Master of Science in Clinical Counseling

Albertus Magnus College’s 60-credit Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program is designed to be completed in 3 years, including 2 summer classes after the first year. Classes are offered in the evening so as to facilitate employment during the first 2 years and completion of the internship in the 3rd year. Some classes, particularly in the summer, follow an 8-week, accelerated, modular format. Most classes are fully on-ground, though some are offered in a blended/hybrid format.

The program is designed to lead to eligibility as a Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.) in the State of Connecticut. (In addition to the master’s degree, candidates for licensure must obtain postgraduate supervised work experience and pass an examination.) Most professional positions in behavioral health require or strongly prefer that applicants possess or be eligible for licensure. Note that each state sets its own standards for licensure. Our program is likely to meet the standards set elsewhere, but it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that this is the case and to make up any deficiencies.

We offer two specialty tracks: mental health counseling and addiction counseling. Students apply for admission to one or the other. The mental health counseling track includes advanced coursework on assessment, psychotherapy, and case conceptualization. The addiction counseling track includes specialized coursework on psychopharmacology, addictive behaviors, and addiction counseling. Students completing the addiction counseling track will be eligible to apply for licensure as alcohol and drug counselors (L.A.D.C.) in addition to the L.P.C. Again, this will require appropriate experience and passage of an examination as well as the degree.

How to Apply

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program, applicants must submit the following:

• A completed application form and a $50 non-refundable application fee;
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.00 or higher. (All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.);
• At least 15 credits in psychology, including a class in statistics;
• ONE of the following:
• A substantive writing sample (such as a term paper from an upper-level class) OR
• Scores on the general test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Two letters of recommendation from former professors or supervisors;
• A personal statement of 250–500 words detailing the applicant’s motivation and self-assessed suitability for a career in counseling;
• An interview with one or more program faculty members.

Applicants whose grades or coursework fall short of the above criteria may, at the discretion of program faculty, be offered admission on a conditional or probationary basis. Decisions concerning admission will be made based on a holistic review of the complete application.

All application materials should be sent to:
The Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Admissions Committee
Division of Professional and Graduate Studies
Albertus Magnus College
700 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06511-1189

Professional Counseling Associations