Admission Requirements
Degree students in Counseling or Psychology must meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School. While a strong undergraduate background in psychology is preferred, capable students with course work in general psychology, developmental psychology and statistics will be considered.
All applicants must submit either a Miller Analogies Test score or a Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test score. Additionally, degree applicants may be required to participate in an on-campus interview with other applicants and faculty. No more than six credits earned prior to full admission may be applied to a degree in the Department of Psychology and Counseling.
The faculty of the Department of Psychology and Counseling believe that advisement is a critical component of graduate training. As such, faculty are available to students during posted times. While the student's advisor is an essential part of the student's progress throughout the program, students are reminded that it is the student's responsibility to schedule appointments, to register for courses in a timely manner and to submit various departmental and Graduate School forms (Candidacy, Comprehensive Exams, Professional Contribution, Internship and Graduation). Students should be very familiar with the Student Handbook and consult with their advisor on a regular basis.
Details concerning special admissions requirements for the clinical services concentration are available upon request from the Department Chairperson and are outlined in the Student Handbook. Consideration for this program is made only after the student has completed degree candidacy requirements.
Counseling Candidacy and Degree Requirements
To be eligible for candidacy in Counseling, students must meet the following requirements:
1. Fulfill any and all Admissions Committee requirements.
2. Complete twelve credits at Marywood with a grade of "B" or better.
3. Submit a career goal statement.
4. Receive departmental approval of a planned 48 credit program.
Degree requirements include an internship and final comprehensive examination.
Psychology Candidacy and Degree Requirements
To be eligible for candidacy in Psychology, students must meet the following requirements:
1. Fulfill any and all Admissions Committee requirements.
2. Complete twelve credits at Marywood with a QPA of 3.00 or better.
3. Apply for candidacy after completing twelve credits in the department.
4. Receive departmental approval of a planned 45-48 credit program.
Degree requirements include a Closure Experience and comprehensive examination.
Department Requirements and Student Handbook
Grade Point Average Requirement:
If a Counseling or Psychology student's QPA falls below a 3.00, that student is given one semester to bring his/her QPA up to 3.00.
Students who plan to apply for doctoral training programs after completing their master's degree are advised to review admissions requirements for the doctoral programs that they hope to attend. Graduation requirements at the master's level may or may not meet the requirements of admissions for specific doctoral programs. Students may need to select particular electives in order to meet doctoral admissions requirements.
Specific details regarding tentative two-year course schedules, course sequencing, program and degree requirements are outlined in the Student Handbook, available from the Department Chairperson. Students must consult the handbook for current departmental rules and regulations.
Professional Conduct
The department requires students to conduct themselves as professionals-in-training. As such, students are expected to act in a manner that displays the highest regard for human dignity and ethical standards. This professional behavior is expected both in and out of the classroom. Students with a Counseling major are required to adhere to the ethical code of the American Counseling Association. Students with a Psychology major are required to adhere to the ethical code of the American Psychological Association. Students should consult the departmental handbook for further details.
Licensure Issues
Licensing law changes being introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature at the time this catalog is going to press may affect students in the Psychology and Counseling programs. These changes may affect degree requirements for those students who wish to seek licensing credentials following the completion of their degrees. Students will be advised of legislative changes and may choose to meet any more stringent requirements for licensure, either as part of their degree studies or as part of specially designed post-master's training programs.