Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (M.A.)

Program Mission Statement

The mission of Elizabethtown College’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Program is to prepare highly skilled mental health practitioners who integrate evidence-based practices and multicultural competencies in varied practice settings. Through relationship-centered and experiential learning emphasizing social justice and equity, students will cultivate a professional identity and purposeful life work.

Student Learning Outcomes for Counseling Psychology

Students will be able to:

• Knowledge and Practice of Evidence-Based Counseling Theory and Practices: Demonstrate knowledge of individual and group theories and practices of counseling and psychotherapy. Relate and communicate effectively with clients, supervisors, and professionals, and apply evidence-based intervention and prevention strategies for the promotion of wellbeing and alleviation of suffering.
• Professionalism and Ethical Standards: Demonstrate knowledge and application of ethical and professional standards. Integrate and display ethical values and attitudes in professional conduct. Demonstrate understanding and appropriate use of and response to supervision during applied experiences.
• Critical Inquiry and Assessment: Understand the use of scientific methods to evaluate clinical work, programs, interventions, and the expansion of the counseling knowledge base. Become familiar with the strengths, limitations, and applications of tests, measurements and assessments used by counselors and other mental health professionals. Develop ability to critically evaluate and utilize published research.
• Understanding of Contribution of Broad Knowledge Bases (Development, Biology, Career Theories) to Counseling: 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. Integrate these varied knowledge bases into understanding of psychopathology, case conceptualization, and treatment.
• Multicultural Knowledge and Competency: Demonstrate self-awareness and competency in working with individuals, groups, and communities who represent varied cultural backgrounds and characteristics. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the interaction between person and environment (including culture, social norms, institutions, and policies), and understanding of the self as shaped by age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, sexual orientation, ability, language, and socioeconomic status. Apply this knowledge to foster social justice and advocate for equity in varied practice settings.