Counseling and student personnel psychology (CSPP)

Graduate students entering this field will prepare for careers as counselors and counseling psychologists in a variety of settings. Areas of focus within the field include career development, staff development, human resource management, school counseling, and college student development. The CSPP graduate program was ranked second nationally in 2007 by U.S. News & World Report and the Ph.D. program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1952. The overall philosophy in the college is that theoretical concepts are best taught when integrated with practice.

CSPP master’s or doctoral program graduates may qualify to be a national certified counselor (NCC) or certified clinical mental health counselor (CCMHC).

Undergraduates interested in this field should consider the applied psychology in educational and community settings (APECS) minor.

Master of arts (M.A.)  in educational psychology—counseling and student personnel psychology track

Offered through the Graduate School, our M.A. program emphasizes research and theory in the context of classroom application. It generally culminates in an extensive research project and final oral exam. The application procedures and tuition fees correspond to those of the Graduate School.
 

Students completing a master’s degree may be interested in pursuing licensure in one or more of the following licensure areas: school counselor (K-12) licensure, licensed professional counselor (LPC), or licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC).

Program overview

School counseling licensure program

(For those seeking K-12 school counseling licensure only)
This licensure program is designed for professionals who already hold a master's degree in counseling or a related field but want to broaden their career development with a K-12 school counseling license. The program builds on graduate-level coursework and is individualized for each student. It aligns with the licensing requirements of the Minnesota Department of Education and state licensing board.

Program overview

Specialist certificate

The specialist program builds on the M.A. degree's generalist preparation but requires additional specific competencies in related areas.

Program overview

Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.)  in educational psychology—counseling and student personnel psychology track

Our Ph.D. degree is for students interested in focusing on a particular subject field and includes original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in that field. Students pursuing this degree are admitted through the Graduate School.
 

Students who are completing a doctoral degree may be interested in pursuing licensure in one or more of the following licensure areas: school counselor (K-12) licensure, licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), or licensed psychologist (LP).

Program overview