B.A. in Psychology to M.A. in Counseling

Overview

The Counseling programs in collaboration with the Psychology Department in the College of Arts and Sciences have implemented a B.A. in Psychology to M.A. in Counseling as an opportunity for a selective number of undergraduate Psychology students. Students who meet the criteria stated in this document will be able to take approved first year counseling courses as electives during their senior year. This program is especially ideal for Trinity undergraduate Psychology students who plan to work part-to-full time after graduation while pursuing their Master’s degree. Courses in the counseling program are offered in the evenings in a weekly format, therefore the program is designed for a student profile in which students may have the evenings available for course work.   The counseling program is a 60 credit CACREP accredited, and the program can be completed in 3 years if taking courses part-time.

The program will be marketed to Trinity psychology students, and interested students will complete a Pre-Screening Information form that will originate from the Department Chair in Psychology. The pre-screening form will prompt faculty in both programs to conduct an initial screening with the interested student to discuss the program and assess the readiness of the prospective student. Once it is determined that the student is a good match for the BA to MA program the formal Admissions application process will be completed.

Selection Criteria

This opportunity is available to only a select number of Psychology candidates. This is a selective process in which the student will be concurrently enrolled during their final year of undergraduate Psychology program courses and in the appropriate Year 1 Counseling courses (i.e., as electives in their undergraduate program). The admissions application process will begin during the Junior Year. After the initial screening process and after the student has submitted all requested materials the Chair of the Department of Psychology and the counseling faculty will review applicants and make the final selection for candidates for the BA to MA in Counseling.

  • Students must have a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average.
  • Students must complete the Pre-screening Information form, and the Admissions Personal Statement, showing evidence of interest and commitment to a School Counseling or a Clinical Mental Health program.
  • Students must have two recommendations from faculty. One of the recommendations must come from a full-time Trinity psychology professor. The second recommendation can come from a professor in psychology or human relations, who can attest to the student’s intellectual, interpersonal and emotional maturity. This is part of the pre-screening process.

Timeline

  • Sophomore year of undergraduate Psychology majors – Psychology faculty will invite counseling faculty to speak to the appropriate courses to present information about the counseling program and the opportunity offered through the B.A to M.A.
  • Fall of Junior year – students will meet with their advisor and chair of the department and complete the Pre-Screening Applicant form.
  • Spring of Junior Year – Psychology Chairperson in collaboration with the student’s advisor, decide whether the student is an appropriate candidate, and then meet with the counseling faculty for final selection.
  • At the end of Junior Year – the selected candidate will meet with her Psychology advisor to register for the counseling course (i.e., as elective in the candidate’s senior year)
  • March of Senior year – the selected student (s) will complete the formal Admissions process into the M.A. Counseling Program
  • April of Senior year – Admission Decision will be made. Candidate will be assigned a faculty mentor in the counseling program. The mentor and their faculty advisor in Psychology will review their course registrations for their senior year and determine the appropriate counseling courses for the student. The student may have the option to begin taking counseling courses in the summer semester after successfully completing their junior year. In most cases students will begin taking their counseling course in the fall semester of their senior year.

Students with questions about the program or application process should contact their academic advisor and/or a full-time faculty member in the psychology program.

Senior Year Requirements

Orientation for new Counseling students:

All new counseling students attend new student orientation at the beginning of their first semester, and register for a mandatory non-credit course, EDCC 601 Orientation: Tools for Graduate School.  The purpose of these orientations is to inform new students about: policies and procedures, professional dispositions, academic expectations, and a review of scholarly writing and other academic standards. Students will also receive the program handbook for their specialization, and students will have an opportunity to interact with other new students and current students in the program.

Advising

Students in the B.A. to M.A. counseling program will be assigned a graduate faculty mentor/advisor in their specific counseling specialization. The dual-program advisors will be in communication with the student to facilitate her transition into the graduate program. The graduate advisor/mentor will also communicate regularly with the Psychology advisor to monitor how the student is managing the dual enrollment in undergraduate and graduate programs. Strong advising and student support will be essential for student retention. This support includes helping the student to develop a professional identity, to problem-solve the dual-degree demands, and to adapt to the increased expectations of a graduate professional program.

Program of Study

The senior year schedule for Psychology majors varies depending on students’ matriculation through the curriculum and completion of General Education requirements and Psychology requirements. Students are typically enrolled in 12-15 credits.

Fall Term, Senior Year in CAS

  • Psychology Courses (12-15 credits)
  • COUN 535 Introduction to Counseling
  • EDCC 601 Orientation: Tools for Graduate School

Spring Term, Senior Year in CAS

  • Psychology Courses (12-15 credits)
  • COUN 540 Principles and Theories of Counseling

Successful Completion of B.A. in Psychology to Admissions in M.A. Counseling Program

Students will continue with their course work as outlined in their Counseling Program of Study and in planning with their Graduate Faculty Advisor/Mentor.

In general, students need another 3 years of study to complete the M.A. program of their choice.