Description and Goals
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program is designed to provide a solid clinical foundationwhile also fostering a climate that allows for the effective integration of the creative and expressive artsinto the practice of counseling and psychotherapy. The program facilitates the development ofcounseling skills via professional clinical training and immersion in various artistic modalities (e.g.,music, painting, creative writing). Graduates of the program are prepared to serve their communities ascreative, productive, service-oriented leaders in the clinical counseling profession. Graduates arequalified to apply to the State of Maine Board of Counseling Professionals to sit for the NationalCounselor Exam (NCE), which upon passing, qualifies them for the Licensed Clinical ProfessionalCounselor, conditional licensure (LCPC-C).
Specific student outcomes or behavioral objectives:
●Students will be prepared for post-graduate entry-level work in the field of clinical counseling.
●Students will find diverse ways to conceptualize and utilize the creative arts in clinical practice.
●Students will be prepared to employ creative arts therapies with a diverse array of populations.
This 64 credit intensive, part-time program is offered in a hybrid model with face-to-face or synchronous instruction for all courses.
Campus Technology
Tools Students are expected to use the following campus technology tools:
- MyCampus, the UMF web portal, from which you will be able to log into the sites listed below, as well as Mantor Library, and UMS Academy (online training resources).
- MaineStreet, the software where demographic information is stored, registration occurs and grades can be seen.
- Brightspace, is the learning management system used for hybrid and online courses.
- University email.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, an applicant must:
- have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. (A foreign degree must be validated by the World Educational Services, Center for Educational Documentation, Inc., or other appropriate agency. The decision to accept the degree is made on a case-by-case basis by the Associate Dean.
Application is made online at https://www.umf.maine.edu/grad-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/02/Application-UMF-MA-in-Counseling-Psychology.pdf.
Required supplemental materials include:
- An essay;
- Two professional recommendations;
- Current professional resume with employment dates
- Official transcript(s) of undergraduate degree(s) (including UMF) and all graduate work;
- Copy of certification or license, when appropriate; and
- A non-refundable $60 application fee.
Submission of Application
Applications and essays should be emailed as attachments to gradstudies@maine.edu, or sent to the address below. Supplemental materials should be mailed to:
Division of Graduate and Continuing Education
University of Maine at Farmington
111 South Street
Farmington, ME 04938
Admission Decisions
Only completed applications will be reviewed. Admission decisions are made by the Graduate Admissions Committee on a rolling basis until the enrollment cap is reached. Applications received after that point will be considered for the next available cohort.
Immunization Law
Maine state law requires all individuals born after December 31, 1956, who plan to enroll in a degree program or plan to take 12 or more credits, to show proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus before registering for classes. Immunization records must be on file with UMF Student Health Services before students will be allowed to register for class.
Required Criminal Background Check
All successful applicants will complete and pass a criminal background check as a final step before matriculation into the program.
Transfer of Credit to the Program
Some transfer credit may be considered on a case by case basis but not to exceed 9 credits.
Student Policies
Student Advisement
Each MA in Counseling Psychology student will be assigned a faculty advisor. The advisor and Associate Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education will review student transcripts and registration status to monitor student progress. A student is expected to maintain regular communication with his/her academic advisor.
Degree Completion
This program is set up for full time enrollment and students will complete in two years. Students who need to leave the program for a period of time must make a plan for completion with their advisor and approved by the department of Psychology and Associate Dean of Graduate and continuing education.
Progress
A student is expected to make consistent progress towards the degree and maintain regular communication with his/her academic advisor. If a student does not enroll in a course for two terms, or receive an approved leave of absence, a space in the program will not be maintained, and the student must reapply.
Leave of Absence
A student may request a leave of absence. These requests must be made in writing using the Withdrawal/Leave of Absence form,and signed by the student and advisor. The Associate Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education reviews requests.
Deferral Policy
After admission to the MA of Counseling Psychology, a student must begin coursework within three terms, or the student will be considered inactive. An inactive student must complete a readmission application if s/he would like to be considered for readmission.
Withdrawal from Program
A student who voluntarily withdraws from the program after beginning coursework may submit a readmission application to be considered again.
Commencement
A master’s degree candidate may participate in the commencement ceremony only if he or she has applied for graduation and been certified to participate by Merrill Center Student Services. Where 3-6 credits remain and completion will be in the summer immediately following commencement, students may participate in commencement. However, the diploma will not be released until after the receipt of the final grades at the end of August. All special circumstances must be approved in advance by the Associate Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education.
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