Highlights For:
FAQs about Counseling Programs
Counseling and Psychological Services (M.S.Ed.) |
Professional Counseling and Psychology (M.Phil.) |
Counseling and Psychological Services (M.S.Ed.)
Program requirements and admissions
- What are the requirements to get in the program?
- I don't have a bachelor's degree in psychology. Will this be a problem for me?
- What is the minimum GPA and GRE scores required for entering students?
- I'm a Penn undergrad. Can I submatriculate into the Counseling and Psychological Services program?
- How do I find out about financial aid?
Program basics
- How long is the program?
- Can I attend the program part-time?
- What courses do I need to take? What is a typical course schedule?
Licensure and certification
- What is the difference between a school counselor and a school psychologist?
- What does school counselor certification involve?
- Can I be licensed after this program?
- Would I be eligible for certification as a school psychologist after completing the M.S.Ed. in Counseling and Psychological Services?
Courses and practicum
- Is there any reading I should be doing prior to the start of the program?
- Is it possible to take a summer course that would count toward my M.S.Ed. degree?
- When and how do I choose my practicum? Should I be looking for my own practicum?
- Should my practicum be in a school setting if I want to be certified as a school counselor?
- What is the format of the comprehensive exam? When is the exam?
- How big will my classes be?
- Who is my advisor? How often do I need to meet with my advisor?
Philadelphia
Basics
- When do I register?
- When will I receive my tuition bill?
- When is orientation?
- When is graduation?
- Whom do I call if I have questions?
Working - during and after the program
- May I work during the year?
- What about work study opportunities?
- Where can I find information about career options?
What are the requirements to get in the program?
Students do not have to have an undergraduate degree in psychology. Prior to matriculation in the program, you must have completed courses in Introductory Psychology and Elementary Statistics, with grades of B or better. In addition, students must take the GRE General Test. The GRE Subject Test in Psychology is not required.
I don't have a bachelor's degree in psychology. Will this be a problem for me?
No. Many of our students were not psychology majors as undergraduate students. Satisfactory completion (i.e., a grade of B or better) of Introductory Psychology and Elementary Statistics are required prior to matriculation into the program.
What is the minimum GPA required for entering students?
While there is no "cut-off" for GPA, students should have achieved at least an overall B average while an undergraduate student. The average overall GPA of admitted students in the past few years has been a 3.37 with a range of 2.8 to 3.98.
What is the minimum GRE score required for entering students?
There is no "cut-off" score for the GRE. The average GRE V+Q score of admitted students in the past few years has been 1129 with a range of 910 - 1400.
I'm a Penn undergrad. Can I submatriculate into the Psychological Services program?
Undergraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for an accelerated program of master's degree study by seeking admission to the Graduate School of Education as submatriculants. Submatriculation may occur in the junior or senior year, but not before. A submatriculant takes graduate education courses while continuing to enroll in the undergraduate college. A maximum of two graduate level education courses may be "double counted" toward requirements for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. In order to count these courses toward the master's degree, a grade of 3.0 (B) or better must be earned. In addition, you must be admitted as a submatriculant prior to taking these graduate courses. To apply as a submatriculant, you should do the following:
- During your junior year, see Dr. Srilata Gangulee in the College Office to pick up the College application for submatriculation.
- Arrange for an appointment with the Coordinator of the Master's Program in Counseling and Psychological Services to complete the application for submatriculation (which includes a planned program of study).
- See the undergraduate chair of your current major department for approval to proceed.
- Return the completed application for submatriculation to Dr. Gangulee.
- Complete and submit the Graduate School of Education Admissions application (which includes letters of recommendation, transcript, statement of purpose, and GRE General Test scores).
All paperwork must be approved and submitted during the fall of your senior year at the latest. You may enroll in the GSE courses which will "double count" only after being admitted to the master's program and after receiving approval from your major department and the College. Further information is available in the GSE Student Handbook and from the College of Arts and Sciences.
How do I find out about financial aid?
Information about financial aid can be located on GSE's Financial Aid Office website http://www.gse.upenn.edu/admissions_financial/.
Program Basics
The program is one-calendar year in duration. Most students begin the program in September and finish in August of the following year. Some students decide to take one or two courses in the summer so that they can finish in May. There is no disadvantage to beginning the program in September.
Can I attend the program part-time?
The program is for full-time students only. The only exception to this is for full-time Penn employees who are accepted into the program. Penn employees who wish to attend the program part-time should schedule a meeting with the Program Coordinator as soon as possible in order to map out a plan of study.
What courses do I need to take? What is a typical course schedule?
In order to complete the Counseling and Psychological Services, M.S.Ed. Program,, you need to take at least 10 course units (equivalent of 30 credits of other institutions). Your specific plan of study will vary, depending on your goals (e.g., enrolling in a doctoral program in the future, completing the requirements to become eligible for licensure as a professional counselor or as a school counselor).
Fall Semester
- EDUC686 - Psychological Interventions
- EDUC687 - Ethics and Professional Principles in Counseling Psychology
- EDUC688 - Psychological Practicum
- EDUC782 - Psychological Assessment I
Spring Semester
- Sociocultural Elective
- Research Course (for those intending to apply to Track 3, Professional Counseling, leading to Licensure)
- OR Curriculum Course (for those intending to apply to Track 2,the School Counseling Certification program)
- Human Growth and Development Elective
- EDUC613 - Group Counseling
- EDUC688 - Psychological Practicum
Examples of Approved Sociocultural Electives:
- EDUC522 - Psychology of the African American
- EDUC574 - Race and Ethnicity in Human Development
- EDUC581 - Advanced Psychology of Women
- EDUC612 - Interactional Processes with LGBT Individuals
- EDUC663 - Sociocultural Foundations in Applied Psychology
Examples of Approved Human Growth and Development Electives:
- EDUC557 - Interactional Processes with Adolescents
- EDUC560 - Human Development
- EDUC561 - Adolescent Development
EDUC580 - Interactional Processes with Children
Summer Semester
Students will enroll in 1 - 4 courses, depending upon the track they intend to pursue.
There are two summer semesters, each lasting 6 weeks. During the summer session, class meetings are two times per week. Students may schedule their summer courses over the two sessions, or may take them in one session. Please note that it is very difficult to take three courses in one summer session, and it is not recommended.
Licensure and certification
What is the difference between a school counselor and a school psychologist?
A school counselor typically provides counseling and guidance services to students. In order to be employed as a school counselor, you will need to be certified by the state department of education. Please note that each state varies in their certification regulations and requirements.
A school psychologist provides a very specialized service - school psychologists are the only school staff who can conduct psychoeducational assessments and thereby make recommendations regarding the need for special education services. School psychologists may also do counseling, but this varies by school and by district. In many school districts, school psychologists are responsible for covering many schools and almost exclusively do assessments and write reports. In these districts, school counselors are responsible for day-to-day counseling needs of students.
What does school counselor certification involve?
Completion of a one-year Master's program in psychology is not sufficient to become eligible for certification as a School Counselor. During the fall semester of the Counseling and Psychological Services, M.S.Ed. Program, Students may apply for advanced study in the Professional Counseling and Psychology Specialization for School Counseling Certification, Track 2. This involves an additional 6 courses after the Counseling and Psychological Services, M.S.Ed. Program's 10 course curriculum, and a 300 hour internship in a school.
Can I be licensed after this program?
Completion of a one-year Master's program in psychology is not sufficient to become eligible for licensure. During the fall semester of the Counseling and Psychological Services, M.S.Ed. Program, Students may apply for advanced study in the Professional Counseling and Psychology Specialization for Professional Counseling, leading to Licensure (LPC), Track 3. This involves an additional 10 courses after the Counseling and Psychological Services, M.S.Ed. Program's 10 course curriculum, and a 600 hour internship in a counseling setting.
Courses and Practicum
Is there any reading I should be doing prior to the start of the program?
Although there are no assigned summer readings prior to the program, a few students choose to do a small amount of review reading in the area of psychology. Readings usually focus on related sections of an introduction to psychology textbook (i.e., theories of counseling, assessment, ethics, and human development) and other students find it useful to review an introduction to statistics textbook.
Is it possible to take a summer course that would count toward my M.S.Ed. degree?
Yes, a few students choose to take a summer course for various reasons. Some students like to begin their coursework in the summer when the program is at a slower pace. You will not be at a disadvantage if you choose to begin the program in September. If you wish to take a course during the summer, you must contactthe Applied Psychology-Human Development Division Coordinator at evelynj@gse.upenn.edu about enrolling for the summer.
When and how do I choose my practicum? Should I be looking for my own practicum?
Information concerning the practicum selection process is mailed to students during the summer. In order to be able to participate in the process, it is important that students return the required forms by the due date. Part-time Penn employees who are students in the program only need to return the paperwork if they are going to be doing their practicum assignment in the upcoming year.
In September (after classes have started), students review the files on practicum sites. Placement assignments are made toward the end of September,and students are expected to be working at their sites during the first week of October. An informational meeting about the selection process will be held during the first week of EDUC688.
Some students prefer to establish a practicum that they find themselves (i.e., they know school administrators at a school close to where they live or would like to pursue a specific practicum that they locate themselves). If this is the case, you must contact the Field Placement Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss the potential site and the related requirements for establishing a site. DO NOT CONTACT THE SITE BEFORE DISCUSSING THE POSSIBILITY WITH THE FIELD PLACEMENT COORDINATOR. Not every site will be appropriate, so you only want to contact a site after you know that it has the potential of meeting the requirements necessary to be established as a practicum site. The process takes time, so please do not wait to contact the Field Placement Coordinator if you have questions about establishing a specific site. Typically, students need to begin working on this prior to the start of summer.
Do you have practicum placements outside of Philadelphia?
As a university in an urban setting, the majority of our practicum placement sites are located within Philadelphia. While we do have some sites that are located in suburban PA and in NJ, there are not many of these. If you would prefer a site outside of the city, you should review the procedures for establishing your own practicum site.
Do I have to do my practicum in a school setting if I want to be certified as a school counselor?
All students in the Counseling and Psychological Services, M.S.Ed., program complete a two semester practicum experience. The practicum may be completed in a variety of counseling settings. Some students elect to work in a school setting, while others decide to gain exposure to a different type of setting. Thereafter, students who matriculate into the Track 2 specialization for School Counseling Certification must complete an internship in a school setting.
What is the format of the comprehensive exam? When is the exam?
All M.S.Ed.students must pass a comprehensive exam. The exam is usually scheduled for a Friday in February, in a 4-hour block of time. The comps exam in Counseling and Psychological Services typically consists of three sections: Psychological Practice and Ethics, Psychological Intervention, and Psychological Assessment. The exam usually consists of objective questions. NOTE: The content of sections and number of questions per section may be changed as needed per year.
Sections are graded pass/fail. Students must pass all sections in order to graduate. In the event that a student fails a section, only that section needs to be retaken. Retakes are scheduled for the summer.
The master's program varies in size each year. The size ranges anywhere from 30 to 45 students. In the fall, all students in the program will be in the same classes. Some classes also might include students from other programs at GSE and at Penn.
In the spring and summer semesters, class size can vary from 7 to 50 students, depending on the class and specialization.
When working on your budget for the year, make sure that you include the summer session(s), as well as housing and living costs. Some of the publications you have received list the tuition for the academic year, as opposed to the calendar year.
Who is my advisor? How often do I need to meet with my advisor?
You will be assigned an academic advisor at the beginning of the fall semester in the Master's Program in Counseling and Psychological Services.
You are not required to have an advising appointment prior to the start of classes in the fall, since all students take the same core courses. You will meet with the Field Placement Coordinator in September in order to discuss practicum assignments.
At a minimum, you also should meet with your advisor in the fall and spring, prior to the Advance Registration periods in order to discuss your spring and summer courses and to complete the Planned Program of Study for your specialization track.
Basics
Course registration for the first semester of the Counseling and Psychological Services M.S.Ed. is done for you by the division coordinator. You may check your registrations at any time via Penn In-Touch (https://sentry.isc.upenn.edu/intouch/). The courses you will take in the fall are required courses (EDUC686, EDUC687, EDUC688, EDUC782). Please refer to the GSE Academic Calendar for dates regarding the fall drop/add period (GSE will be sending you the calendar in the mail, or you can check the calendar online http://www.gse.upenn.edu/degrees_programs/acadcal.php)
When will I receive my tuition bill?
The fall tuition bill usually is sent in late September. You must be registered for your courses by the specified dates in order to receive a bill that accurately reflects your course load.
There are TWO orientations that you are required to attend. One is for the Graduate School of Education (GSE), and the other is specific to Applied Psychology-Human Development Programs (APHD). It is necessary to attend the GSE orientation in order to receive information about school policies and procedures. It is necessary to attend the APHD orientation in order to receive information specific to your degree program, and to meet the faculty. For complete GSE and APHD orientation information, visit the GSE website: http://www.gse.upenn.edu/student_life/
The University of Pennsylvania holds one graduation ceremony per year, in the month of May. Students who have completed 8 of the c.u.'s toward their M.S.Ed. may march in the May graduation ceremony even though they will not complete the program until August. Diplomas are mailed home in the fall after all degree requirements are met.
Whom do I contact if I have questions?
Please feel free to contact the APHD Coordinator, Evelyn Jordan at evelynj@gse.upenn.edu).
Philadelphia
The answer to this question varies from person to person depending on needs and interests. If you are planning to live on-campus, the number for On-Campus Housing is (215) 898-8271. If you wish to live off-campus you may find it helpful to contact Penn's office of Off-Campus Housing (215) 898-8500. The Off-Campus Housing website also is very informative; it gives brief descriptions of various neighborhoods, lists what type of lease to avoid signing, and explains your legal rights as a tenant. Information about various housing options can be found at the following link: http://www.upenn.edu/campus_life/housing/index.html.
Other helpful links for finding off-campus housing include:
http://www.PhiladelphiaWeekly.com/
(free weekly newspaper with many rental ads)
http://www.philly.com/ (link to the major Philadelphia newspapers)
http://www.philadelphia-apartments.net
http://www.apartmentsolutions.com/
http://www.philly-apts.com/
International students may want to consider living at International House, located at 37th and Chestnut Streets. http://www.ihousephilly.org/
How can I learn more about Philadelphia?
http://www.phillyvisitor.com/
http://www.pcvb.org/
http://www.gophila.com/
http://www.upenn.edu/philadelphia/
Working - during and after the program
We are very aware of the cost of Penn tuition and the need for some students to subsidize the cost of their education. Please remember, however, that you are about to partake in an intensive program and it is difficult to maintain the level of time and energy necessary for both the program (course work and practicum) as well as an outside job. In addition to courses and practicum requirements, there are additional required training workshops, study groups for classes, and some classes may have additional meetings. Finally, students take their core courses in the fall, which are a bit more labor-intensive than some other courses. Students often find it easier to work starting in the spring semester, after completing the core coursework and the comprehensive exams.
What about work study opportunities?
Students who qualify for a work-study position may apply for any of the designated work study positions on campus. The Office of Student Employment (3927 Walnut Street - 215-898-6966) has a current listing of all openings. Their web site (Office of Student Employment) also is useful. There are a limited number of positions within APHD and within GSE. If you are interested in work study in APHD or GSE, please indicate your interest during your first week at Penn.
Where can I find information about career
options?
Monica Tavares (mtavares@pobox.upenn.edu) is the Career Services staff member who works with students at GSE. Monica is a wonderful resource who can help with issues ranging from career decision-making to practicing for an interview. In addition, she maintains an email listserv in order to disseminate information about job listings, workshops, etc. Email her to be added to the listserv.
Career services also has a very helpful website (http://www.upenn.edu/careerservices/gse/gsemain.html)
A searchable database of jobs can be found at http://www.upenn.edu/careerservices/sw/swdb/swdb.html
Upon graduation, our students typically do the following:
Employment:
Administration 11%
Research 11 %
School counseling
(elementary, secondary, guidance, college career) 15%
Mental health care (managed care and non-managed care settings) 53%
Continue with graduate school:
Doctoral program within psychology 10%
Professional Counseling and Psychology (M.Phil.)
Admissions requirements
- What are the requirements for admission to the program?
- I do not have a master's degree in a counseling psychology-related field. Is this a pre-requisite for applying?
- Does it make sense to complete this program and then apply to doctoral programs?
Applying
Program basics
- How long is the program?
- May I attend the program part-time?
- Is the program accredited by APA or other accrediting body?
- What courses will I need to take in the program?
- What is a typical course schedule?
- Is there a research requirement or a comprehensive examination?
- Who is my advisor?
Internships
- What does an internship entail?
- How do I find an internship?
- How long is an internship?
- When can I do my internship?
- Can I count my counseling job as an internship?
- What are the qualifications for internship supervisors?
Licensure
- Will I be eligible for licensure?
- Will I be able to be licensed in other states?
- How many hours of field experience do I need in order to be licensed?
- Which exam is used for licensure?
- How can I find out more information about the licensure exam?
Additional information
Admissions requirements
What are the requirements for admission to the program?
In order to be eligible for admission to the MPE program in Professional Counseling and Psychology (PC), applicants must have sucessfully completed PennGSE's Counseling and Psychological Services Program during the academic year prior to admission in the MPE program in Professional Counseling and Psychology. The program also accepts applications from persons with a 48 credit master's degree in counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or other mental health-related field that included graduate-level courses in intervention theory, assessment, human development, sociocultural counseling, research design/program evaluation, career counseling and group counseling. Master's preparation must also have included a counseling/clinical practicum with a minimum of 224 supervised hours. In compliance with Pennsylvania requirements, graduates of the PennGSE Counseling and Psychological Services Program who have been out for more than one semester are not eligible for the MPE.
Upon admission to the PC program, each student will be assigned an academic advisor who will work with the student to complete a program of study that meets Pennsylvania licensing and PennGSE requirements. If you plan to be license eligible in another state(s), you may plan a program of study relevant to these requirements as well. It is the student's responsibility to learn the requirements for licensure in the other state.
I do not have a master's degree in a counseling psychology-related field. Is this a pre-requisite for applying?
Yes, the PC program has been designed to be a post-master's program with advanced coursework building on a previous master's degree in psychological services, counseling or clinical psychology, social work, or other mental-health-related degree. You may want to consider PennGSE's M.S.Ed. in Psychological Services. (http://www.gse.upenn.edu/degrees_programs/aphd_services.php).
Does it make sense to do this program and then apply to doctoral programs?
It depends on what area you would like to focus your doctoral studies. The PC program was designed to be a terminal master's degree that focuses specifically on training counselors and therapists. If you hope to work for several years before pursuing a doctoral program, it might make sense to complete the PC program and obtain a license. This would enable you to work as a professional counselor prior to beginning your doctoral studies. Keep in mind that you need to complete a 3600 hour internship post-MPE graduation before you can get the license. In addition, if you want to pursue a doctoral program in an area that is not counseling or clinical psychology (i.e., one in which you would not be eligible for licensure), and you want to be able to also work as aprofessional counselor, then this program would also be a good match for your career path.
Applying
How do I apply?
Our admissions webpage includes information on applying to our programs: http://www.gse.upenn.edu/admissions_financial/howtoapply.php
If you are coming to the PC program directly from the PennGSE Counseling and Psychological Services Program: - Completed admissions application (application fee waived) - Essay - no more than two pages, double-spaced - New GRE scores will only be required if your scores are more than 5 years old . Your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores (if within 5 years) will be forwarded from your Counseling and Psychological Services admissions file. - In compliance with Pennsylvania requirements, graduates of the PennGSE Counseling and Psychological Services Program who have been out for more than one semester are not eligible for the MPE.
Applicants who have completed a 48 credit program at another institution - Completed admissions application - Essay - no more than two pages, double-spaced - GRE scores no more than 5 years old -Three recommendation letters, one of which should be from a work supervisor who can attest to your clinical/counseling skills - Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (undergraduate and graduate) One recommendation letter from a work supervisor since graduation who can attest to your clinical/counseling skills.
Interviews are requested of persons whose applications meet the academic and experiential expectations of the program.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If you are applying for the fall semester, it is useful to have your complete application submitted in the spring. Most applications are received and reviewed by the faculty by March 31st.
What about financial aid?
We are aware that graduate tuition is expensive. Most of our students work with the Financial Aid Office on a loan package to finance their education. Students may be able to find paid jobs that would also serve as their internship. The PennGSE Applied Psychology-Human Development Division may also have graduate assistant funds available for those who qualify. Information about financial aid can be located on GSE's Financial Aid Office website. Professional organizations also have scholarships available for student members. If you have access to a college/university library, check in the reference section for books on grants, aid, etc. Ask the reference librarian for assistance. Other financial aid links: http://www.apa.org/pi/wpo/directory.html
http://www.aauw.org/fga/fellowships_grants/index.cfm (for women)
http://www.internationalscholarships.com (for international students)
Program Basics
How long is the program?
This will depend on your previous master's level coursework, and whether you are enrolled in the PC program full-time or part-time. ThePennsylvania regulations are very explicit about the types of courses required as part of a 20 course (60 semester hour) program. Full-time students must begin the program in the fall and can complete the program in one full year. Part-time students may begin fall, spring, or summer.
May I attend the program part-time?
Students are permitted to enroll in the program part-time. A program of study needs to be completed with the academic advisor upon matriculation in the program. Students have 6 years to complete the degree, as outlined by GSE Policy (http://www.gse.upenn.edu/student_life/handbook.pdf)
Is the program accredited by APA or other accrediting body?
The American Psychological Association (APA) only provides accreditation for doctoral psychology programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology. Master's programs are not eligible for APA accreditation. There are two accrediting agencies for master's level programs in psychology: (1) the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), and (2) Masters in Psychology Accreditation Council (MPAC). Both accrediting agencies require that the program be in existence and have students enrolled before an application for accreditation can be made. The PC program is not accredited by these agencies. What is important, however, is whether or not a program of study meets a state licensing board's requirements. Our program was written so that it meets the Pennsylvania requirements. Therefore, students should be eligible for licensure in PA regardless of the program's accreditation status.
What courses will I need to take in the program?
This will depend on the courses that you have completed in your previous master's degree. However, in general, all students must complete coursework in the following in order to eligible for licensure in Pennsylvania. · Human growth and development - 2 semesters · Social and cultural foundations - 2 semesters · Helping relationships - 2 semesters · Group work - 2 semesters · Career and lifestyle development - 2 semesters · Appraisal/assessment - 2 semesters · Research and program evaluation - 2 semesters · Professional orientation - 2 semesters In addition, students must have completed a 224 hour practicum prior to entering PC and as part of their master's program. Completion of the PC program requires a 600 hour internship (20 hours per week, completed over the course of 2 semesters)
What is a typical course schedule?
For students entering from the Counseling and Psychological Services M.S.Ed., a typical program of study would be as follows:
YEAR ONE (Counseling and Psychological Services, M.S.Ed.)
|
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
|
1. Helping Relationship (686 Psychological Interventions) |
5. Social & Cultural Foundations (663, 522, 574) |
10. Career/Lifestyle (685 Career Development) |
|
2. Appraisal/Assessment (782 Psychological Assessment I) |
6. Research & Program Evaluation DISTRIBUTION (667, 880, or other) |
11. Research & Program Evaluation (667, 880, or other) |
|
3. Professional Orientation (687 Professional Orientation 1: History, Roles & Ethics) |
7. Human Growth & Development (560, 561, 557, 580) |
12. Human Growth & Development (560,561) OR Social & Cultural Foundations (581, 522, 612) |
|
4. 688 Practicum (0.5 + 0.5 cu) (8 hr week at site) |
8. 688 Practicum (0.5 + 0.5 cu) (8 hr week at site) Total Practicum hours for the Year = 224 hours |
13 Group Work (585 Psychology of Group and Family Systems Intervention) |
|
|
9. Group Work (613 Group Counseling) |
GRADUATION M.S.Ed. |
|
|
Comprehensive Examination |
|
YEAR TWO (Professional Counseling, MPhil.)
|
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
|
14. Appraisal/Assessment (783 Psychological Asessment) |
17. Career/Lifestyle (617 Psychology of School-to-Career Transitions) |
20. Human Growth & Development (560, 561) OR Social & Cultural Foundations (581, 522, 612) |
|
15. Helping Relationships (766 Advanced Professional Psychology Intervention) |
18. Professional Orientation (725 Advanced Professional Development in Counseling Psychology) |
GRADUATION M.P.E. |
|
16 PCAP Internship (20 hours per week) (717 Internship in PCAP) |
19. PCAP Internship (20 hours per week) (718 Internship in PCAP) TOTAL FOR YEAR = 600 Hours NEW COURSE |
|
|
|
Oral Clinical Examination |
|
This course schedule may vary for students who have completed a 48 credit program at another institution.
Is there a research requirement or a comprehensive examination?
The PC program is an applied practice program not a research-focused program; therefore, there is no thesis or research requirement. There is a clinical oral examination during the final semester of internship. Given the Professional Psychology Specialization's focus on engaged scholarship and problem-solving within context, the comprehensive examination process is designed to assess the student's working active knowledge rather than static knowledge of the three major themes of the program: 1) human development; 2) culture and contextual fit; and 3) applied psychology. The coursework is used to test student's basic knowledge of the three themes, while the examination should assess the student's competence in using and integrating applied skills in the setting where counselors will work. This clinical praxis exam will evaluate the students' abilities to present cases from their internship experiences using videotape or audiotape analysis according to our Professional Psychology Evaluation Form (PPEF). The PPEF is a 17-item likert-type form which evaluates students' competence in case conceptualization, treatment progress, cultural relevance, theoretical modality, family history and assessment. Each student will need to present a case to the faculty and pass the examination at a competency level of 85% (which means successfully addressing 14 of the 17 areas in the presentation) and receive an average score of 3 (expected level of competency) on each of the items.
Who is my advisor?
Upon admission to the program, each student will be assigned an academic advisor from among the PC program faculty of the Division of Applied Psychology and Human Development (APHD). Assignments will be made based on match between the student's and faculty member's areas of
interest and availability. These faculty include:
Dr. Jeanne Stanley - http://www.gse.upenn.edu/faculty/stanley.html
Dr. Howard Stevenson - http://www.gse.upenn.edu/faculty/stevenson.html
Dr. Duane Thomas - http://www.gse.upenn.edu/faculty/thomas.html
Internships
How long is the internship?
Students are required to do a two-semester, twenty-hour-per-week internship, under the supervision of a licensed professional (psychologist, social worker, professional counselor). You must accruea minimum of 600 hours during the internship.
What does an internship entail?
You must work at an agency or site (not a private practice) providing direct services to clients. Fee-for-service employment will not count as an approved internship.You should be engaged in individual and group or family counseling. You also should be involved in other types of professional activities such as record keeping, providing referrals, assessments and intakes, training workshops, and inservice and staff meetings. You should gain supervised experience in using different assessment instruments and using the professional literature and research to inform treatment decisions. You also need to receive a minimum of one hour of supervision per week at your internship site. Supervision must be provided by a professional who is licensed (see the next question about supervisor credentials).
What are the qualifications for internship supervisors?
Supervisors must be licensed and have at least 5 years experience (within the last 10 years) in counseling. Supervisors may be licensed as professional counselors, psychologists, or clinical social workers.
Can I count my counseling job as an internship?
It depends on the nature of your job. All internships, whether they are a student's regular job or not, must be approved by the PC program field placement coordinator.
When can I do my internship?
If you are completing the program as a full-time student, you will do your internship immediately after you have completed your one-year Counseling and Psychological Services M.S.Ed. degree program, been admitted to the PC program, and received faculty approval for your internship. You must have completed coursework on group counseling, intervention theory, assessment, and professional orientation and ethics. If you are completing the program as a part-time student, you must complete 16 courses prior to your internship. For students who have completed a 48 credit program at another institution, prior coursework that includes group counseling, intervention theory, assessment, professional orientation and ethics must be approved by the faculty to count toward the 16 cu's to begin the internship. All internships must be approved by the faculty.
How do I find an internship?
Students are responsible for finding their own internships for the PC program. Students must first be admitted to the PC program before contacting any site about the possibility of an internship. Prior to contacting a potential internship site, the student must set up an individual meeting with the Field Placement Coordinator. During this meeting, the Field Placement Coordinator and student will review the program requirements for internships and discuss the student's goals for training. Students may contact sites once they have had this meeting and been granted permission to secure an internship. This process ensures that students are not contacting the same sites as other students or contacting sites that would not be approved for training. The Field Placement Coordinator may also decide to make an initial contact with the site before granting a student permission to pursue the site as an internship. The Field Placement Coordinator will coordinate the paperwork that needs to be completed by the site in order for the site to be approved as an internship. Students who are working as mental health counselors may want to consider obtaining approval to use their job as an internship. In this instance, the student must make an appointment with the Field Placement Coordinator to review the program requirements for internships and discuss goals for training. Students will need to document that a current job meets the requirements of an internship.
Licensure
Will I be eligible for licensure?
In order to be eligible for licensure as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania, students need:
- Successful completion of a 60 credit hour (the equivalent of 20 cu's at PennGSE) master's degree in counseling or related field, which includes internship and PC clinical oral examination
- 3600 hours of supervised clinical work after graduation in order to apply for licensure - you start accruing hours after completing 48 credit hours (16 cu's). Your 600 hour internship during the course of the program does not count toward the 3600 hours of clinical work after graduation. Keep in mind that licenses are issued by the state boards (in Pennsylvania, the State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors oversees licensure of professional counselors - http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/view.asp?a=1104&q=433170#exam)
Will I be able to be licensed in other states?
The program was designed with Pennsylvania regulations in mind. One advantage is that the exam for licensure required by Pennsylvania is a national exam and the one most commonly used by states. If you are interested in licensure in another state, you need to check that state's regulations. Often, the easiest way to become licensed in another state is to first obtain licensure in the state where you trained and then apply through a reciprocity arrangement. Check this site for links to each state's licensing board: http://www.counseling.org/Content/NavigationMenu/RESOURCES/LICENSUREANDCERTIFICATION/Licensure_and_Certi.htm
How many hours in field experience do I need to complete in order to be licensed?
In Pennsylvania, you need 3600 hours of supervised clinical work after graduation in order to apply for licensure - you can start accruing hours after completing 48 credit hours (16 cu's). Therefore, your 600 hour internship may count toward those hours.
Which exam is used for licensure?
You must successfully pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) prior to being licensed. The NCE is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Scores must be forwarded directly to the State Licensing Board.
How can I find out more information about the licensure exam?
Contact the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
http://www.nbcc.org/depts/exammain.htm
http://www.nbcc.org/exams/nce.htm
http://www.nbcc.org/exams/samplequest.htm
Additional information
Where can I find additional information?
PennGSE's Counseling and Psychological Services Webpage
PennGSE's Professional Counseling and Psychology Webpage
PennGSE Webpage
Licensure in Pennsylvania
http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/view.asp?a=1104&q=433170#exam
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter49/chap49toc.html
National Board of Certified Counselors
http://www.nbcc.org/depts/exammain.htm
Whom should I contact for additional information?
Evelyn A. Jordan, Division Coordinator
Applied Psychology-Human Development Programs
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
3700 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6216
E-mail: evelynj@gse.upenn.edu
Visit the University of Pennsylvania Web site