Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of others? Whether you're aiming for a career in mental health or considering a path to a doctorate, an MA in Counseling Psychology is tailored for you. 

At DU, we help students who are passionate about promoting access and equity in mental health care. Our program combines academic training with extensive hands-on experience to equip you for a successful career in counseling, therapy or related fields. Our focus is on holistic approaches to mental health and the seamless integration of cutting-edge research with clinical skills. 

Experience firsthand the power of experiential learning through practicum placements in diverse community settings. Build a robust foundation in evidence-based practices while shaping your education to match your unique interests and career aspirations. 

Start Dates: Fall 

Curriculum: Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration: 90 Credit Hours;
Research Concentration: 72 Credit Hours  

Program Length: 24 Months 

 

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100% Percentage of admitted students who receive some form of tuition assistance from the Morgridge College of Education

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

How our curriculum prepares you for your career in Counseling Psychology

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    Develop therapeutic counseling skills  

    Master individual, group and career counseling skills through our core courses. 

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    Internship opportunities 

    In our clinical mental health counseling concentration, students undertake practicum and internship placements in community settings, along with training at our Counseling and Educational Services Clinic. 

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    Gain research experience 

    Students in the research concentration complete a master’s thesis and gain research experience in Counseling Psychology faculty research labs.  

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    Open doors to career opportunities in counseling 

    Graduates secure employment in various settings including community mental health centers, residential treatment centers and private practice. Other graduates successfully apply to doctoral programs in psychology.

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    Attain state licensure to practice counseling psychology 

    The program is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) and prepares students for licensure in the state of Colorado. Many students also complete the necessary requirements to achieve licensure in other states. 

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Application Information

Scholarships and Financial Aid

  • 100% of admitted students receive some form of tuition assistance from the Morgridge College of Education. 
  • Morgridge College of Education tuition assistance may be in the form of a Dean's Scholarship and/or a GRA/GTA/GSA tuition waiver. 
  • Eligible students may also qualify for federal and/or state financial aid through FAFSA.
  • Please contact MCE.finaid@du.edu for more information. 
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Courses and Concentrations for MA in Counseling Psychology

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Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration: 90 Credit Hours 

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) concentration has been designed to meet the requirements for those who desire to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). In addition to courses in counseling, assessment, diversity and social justice issues, you will complete a supervised practicum and internship. Students who complete this program and after two years of post-master’s work in the field may apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado. ​​​​​​

 

Concentration Courses

  • CNP 4645 - Lifespan Development 
  • CNP 4700 - Counseling Theory 
  • CNP 4702 - Introduction to Assessment 
  • CNP 4710 - Career Counseling 
  • CNP 4720 - Group Counseling Theory 
  • CNP 4730 - Research Methods and Program Evaluation 
  • CNP 4740 - Basic Counseling Techniques 
  • CNP 4741 - Intermediate Counseling Techniques 

 

  • CNP 4743 - Professional Development in Counseling 
  • CNP 4755 - MA Clinic (2 quarters/ 5 credits each) 
  • CNP 4773 - Diversity: Multicultural Counseling Psychosocial Issues 
  • CNP 4784 - Psychopathology 
  • CNP 4795 - Master of Arts Counseling: Legal and Ethical Issues 

Practicum and Internship 

  • CNP 4750 - Counseling Psychology Beginning Practicum 
  • CNP 4751 - M.A. Internship (3 quarters/3 credits each) 

“I have been extremely thankful for the learning opportunities this program has given me. Being able to observe sessions and get live feedback in the clinic has been so helpful in my development as a counselor. I also appreciate being able to join a lab and be involved in research that I am passionate about!”  Allie Shepler, MA, Class of 2025

 

 

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Research Concentration: 72 Credit Hours 

Prepare for a research-based career in counseling or start preparing for future doctoral work. In addition to advanced courses in research design and statistics, you will complete a supervised practicum and a thesis. This program does not include eligibility for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. 

Concentration Courses

  • CNP 4645 - Lifespan Development 
  • CNP 4700 - Counseling Theory 
  • CNP 4710 - Career Counseling 
  • CNP 4720 - Group Counseling Theory 
  • CNP 4730 - Research Methods and Program Evaluation 
  • CNP 4740 - Basic Counseling Techniques 
  • CNP 4741 - Intermediate Counseling Techniques 
  • CNP 4743 - Professional Development in Counseling 
  • CNP 4773 - Diversity: Multicultural Counseling Psychosocial Issues 
  • CNP 4784 - Psychopathology 
  • CNP 4795 - Master of Arts Counseling: Legal and Ethical Issues

Research  

  • RMS 4930 - Quantitative Research Design  
  • RMS 4900 - Education Research and Measurement 
  • RMS 4910 - Introductory Statistics 
  • CNP 4995 - Independent Research 

Foundations 

  • CNP 4702 - Introduction to Assessment 

Practicum 

  • CNP 4750 - Counseling Psychology Beginning Practicum 
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"You get out what you put into this program. I always felt as though the faculty wanted what was best for me and helped me explore different paths when I was uncertain. I will always be grateful for the strong relationships I built with several of the faculty, particularly Dr. Lisa Brownstone. Lisa welcomed me into research and supported me with opportunities that ultimately helped me land my dream job before graduation.”   Kate Daley, MA, Class of 2024

 

Featured Faculty and Notable Alumni

Kelly Elliott portrait

Kelly Lavin Elliott

Research Faculty, Perinatal to Five Specialty, PsyD Program

Learn More

Aisha Henry

Aisha Henry

LPC, Director of Behavioral Health

Ana Vizoso

Ana Vizoso

LPC, LAC, Vice President of Health & Wellness, Servicios de la Raza

Angie Gomez Horta

Angie Gomez Horta

LMHCA

Scenic across DU campus

Get Started on Your Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology 

Build your career in Counseling Psychology with a master’s degree from the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education

Begin your application today!