Programs

Mental Health Counseling

The CACREP accredited Mental Health Counseling program requires 60 hours of graduate study and leads to a Master’s degree (MS). The Mental Health Counseling Program is a licensure-qualifying program approved by the New York State Department of Professions. This program is designed to meet the educational needs of people responsible for training and development, and counseling that takes place in agency, community, and industrial settings. This emphasis enhances opportunities for employment of graduates in non-educational settings.

We are committed to educating and training high-quality professionals who will function as skilled and ethical practitioners who promote the optimal functioning of individuals, families, and groups in a variety of community settings. The program's philosophy is student-centered and developmentally based. CPS faculty members are committed to providing the highest quality training within an atmosphere that fosters ongoing professional and personal growth.

An option within the program permits students to meet the educational requirements for credentialing in the field of alcoholism and substance abuse counseling. Students who complete additional fieldwork and pass the State examination become eligible for Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) status.

Mental Health Counseling Requirements

Mental Health Counseling Outcomes Report

2024 Mental Health Counseling Program Evaluation

School Counseling MS/CAS

The school counseling program offers three possible options for completing a degree within the program:

Master of Science degree in school counseling
Master of Science degree in school counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS)
Certificate of Advanced Study in school counseling

This program builds upon a core of psychological and educational foundations and specialization areas including counseling theory, group process, appraisal, and vocational development and decision-making. Participate in supervised practice in individual and group counseling working to address academic, career, and social/emotional needs in a K-12 school setting. Upon completing the program, graduates will be eligible to apply for NYS certification as a school counselor. Following admission, you will discuss the total program with your designated faculty advisor to build a program of study.

School Counseling Requirements

School Psychology MS/CAS

The school psychology program offers two possible options for completing a degree within the program:

Master of Science degree in school psychology
Master of Science degree in school psychology and a Certificate of Advanced Study

This program offers extensive study in both theoretical and applied areas. These include psychological and educational foundations, systems and organizations, exceptionality, and assessment and psychodiagnosis. The program also covers counseling, consultation, and intervention development. Students gain hands-on experience through closely supervised practicum and fieldwork in school settings.

School Psychology Requirements

Admission

The CPS Department utilizes admission review procedures that involve (1) assessment of credentials presented by the applicant and (2) interpersonal evaluation of the applicant by faculty members. Applicants must have their application file completed by February 1. It is recommended that materials be submitted well in advance of the deadline.

The student must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. The student’s undergraduate grade point average should be 3.0 or higher.

Prospective students should submit to the Graduate Office:

Evidence of scholarship and academic potential

Undergraduate academic record and completed graduate coursework. An undergraduate statistics course is required.
GRE Aptitude Examination scores. Typically, verbal and quantitative scores are at the 50th percentile or better.
GRE Advanced Education or Advanced Psychology Examination scores or scores on the Miller Analogies Test may be submitted with application materials if the applicant believes these scores will enhance the applicant’s candidacy. They are not required for admission.

Evidence of professional commitment and potential for developing effective relationships with children, youth, and adults.

Three letters of reference, at least one from an academic source.
Student statement about goals, prior related experience, and future plans. The statement should be typewritten on a page(s) separate from the application form itself.

An interview with faculty members of the Counseling and Psychological Services Department staff will be arranged contingent on the submission of competitive credentials.

All credentials must be submitted and then reviewed by the staff prior to the completion of nine hours of graduate study in the program.

Credentials are viewed in a holistic manner such that a strength in one area might offset a weakness in another. This holistic review of each individual’s materials helps avoid the exclusion of qualified students that may serve the field well but whose particular circumstances result in submission of admission credentials that fall below those of the typical entering student.

Degree Candidacy

It is the responsibility of the student to file for degree candidacy when 12 to 30 hours of course work have been completed. Hours over 30 are subject to forfeiture. A cumulative average of 3.0 or better, successful completion of CPS 511, and evidence of appropriate professional development are required to qualify for the awarding of degree candidacy status. Degree candidacy applications can be obtained from the Graduate Office.

Mental Health Counseling

School Counseling MS/CAS

School Psychology MS/CAS

Admission

Degree Candidacy

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