Dual Degree Program (4+2) Bachelor of Art/ Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

The mission of the Graduate Program in Professional Counseling is to prepare professional counselors to engage in critical, logical and ethical thinking. 

The Graduate Program in Professional Counseling program adopts a standards based curriculum to educate counselors who will promote respect for human dignity and diversity and engage in activities that enhance and enrich human development and improve quality of life. Students will obtain the knowledge and skill necessary for certification/licensure as competent professional counselors utilizing evidence based practices.

Program Details

Consistent with Holy Family's tradition of"teneor votis" (I an1 bound by my responsibilities) students are inspired to advocate for social justice, shape public policy and witness to the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family. 

Application Process

During junior year, interested students should apply to the 4+2 program through the Graduate Admissions Office. The application requires the following: 

• Completed and signed graduate admissions application form 
• Two recommendation forms with letters of reference: 
  • one from the major advisor the other from a separate full-time faculty member 
  • an optional third letter may come from a Holy Fanuly staff member, i.e. coach, mentor, adjunct faculty 
• Official undergraduate transcripts from all institutions attended 
• A personal statement of no more than 700 words on the question: "How do the mission of Holy Family University and the Counseling Psychology Graduate Program fit with your personal goals?" (1-2 pages)
• Interview with Counseling Psychology faculty*

Note: Applications are due by March 1 in order to allow proper time for interview and advising prior to Summer I start. Interviews will be held in April.

Following review of all application materials, admission to the dual degree program will require the approval of the Graduate Program Director and the Dean of the School of Art and Sciences. 

Accepted students will be permitted to take no more than six credits of graduate course work during the senior year of undergraduate study.

Career Paths

Counseling Psychology Concentrations

All 4 concentrations in the Masters of Counseling Psychology program have been designed to meet the educational requirements for students to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania. Below is an overview of the 4 areas of concentration in the Masters of Counseling Psychology Program:

Art Therapy  

The Art Therapy concentration prepares master-level counselors in the clinical use of art in therapy. Art therapists are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art in working with a variety of clients in hospitals, treatment programs, schools and private practice. Graduates of the art therapy concentration are prepared to work in a variety of settings as LPCs. Students completing the Art Therapy concentration will, as part of their degree program, also complete all the educational requirements to be eligible to apply for the credential of Registered Art Therapist (ATR).

Clinical Mental Health Counseling  

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration prepares master-level counselors to work with adolescents and adults in a community setting. This concentration is designed for students wishing to develop expertise in counseling adolescents and adults. Students also will gain the credentials to assume a supervisory position in community agency settings. Graduates of the clinical mental health counseling concentration meet the educational requirements to become LPCs.

Correctional Counseling  

The correctional counseling concentration prepares master-level counselors to work in a wide array of settings including, but not limited to federal and state prisons, court clinics, forensic psychiatric units, child advocacy centers, reintegration programs, and other community-based correctional programs that serve crime survivors. This concentration provides a basic foundation in counseling theory and skills with additional coursework in criminological theory, victimology, and correctional counseling practice. It also offers an opportunity for criminal justice students to expand their passion to include rehabilitation services for offenders and their families. Graduates of the correctional counseling concentration meet the educational requirements to become a LPC.

School Counseling  

The school counseling concentration prepares master-level counselors to work as a school counselor in Pre K-12 settings. This Pennsylvania Department of Education-approved school counseling certification program allows students to pursue certification and licensure as a LPC.

Postgraduate Programs  

The counseling psychology program offers post-graduate programs for all 4 of its concentrations for those interested in obtaining their LPC or other concentration specific credentials. Each post-graduate plan of study is developed on a case-by-case basis. Post-grad plans are recommended by a counseling psychology advisor, but must ultimately be approved by the respective licensing or credentialing board.