Masters in Counseling Psychology or Counseling?

[aceegreene]

Hello All!

 

I am new to gradcafe and am currently in the process of making a decision regarding whether to apply for a Masters in Counseling or Counseling Psychology. I eventually want to complete a PhD or PsyD in Counseling Psychology, however since I lack research experience as well as being an international student I first want to do a Masters degree. 

 

According to my research there are very few Masters programs in Counseling Psychology while there are many Counseling masters programs available. Now should I be applying to Counseling or Counseling Psychology programs? And does a Masters in Counseling hinder in an eventual pursuit of a PhD in Counseling Psychology?

 

Also which stream of Counseling would be best to pursue in terms of aiding with future admission prospects into PhD programs? Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling? Lastly, what are good schools for Counseling masters?

 

Thank You!!!

[clinicalpsychphd20]

You could pursue a Master's in Experimental Psychology, as many are funded. This will make you more competitive for PhD Programs in Counseling psychology, because you will get the needed research experience. Just a thought. 

[aceegreene]

Thank you for your reply. I am definitely going to look at Experimental Psychology programs. However, do Counseling programs not offer research opportunities?

[FeelGoodDoGood]

Hi there!

 

A little background about me--I was just admitted to a masters in counseling psychology that has good opportunities for research (ability to do a thesis, accessible professors, graduate assistantships), AND it is a funded program (You can private message me for the name). They do exist! As far as Counseling vs. Counseling Psychology--you really just want a program that will give you opportunities to do research (and that will vary greatly by program). When I was originally researching programs to apply to I made a list and then inquired about research opportunities from current students and faculty. Normally they were helpful and honest about opportunities in their program.

 

A masters in counseling or counseling psychology will not hinder your ability to get into a counseling psych PhD program. In fact, it may even help. I recommend getting the Insider's Guide to Clinical and Counseling programs--you can see which doctoral programs prefer students with a masters and then also which programs prefer students with just a bachelor's degree.

 

Feel free to PM me for more questions!

[psych21]

I am in a counseling psych PhD program and our program also offers an MS in counseling psych. Funding is available but very hard to get as PhD students get priority, thus most MS students are not funded. Research opportunities are ample--I usually see the opposite thing, MS students not taking advantage of them. 

I'd go with counseling psych if possible if your end goal is a PhD program, as counseling is accredited by CACREP and the PhD programs in counseling psych are accredited by APA. That means MS programs in counseling psych tend to align more with APA standards.

The main reasons not to do Experimental Psych, in my opinion, are the introductory counseling skills classes and practicum. With a MS in counseling psych you will have intro skills classes that most PhD programs then will waive; also, you will do a full year of practicum and then you can count those hours toward your AAPI internship application. Otherwise you'll have to get those classes and prac hours in the PhD program which will make the whole endeavor longer.

[FeelGoodDoGood]

I echo everything that psych21 is saying. Nice to see some counseling psychology folks on the board.

[aceegreene]

Thanks a lot psych21 and FeelGoodDoGood. Both of you have been an immense help in clearing up a big confusion.