Overview
A Solid Grounding in Advanced Psychology Principles is the Basis of the M.S. in Counseling
Above all, psychology is a science, and students are instructed from the very beginning of their entry into the Master of Science in Counseling program that the practice and study of psychology is a process of understanding human nature by applying the scientific method. Formulating and testing hypotheses of human behavior, feelings, and thought processes is at the center of the process of practicing psychology.
As an applied science, psychology demands a thorough knowledge of theory by students, who must utilize some of the same tools and techniques associated with the physical sciences and apply them to the complexities of the human mind. It is this very concept that dictates that the M.S. in Counseling is replete with a very thorough examination of the psychological principles that form the basis of a successful clinical practitioner.
The successful counselor must have a very thorough grasp of theory in order to properly apply psychological principles to his or her counseling of patients. With this in mind, the highly-dedicated faculty at the Pace University Department of Psychology instills in graduate students the basic theory and practical knowledge that students will require to successfully begin their professional careers as counselors.
The Pace University M.S. in Counseling Combines Theoretical Knowledge with Real-World Experience to Prepare Students
While there is a great emphasis placed on theoretical fundamentals of psychology throughout the M.S. in Counseling program, the program has been designed to balance this foundation with the real-world, hands-on experience that is necessary for students to begin their careers as successful counselors.
To achieve this goal of preparing students for the situations they are likely to face as they embark on their careers after graduation from the program, there are a variety of techniques and tools that have been implemented. Among these are small training groups, role-playing, viewing video of real counseling sessions, and taping practice counseling sessions in which students can role-play and utilize the techniques and knowledge they have accrued during classroom sessions. In this manner, experiences for students go well beyond the classroom even as they continue their training, education, and preparation for their careers.
All of the professors who instruct students in the M.S. in Counseling program encourage students to guide their personal and professional growth throughout the program, so that students have a very real influence on their own educational goals and practices.
Students Receive Career-Specific Knowledge and Training with the Substance Abuse Track
Along with a group of core classes that constitute the basis for the M.S. in Counseling program, students work through a number of subject-specific courses in substance abuse counseling to properly prepare them for work in this specific field.
In tailoring this track for those students who plan to go on to careers in substance abuse counseling, a group of classes have been assembled to best meet students' educational needs. Among these classes are Addiction Counseling: Individual and Family, Addiction Counseling: Family and Group, Psychopathology and Personality Disorders, Case Management in Treating Addictions, Group Dynamics, and Orientation to Addiction: Etiology, Screening, and Treatment, to name just a few.
Students fully engage in the nuance of the substance abuse counseling practice and learn from top-flight professors with experience in this type of counseling. After completion of the substance abuse track, students are fully prepared to begin their careers in this counseling specialty.
An Active and Engaged Graduate Student Body Creates an Atmosphere of Scholarship at Pace University
The M.S. in Counseling program at Pace University is, first and foremost, about the students. Small class sizes and engaging faculty members ensure that students are afforded the opportunity to interact regularly with professors both in and out of class, and to exchange ideas as they begin their professional careers in the field of psychology.
The program is also supported by the rich tradition and atmosphere of extracurricular activities that are related specifically to the study and practice of psychology and counseling. The psychology department at Pace University has a very active chapter of Psi Chi, the psychology honor society. With students leading the group, there are regular meetings and presentations on professional topics, and outside speakers are regularly scheduled to add to students' knowledge outside of the classroom setting.
