M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services

Students are given the flexibility to explore different areas of counseling and psychological services and discover their personal areas of interest. With classes taught by professors who are experts in their field combined with a practicum experience, the program gives students knowledge of the complex nature of human behavior and social interaction. It also helps students to develop tools for assessing human problems and assisting individuals in developing greater understanding and acceptance of themselves and their relationships with others.

This program is designed to help students meet educational requirements for initial Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure as established by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. A total of 60 graduate level credits is required by the end of the first four years of licensure. These additional 12 graduate-level credits can be taken at Saint Mary's pre or post degree. For additional information about our counseling programs and licensure visit our Professional Licensure Resources page.

Master’s level students enrolled in the M.A. in Counseling & Psychological Services program have the option to apply to the Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology program as an early entry student.  If accepted into the Psy.D. program, students then transition to the doctoral program and finish out their master’s degree within the doctoral program using courses from both the master’s and doctoral programs combined.

Saint Mary's counseling students interested in obtaining dual licensure as a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC) may be interested in enrolling in the Dual Program Option. This option is available at the Minneapolis location and combines the requirements of the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services and the Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies in as few as 60 credits. An Integrated Practicum of 880 hours is based on the State of Minnesota's practicum requirements for licensure as a LPC/LPCC and LADC.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).  Graduation from an institution accredited by a CHEA-recognized body is required to meet educational requirements for counseling licensure in Minnesota.  

Related Programs

Counseling and Psychological Services master's students may also be interested in adding the Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies. Some students choose to apply to the Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology program. Master’s students may apply after they finish their master's degrees or as early entry applicants.