Prospects for MS in Counseling from Unrelated Field

[fauna876]

Hi folks,

I'm wondering if anyone has changed career paths and were admitted to an MS in Counseling program. I'm coming from an arts background, exploring the possibility of changing careers.

-No psychology experience beyond undergrad 101.

-A degree in one art field, a career in another art field.

-I've been out of school for 7 years.

- 3.4 GPA,

- GRE scores of 96th percentile in verbal, 92nd in writing, and 41st in math (I hella messed up on math not keeping track of time, and can retake it expecting to get at least 50th percentile.)

I'm interested in becomming a LPC. Are there any programs you have been admitted to that did not require a related bachelor's degree? I have the opportunity to take some undergrad classes between now and next round deadlines, but rather not spend another few years getting a second bachelors degree. 

Thanks gradcafe masses!

[stantaj2]

I don't think it's entirely uncommon. From what I've seen by looking at current/past student bios in counseling psychology doctoral programs and counseling master's programs, not everyone comes from a psych background. I have, however, seen one school offer Master's admissions if the applicant agrees to complete undergrad-level psych prereqs upon entering the program.

My undergrad major was in the social sciences and I didn't take any psych courses. I'm in the process of applying to MS/M.Ed.programs in counseling this round. I already received an interview request so I guess I'll see how it goes...

Feel free to message me about this

[Psychtime]

At my Master's program, you would not be admitted without certain prereqs completed. I can only speak for my program. If you are missing one class, they sometimes excuse that, but at minimum they require research methods, cognitive psych, social, and a few more. It probably varies by program. I would reach out and ask before you spend money applying. I would also say your GPA is on the lower side and without psych classes, may be an issue. I would suggest taking a few psych classes at a local university if possible. Ace them and it will show your aptitude for psych and also improve your GPA. If you can go to open houses for programs you are interested in, that is a good place to ask about prereqs. Good luck!

[leeners]

I’m a second career MS in Mental Health Counseling - completely unrelated 1st career. But, I did have to do prerequisites before I applied - you’ll need to check what is required for each program and factor that into your application timing.
 

With respect to Counseling in particular, life experience is not just ok it’s actually championed. You just need to work through your own story to figure out why the shift. 
 

good luck!

[fauna876]

On 2/2/2020 at 11:36 PM, Psychtime said:

At my Master's program, you would not be admitted without certain prereqs completed. I can only speak for my program. If you are missing one class, they sometimes excuse that, but at minimum they require research methods, cognitive psych, social, and a few more. It probably varies by program. I would reach out and ask before you spend money applying. I would also say your GPA is on the lower side and without psych classes, may be an issue. I would suggest taking a few psych classes at a local university if possible. Ace them and it will show your aptitude for psych and also improve your GPA. If you can go to open houses for programs you are interested in, that is a good place to ask about prereqs. Good luck!

Is your program MS counseling? Or A PsyD or PhD- I specifically am not interested in the latter, knowing it would be harder to get in somewhere. I’m also more interested in practicing, not so much research. 

[Psychtime]

38 minutes ago, fauna876 said:

Is your program MS counseling? Or A PsyD or PhD- I specifically am not interested in the latter, knowing it would be harder to get in somewhere. I’m also more interested in practicing, not so much research. 

The MA counseling and MA clinical at my program both have prerequisites. 

[lbear]

I completed my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mercer Univ in Atlanta and my other degrees were in business. They did not require any pre-reqs.  I had one psych class in undergrad and spent my career in business.  It’s possible to career change!