Program Overview

MS in Psychology: Professional Counseling Psychology

The Master of Science in Psychology with a major in Professional Counseling Psychology prepares research-informed future therapists, counselors, and consultants for the independent and licensed professional practice of counseling, psychotherapy, and program evaluation. Our program offers students a solid foundation in psychology and opportunities for specializing in a range of clinical problems and diverse populations, with learning through faculty-guided mentorship and supervised clinical training.

Program Overview

The program is designed to provide instruction and training for advanced study in psychology and prepare students to become professional Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) in Florida. Students are trained to use scientific and applied behavioral science theories, methods, techniques, and evidence-based treatments for the purpose of describing, preventing, and treating psychological problems, enhancing mental health and human development.

Program Format

Students may pursue this program in a hybrid or fully online format. Applicants must apply to either the hybrid or the fully online program. Only Florida residents are eligible for admission to the online program.

Accreditation

The Professional Counseling Psychology Master's Program at Florida International University is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) for the period of June 2025 through June 2033.

Licensure Requirements

Beginning July 1, 2025, an applicant must have a master's degree from a program that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), or an equivalent accrediting body which consists of at least 60 semester hours to apply for licensure.

Admissions

Most admissions questions are answered on our Admissions page and the associated FAQs. Our program holds two types of group pre-admissions advising sessions monthly to provide assistance and answer applicant questions.

• Virtual Information Sessions with program faculty and the Office of Graduate Admissions.
  • These sessions provide an overview of the program and the application process.
• Virtual Applicant Office Hours with program faculty.
  • These sessions offer an opportunity for applicants to ask questions and receive guidance on the application process.

Program Structure

Our courses and clinical training are aligned to the current training requirements needed for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. The program provides a comprehensive education in psychology, with a focus on professional counseling and psychotherapy.

• The program consists of a minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate-level coursework.
• The curriculum includes courses in:
  • Theoretical foundations of counseling and psychotherapy
  • Research methods and statistics
  • Assessment and testing
  • Career development and counseling
  • Group counseling and psychotherapy
  • Multicultural counseling and diversity
  • Practicum and internship experiences

Research Areas

The program offers opportunities for students to engage in research and scholarly activities, with a focus on:

• Evidence-based practices in counseling and psychotherapy
• Multicultural counseling and diversity
• Career development and counseling
• Group counseling and psychotherapy

Conclusion

The MS in Psychology: Professional Counseling Psychology program at Florida International University provides students with a comprehensive education in psychology, with a focus on professional counseling and psychotherapy. The program is designed to prepare students for licensure as Mental Health Counselors in the State of Florida and to provide a foundation for advanced study and research in psychology.