Clinical/Counseling Psychology

Program Overview

Clinical/Counseling Psychology is an option in the Master of Science in Applied Psychology program. The option is designed to provide training in clinical/counseling psychology leading to employment in human service agencies, hospitals, or similar settings. Consistent with this purpose, the program involves training in evidence-based assessment and diagnosis, therapy, community intervention, and research.

Most courses and practicum experiences will occur during the day, in person, although a select few courses will be offered in the evenings. Courses offer a blend of classroom activities and experiential training designed to acquaint students with both theory and practical applications of psychological knowledge.

The required course of study is a minimum of 60 credit hours, spanning 2-1/2 years, including the Summer I semesters. Students may take additional courses as needed for additional training or for licensure in other states. Graduates are eligible to apply for LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) licensure in South Carolina, with the ability to “assess and treat serious problems,” as defined in standard diagnostic nomenclature

For more information about LPC licensure, students should access the website of the Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors.

The Clinical/Counseling Option of the Masters of Science in Applied Psychology is fully accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).

EXPERIENTIAL TRAINING

Experiential training in the program occurs over four practicum experiences. During each Fall and Spring semester, students are placed at community training sites. Students accrue a total of at least 200 hours at their placement sites, of which at least 40% (80 hours) involve direct client contact. Students are supervised by licensed clinicians. Students are expected to start with observing sessions, then progress to co-leading sessions, and then to independently leading sessions (with supervision/consultation).
The capstone experiential training experience is an internship that occurs after all coursework is completed; during internship, students accrue a minimum of 600 hours of clinical training, at least 40% (240 hours) involving direct client contact, supervised by a licensed clinician. Typically, interns are working full-time over the course of 4 to 5 months. By the end of the internship, students are expected to show competency at the level of entry-level practice, which typically entails carrying their own caseload and planning/leading their own sessions, while still under supervision.
Students should be aware that internships and practicums are typically unpaid.

Applicants

For more detailed information about learning objectives, required coursework, course offerings, program sequencing, practica, internships, and policies, applicants are encouraged to view our Program Handbook.
Minimum requirements for applicants: Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA, and are expected to earn their Bachelor’s degree prior to entry into the master’s program. A psychology major is not required, but applicants are required to complete two prerequisite undergraduate courses: (a) introduction to psychology and (b) behavioral statistics. Students may be enrolled in these courses at the time of application. Accepted applicants who fail to meet these requirements upon matriculation will have their acceptance revoked or deferred, at the discretion of the faculty.
Applications for the fall admissions are due on February 15th of the same year. Applicants are required to submit FMU’s application for graduate studies, a statement of interest, a resume or CV, an official transcript from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, and contact information for two individuals who will then be asked to provide letters of recommendation. Typically, letters come from professors or work supervisors familiar with the students’ academic abilities, interpersonal skills, ethical conduct, work ethic, and other skills and traits relevant to graduate studies and careers in clinical and counseling psychology. Letters of recommendation from family members and friends are discouraged. Link to application
A select number of competitive applicants will be invited to a comprehensive information session about the program and interview for a position in the cohort.
Students are required to attend classes in person and take a full course load. We do not admit part-time students. Most classes occur during the day. Matriculation only occurs during fall semesters.
With questions, please contact the program coordinator, Dr. Matthew Hagler, at matthew.hagler@fmarion.edu. Please note that Dr. Hagler generally does not meet individually with prospective applicants before interviews, but he is happy to answer any questions via email.

Current Students

All documents and forms for Clinical/Counseling Psychology have been relocated to blackboard.fmarion.edu. They are located in the Perpetual Course entitled “Clinical/Counseling Psychology Graduate Program”.
If you are currently enrolled in the Clinical/Counseling Psychology Graduate Program and do not have access to this course, please contact Brice Dixon at 843-661-1640 or Charlotte Stephens at 843-661-1641.