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Master of Science in Psychology

The Master of Science in Psychology program at Albizu University’s (AU) Miami Campus trains students to become culturally sensitive and competent mental health professionals who deliver effective services to diverse populations.

Three MS program majors are offered: Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and School Counseling. Dual major options are available to provide students with additional specialized training and a competitive advantage in the labor market.

Available in the following locations:

MIA

Program Details

Credits

Mental Health Counseling: 61 credits

Marriage and Family Therapy: 52 credits

School Counseling: 49 credits

Academic Level

Master's degree

Duration

2 years

Request Information

Program Director:

Dr. Diana Barroso

(305) 593-1223, ext. 3143
dbarroso@albizu.edu
2173 NW 99th Ave
Miami, FL 33172-2209

Department Extensions

 

Dr. Edward Heyden: 3251

Dr. Richard Zonderman: 3146

Dr. Ronie Gomes: 3335

Jose Olivera: 3130

Program Highlights

  • The availability of dual major master’s in psychology options at our Miami campus allows students to acquire additional specialized training, which will allow them to work in multiple settings.
  • Alumni are eligible for different licenses and certifications in the state of Florida.
  • A small student-faculty ratio enhances learning by creating classroom environments where students will be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and hone their skills to meet the needs of a diverse clientele upon graduation.

In Focus

  • Courses for a Master’s in Psychology are conveniently available on campus.
  • The faculty members are active professionals who bring to the classroom a working expertise in theories, skills, techniques, research, and practice in their fields.
  • This MS in Psychology program’s extensive practicum placement network offers an ample choice of sites in the tri-county area (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach), including community mental health agencies, hospitals, treatment facilities, and schools.

Choosing the right university matters.

Albizu University student carrying a backpack

The application for the Master of Science in Psychology program consists of the following:

  1. A completed and signed application form submitted prior to the established deadline and accompanied by the $50 application fee. Begin the application process by setting up an online account.
  2. Results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Only the scores from exams taken within the last five years will be accepted.
  3. Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) institutions attended, showing that the following conditions have been met:
    • A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. Completed applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis for those whose academic credentials do not meet the minimum requirements but whose cumulative undergraduate GPA is at least 2.5. In that situation, enrollment may
      be recommended at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, but a GPA of 3.0 must be maintained in the first semester to retain enrolled student status.
    • Transcripts should include any degree received. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States is required. Applicants enrolled in institutions of higher education outside the United States whose standards of training are
      substantially equivalent to the standards of training of those institutions in the United States will also be considered.
  4. Three (3) letters of recommendation. Two should be from current or past professors and one from a supervisor (in accordance with the AU format).
  5. A current curriculum vitae that summarizes the applicant’s credentials.
  6. A statement of purpose, which should be double-spaced, typed, and one-page long. It must articulate interest in the field, career goals, and how they expect AU to contribute to such goals.
  7. Proof of appropriate immigration status for all international students. International students should also submit an official evaluation of academic credentials by an authorized agency. The credentials must include the applicant’s GPA. For detailed information on this requirement, please refer to the Credential Evaluation Services section found in the International Students page of the Albizu University website. All admission credentials for international students must be received by Albizu University at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the session of expected enrollment.

Once the Admissions Office receives all the required documentation and the interview process is completed, academic program advisors will contact successful candidates to provide program direction and guidance.

Albizu University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Major: Mental Health Counseling

Licensure Information:

Graduates of the program are eligible for a Mental Health Counselor license in the state of Florida through the Florida Department of Health’s Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. Each state board sets its own license requirements, although they are generally similar. National certification is also available through the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates typically find employment in a variety of public and private mental health services settings. These include community mental health agencies, hospitals, public and private social services agencies, shelters for special populations, inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, school-based programs, substance abuse treatment programs, hospice centers, colleges and universities, and private clinical practice.

Employment Outlook:

According to the 2019 reports by the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions in mental health counseling are expected to increase by 22% from 2018 to 2028. The much faster than average growth rate, when compared to all professions, places graduates in high demand.

Major: Marriage and Family Therapy

The MS in Psychology with a Major in Marriage and Family Therapy trains students to become systemic therapists who provide an array of culturally specific therapeutic interventions to individuals, couples, and families in public and private clinical services settings. Students will develop the diagnostic skills and therapeutic techniques needed to address the dynamics of dysfunctional couples and families and to facilitate growth.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates typically find employment in a variety of public and private mental health services settings. These include community mental health agencies, hospitals, public and private social services agencies, shelters for special populations, inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, school-based programs, substance abuse treatment programs, hospice centers, colleges and universities, and private clinical practice.

Employment Outlook:

According to the 2019 reports by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US Department of Labor, positions in marriage and family therapy are expected to increase by 22% from 2018 to 2028. The much faster than average growth rate, when compared to all professions, places graduates in high demand.

Major: School Counseling

The MS in Psychology with a Major in School Counseling trains students to become guidance counselors who provide the culturally relevant counseling and consultative interventions required to meet the developmental, remedial, and preventive needs of children and adolescents. Students will be prepared to seek employment in public or private school settings.

Certification Information:

Graduates of the program are eligible for certification in Guidance and Counseling (Grades PK-12) in the state of Florida through the Florida Department of Education. A teaching certificate is also required. Each state sets its own requirements for certification, although these are generally similar.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates typically find employment in a variety of public and private school settings, including public and private pre-K, elementary, secondary, and high schools, as well as charter schools.

Employment Outlook:

According to the 2019 reports by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US Department of Labor, positions in school counseling are expected to increase by 8% from 2018 to 2028. The much faster than average growth rate, when compared to all professions, places graduates in high demand.

Curriculum - Mental Health Counseling

Requirements to earn the degree with this major include 51 academic credits and 10 practicum credits, a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and the successful completion of the comprehensive examination.

AREA I: Foundation Courses  24 credits
PSYM501 Counseling Theories and Practice (C) 3 cr.
PSYM510 Human Growth and Development 3 cr.
PSYM523 Cross Cultural Counseling 3 cr.
PSYM531 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Conduct for Counselors 3 cr.
PSYM541 Theories of Personality 3 cr.
PSYM569 Advanced Abnormal Psychology (C) 3 cr.
PSYM525 Research Methodology and Program Evaluation 3 cr.
PSYM507 Substance Abuse 3 cr.

 

AREA II. Major Area 21 credits
PSYM513 Career Development and Assessment 3 cr.
PSYM520 Group Counseling (C) 3 cr.
PSYM657 Individual Assessment and Appraisal 3 cr.
PSYM562 Family Therapy: Theory and Practice (C) 3 cr.
PSYM599 Mental Health Care Systems 3 cr.
PSYM563 Human Sexuality and Sexual Dysfunctions 3 cr.
PSYM682 Counseling in Community Settings 3 cr.

Total Academic Credits        45 credits

 

AREA III: Clinical Practicum 10 credits
PSYM530 Professional Identity and Pre-Practicum Skills 3 cr.
PYMH631 Mental Health Counseling Clinical Practicum I 3 cr.
PYMH632 Mental Health Counseling Clinical Practicum II 3 cr.
PYMH633 Mental Health Counseling Clinical Practicum III 3 cr.

Total Clinical Credits        10 credits

 

AREA IV: Electives        6 credits

Choice of available electives or two core courses from the other majors: Marriage and Family Therapy, School Counseling, and Industrial/ Organizational (I/O) Psychology.

AREA V: Additional Requirements 

Comprehensive Examination    0 cr.

Total Degree Requirements (Academic and Clinical): 61 Credits

Note: (C) denotes clinical courses that must be completed with a grade of “B” or above. Any grade of “Incomplete” must be resolved before beginning the practicum requirement.

Curriculum - Marriage and Family Therapy 

Requirements to earn the degree with this major include 45 academic credits and 7 practicum credits, a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and the successful completion of the comprehensive examination.

AREA I: Foundation Courses 24 credits
PSYM501 Counseling Theories and Practice (C) 3 cr.
PSYM520 Group Counseling (C) 3 cr.
PSYM523 Cross Cultural Counseling 3 cr.
PSYM531 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Conduct for Counselors 3 cr.
PSYM541 Theories of Personality 3 cr.
PSYM 569 Advanced Abnormal Psychology (C) 3 cr.
PSYM525 Research Methodology and Program Evaluation 3 cr.
PSYM507 Substance Abuse 3 cr.

 

AREA II. Major Area 21 credits
PSYM653 General Theory of Family Systems and Psychology 3 cr.
PSYM562 Family Therapy: Theory and Practice (C) 3 cr.
PSYM599 Mental Health Care Systems 3 cr.
PSYM658 Theories and Techniques in Marital Therapy (C) 3 cr.
PSYM678 The Individual and Family Life Cycle 3 cr.
PSYM661 Individual and Family Assessment and Appraisal 3 cr.
PSYM563 Human Sexuality and Sexual Dysfunctions 3 cr.

Total Academic Credits        45 credits

 

AREA III: Clinical Practicum 7 credits
PSYM530 Professional Identity and Pre-Practicum Skills 1 cr.
PYMF631 Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical Practicum I 3 cr.
PYMF632 Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical Practicum II 3 cr.

Total Clinical Credits        7 credits

 

AREA IV: Additional Requirements 

Comprehensive Examination    0 cr.

Total Degree Requirements (Academic and Clinical): 52 Credits

Note: (C) denotes clinical courses that must be completed with a grade of “B” or above. Any grade of “Incomplete” must be resolved before beginning the practicum requirement.

Curriculum - School Counseling

Requirements to earn the degree with this major include 42 academic credits and 7 practicum credits, a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and the successful completion of the comprehensive examination.

AREA I: Foundation Courses 24 credits
PSYM564 Psychological Assessment and Evaluation 3 cr.
PSYM501 Counseling Theories and Practice (C) 3 cr.
PSYM510 Human Growth and Development 3 cr.
PSYM523 Cross Cultural Counseling 3 cr.
PSYM531 Ethical, Legal and Professional Conduct for Counselors 3 cr.
PSYM541 Theories of Personality 3 cr.
PSYM569 Advanced Abnormal Psychology (C) 3 cr.
PSYM507 Substance Abuse 3 cr.

 

AREA II. Major Area 18 credits
PSYM513 Career Development and Assessment 3 cr.
PSYM520 Group Counseling (C) 3 cr.
PSYM607 Principles, Philosophy, Organization, and Administration of Guidance 3 cr.
PSYM624 Counseling Children and Adolescents (C) 3 cr.
PSYM604 Nature and Needs of Exceptional Children(C) 3 cr.
PSYM608 Consultative Interventions 3 cr.

Total Academic Credits        42 credits

 

AREA III: Clinical Practicum 7 credits
PSYM530 Professional Identity and Pre-Practicum Skills 1 cr.
PYSC631 School Counseling Practicum I 3 cr.
PYSC632 School Counseling Practicum II 3 cr.

Total Clinical Credits        7 credits

 

AREA IV: Additional Requirements 

Comprehensive Examination    0 cr.

Total Degree Requirements (Academic and Clinical): 49 Credits

Note: (C) denotes clinical courses that must be completed with a grade of “B” or above. Any grade of “Incomplete” must be resolved before beginning the practicum requirement.

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