695/Credit
- 15% Alumni Scholarship
- 15% Affinity Partner Scholarship
- Jay Fellowship Referral Program
Tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change annually.
Concentrations:
- Child & Adolescent Counseling
- Substance Use Counseling
- Generalist
Program Format
Elizabethtown College's M.A. in Counseling Psychology Program is a full-time, two-year, 60 credit program with an annual fall semester start. Students will take classes during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Classes will be offered in a hybrid format, with a combination of remote (online) and face-to-face instruction at the Elizabethtown, PA campus. Class meetings generally take place in the evenings (typically from 6 to 8:45 p.m.).
Program Pathways
The Elizabethtown College Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Program welcomes eligible applicants with bachelor’s degrees from any regionally accredited college or university.
Additionally, prospective and current Elizabethtown College undergraduate psychology students may be eligible for admission to two pipeline programs. Students in the pipeline programs benefit from early provisional acceptance to the graduate program, a waived graduate program application fee, and a 10% tuition discount on graduate courses.
- 3 + 2 B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Counseling Psychology Pipeline Program: This accelerated, combined program allows eligible students to complete their B.A. in 3 years, with provisional acceptance to the 2-year M.A. in Counseling Psychology Program. Students in this program complete undergraduate courses at an accelerated rate and in the summer/winter terms.
- 4 + 2 B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Counseling Psychology Pipeline Program:This combined program allows eligible students to complete their B.A. in Psychology in 4 years, with provisional acceptance to the 2-year M.A. in Counseling Psychology Program.
Additional information about the B.A. in Psychology program and requirements can be found here: Psychology Degree Program - Elizabethtown College.
Pipeline Program Eligibility
The pipeline programs are open to prospective and current Elizabethtown College students majoring in psychology who have a 3.3 or higher high school GPA, and a 3.3 or higher college GPA if they have already completed college coursework. Prospective Elizabethtown College undergraduate students can apply into either program as part of their application to Elizabethtown College. Current Elizabethtown College students may apply into the 3+2 Pipeline Program by the beginning of the spring semester of their first year as space permits. Current Elizabethtown College students may apply into the 4+2 Pipeline Program by the beginning of the spring semester of their sophomore year as space permits. See application instructions below.
Pipeline Program Provisional Acceptance
Acceptance into the graduate M.A. in Counseling Psychology Program through the pipeline programs is provisional and contingent upon academic progress, including maintaining a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA.
Questions about the 3+2/4+2 Pipeline Programs can be directed to Program Director Liz Dalton.
Application Requirements
We take a holistic approach to application review and will review all applications received. If you have any questions or concerns about whether you meet our application requirements please do not hesitate to reach out to either MCP Program Director Elizabeth Dalton (daltone@etown.edu) or Associate Director of SGPS Admissions Don Sharples (sharplesd@etown.edu).
Eligibility Requirements for application to the M.A. in Counseling Psychology Program:
- Bachelor’s's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- GPA of 3.0 or higher on 4.0 scale (applicants with a lower GPA will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required, but may be submitted for consideration. Applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 are encouraged to submit either the GRE or Miller Analogies Test (MAT).
- An undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related field is not required, however, preference will be given to applicants who have taken at least three psychology courses and earned a grade of “B” or better in each
Application Deadline: The priority deadline for the Fall 2024 cohort is February 1, 2024.
Application Process: Please feel free to contact or meet with our admissions team at any point during the application process. Our admissions counselors are not only a great resource to guide you through the process and answer questions, they are skilled at helping our applicants find the best program and options to help them reach their goals!
How to Apply: Complete the graduate application process via the online portal which includes:
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee (waived for Elizabethtown College graduates)
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
- Current resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation; please include letters from recommenders who can speak to your educational and professional experience
- Personal statement addressing your academic and professional goals, and preparation and motivation to attend graduate school
Selected applicants will be invited to complete an interview. Final admissions decisions will be determined after the interview.
Are you ready to elevate your career? Get started now with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Elizabethtown College
Prospective Undergraduate Students
Prospective undergraduate students can apply to the 3+2 or 4+2 pipeline programs as part of their application to Elizabethtown College by submitting a supplementary statement (described below). Application materials should be submitted by January 15.
Apply to the Undergraduate Program
Current Undergraduate Students
Current Elizabethtown College undergraduate students can apply to the 3+2 or 4+2 programs by emailing a supplementary statement of interest to Dr. Dalton (described below).
Supplementary Statement/Statement of Interest
Please submit a statement outlining and explaining your interest in the pipeline program - for example, explaining why you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, your academic and professional goals, and your preparedness to participate in a pipeline program. Please indicate whether you are interested in the 3+2 or 4+2 B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Counseling Program, or both.
If applying to the 3+2, additionally provide information in your statement pertaining to:
- Any college credits you have already earned
- Your willingness and motivation to take summer and overload classes in order to complete the B.A. at an accelerated pace
Selected applicants will be invited to complete an interview. Final admissions decision will be determined after the interview.
Career Outlook
Career Opportunities for Graduates:
- Mental Health Counselor
- Adult and Geriatric Counselor
- Child Counselor
- Adolescent Counselor
- Substance Use Counselor
- Group Therapist
A Fast-Growing Industry:
- The growth rate for jobs in Counseling Psychology is faster than average (14% for 2018-2028). Specifically, the outlook for careers in substance abuse, behavioral disorders, and mental health counselors is 22% for the same time period, much faster than average.
- 26,100 new jobs are expected in the Counseling Psychology field by 2028.
- Entry-level wages are estimated at $34,708 and approximately $58,859 at ages 30-60.
- Pennsylvania is the third highest employment volume of counseling psychology-related positions.
Meet the Faculty
Dr. Elizabeth Dalton
Program Director, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
717-361-1332 | daltone@etown.edu
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology | Associate Professor of Psychology
Dr. Elizabeth Dalton is a Pennsylvania licensed clinical psychologist with clinical and research interests in mood disorders, stress, and health behaviors. Dr. Dalton earned her B.A. in Psychology from Amherst College, her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed her APA-accredited internship at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Dalton has worked at Elizabethtown College since 2017 and is highly committed to the College’s motto of Educate for Service. Dr. Dalton is passionate about supporting students in the development of their professional interests and identities.
Jihan Owens-Tyler, MS, MFT
Lecturer in Counseling Psychology
Master's in Clinical Counseling and Psychology
Jihan is a Lecturer in Counseling Psychology. Jihan holds a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and Psychology from Chestnut Hill College and is certified in Marriage and Family Therapy. Much of Jihan’s career has been committed to providing treatment and services to underserved populations. Jihan has worked with various populations ranging in age, mental health diagnoses, and levels of care. Jihan’s clinical training has encompassed various therapies, including prolonged exposure and CBT. Jihan has extensive experience working with clients presenting with anxiety, depression, familial issues, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder. After working at Rogers Behavioral Hospital, she gained significant expertise in working with clients dealing with OCD and ASD, as well as their families. Jihan is currently enrolled in Drexel University’s Doctorate of Couple and Family Therapy program. When not working, Jihan is spending time with her husband and two children, family and friends or doing Zumba!
Mike Shook, M.A.
Lecturer in Counseling Psychology
717-361-1328 | shookm@etown.edu
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Mike is a licensed professional counselor in both Pennsylvania and Florida and holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Palo Alto University. Additionally, Mike is a National Certified Counselor and Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider and has advanced training in Feedback Informed Treatment, Narrative Practice, and relational approaches to suicidality. Mike has served as adjunct faculty in Palo Alto University’s Mental Health Counseling program and currently serves on the Lancaster County Suicide Prevention Coalition. He is the creator and founding editor of The Thoughtful Counselor podcast which hosts in depth conversations related to counseling and counselor education. As a practicing counselor, Mike works with youths, adults, couples, and families. He has worked in a variety of settings and with a range of concerns, including struggles with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidality, burnout, cross-cultural stress, relational and marriage issues, and serious mental illness.
Faculty & Student Research
Students in the program are trained to critically evaluate and apply research to counseling practice. Students are not required to complete their own independent research, but are welcome to do so if desired. For more information about faculty research interests and ongoing research projects, contact Dr. Dalton.
Internship & Practicum
As part of the M.A. in Counseling Psychology program, students will complete 100 hours of practicum-level training and 600 hours of internship-level training. Program faculty and staff will support students in finding site placements that fit their professional and training goals. Students in the Department of Psychology at Elizabethtown College have pursued internship experiences at a wide variety of sites, including T.W. Ponessa & Associates Counseling Services (Lancaster, PA), Blue Prints for Addiction Recovery (Mt. Joy, PA), Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (Harrisburg, PA), WellSpan Philhaven Behavioral Health Services (Lancaster, PA), and many more.
Licensure Information
Elizabethtown College’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program is developed in accordance with the educational training requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. Additional non-educational training requirements, including passing an examination (such as the National Counselor Examination) and additional hours of supervised professional experience after completion of the graduate degree, apply to obtain licensure.
For further information regarding Licensed Professional Counselor requirements in Pennsylvania, please visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Works, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors website. Students who seek similar credentialing in states other than Pennsylvania are advised to contact the credentialing board or agency in those states, as other requirements may exist.
Financial Aid, Graduate Assistantships, and Scholarships
Scholarships are available for Elizabethtown College employees, alumni, and affinity members. Elizabethtown College at times has Graduate Assistantship (GA) positions, pending availability of open positions and funding. Students interested in pursuing a GA positions are encouraged to share their interest in doing so during the interview process. GA position decisions are determined based on students’ interests and relevant experience and skills (e.g., prior work and academic experience).
For more information about Etown SGPS Graduate Tuition, Financial Aid, and external scholarships, please visit our website.
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Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298© 2023 Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298© 2023 Elizabethtown College
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