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FAQ's for Prospective Master's Students

 

FAQ's for Prospective Master's Students

Q1. Can you tell me about your programs?

Students can earn an MA in Counseling or Human Development and Social Intervention.  

Counseling This degree has two programs: Mental Health and Wellness and Counseling and Guidance (School and Bilingual School Counseling) The counseling programs focus on education and training to prepare students to become practicing counselors working in schools, colleges, and community agencies. Each program prepares students to sit for the NCC (National Certified Counselor)exam.

Counseling and Guidance Focus on fostering healthy development in school-age children and their families, with an option for special attention paid to issues relevant to a bilingual student population.

Mental Health and Wellness Community agencies, university counseling programs, mental health centers, hospitals, HIV and AIDS outreach programs, substance abuse treatment centers, and private practice.

Human Development and Social Intervention This program is focused on designing interventions, conducting, and evaluating research. The degree prepares students to pursue careers as research project directors, research coordinators, grant writers, research scientists, and program evaluators in university-based research centers, community agencies, hospitals, school systems, and private industry, including evaluation research firms. In addition, the program prepares students to pursue doctoral study in the social sciences, such as human development, public policy, or social and community psychology. Students pursue one of three areas:

Developmental Psychology: Examining classical as well as contemporary literature on developmental changes in emotional, social, and cognitive areas, with specific attention to the roles of culture and context.

Health: Exploring the individual level, socioecological, and sociopolitical factors that shape physical and mental health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

Methodology: Gaining expertise in research design and in the use of various methods of quantitative and qualitative reasoning and analysis of data.

Q2. What is the average GPA/GRE score for admitted students?

The average GPA of accepted students is 3.4. The admissions committee considers the whole application, not only the GPA. The GRE is no longer required, but scores will still be accepted as additional application materials.  

Q3. I’m an international student.  What do I need from the TOEFL exam?

Although we do not have a required TOEFL score, successful applicants score 100 or above on the Internet-based test or 600 or above on the paper-based test.

Q4. What makes a good candidate?

A good candidate often has a strong background in psychology (or related field) and has great letters of recommendation, a demonstrated understanding of the field and program, and relevant work/volunteer experience.

Q5. What is the deadline for admissions?

January 15 for MA Programs in Counseling

February 1 for MA Program in Human Development & Social Intervention

December 1 for PhD programs

Q6. I want to take courses as a non-matriculated student to see if I want to apply to one of the counseling programs.  What should I take?

Human Growth and Development (APSY-GE 2138)

Counseling Theory and Process (APSY-GE 2657)

Abnormal Psychology(APSY-GE 2038)

Vocational Development(APSY-GE 2634)

Reminder: taking classes as a non matriculated student does NOT guarantee acceptance to the program.Students usually take 2-3 classes while non-matriculated, with an 18 credit limit.  

Students must fill out a form with the MA academic adviser AND submit the application for non-matriculation at grad admissions. They also must an submit official transcript and can't register until 2 weeks before the semester starts.

Q7. I have an NYU MA in school counseling, but I want to be a mental health counselor.  Can I also complete the MA in Mental health and wellness counseling program?

Due to significant overlap in coursework, unfortunately this is not possible. At this time the department does not offer a licensure-qualifying program for school counselors to become mental health counselors. 

Q8. What is the difference between CMHW and Social Work?

Social work is more focused on advocacy and is based on how the individual relates to the community.  While there is some therapy work as a social worker, MHW Counselors provide assessment and diagnosis, intervention, etc.  CMHW is based on psychology and development.  

Q9. What is the difference between CMHW and the GSAS Psychology MA?

Those who are in the psychology MA tend to go on to their PhD, are less likely to do treatment.  Applied Psych programs are not focused on disorders, they are focused on counseling.  A Clinical Psychologist has a counseling or clinical psych PhD and has done independent research and possibly has an area of expertise. They are prepared and qualified to perform a battery of tests and may have more training.  CMHW allows for more latitude.  A PsyD allows for the development of more clinical skills, does not write a dissertation, and can be licensed.  

Q10. Should I apply for the PhD program or the MA program in counseling?

If your goal is to become a counselor, the MA program is appropriate.  Students who are interested in research and teaching and publishing apply for the Ph.D.  Anecdotally, about 15-20% of our MA students go on for their Ph.D.;  we rarely take our MA students into the Ph.D. program.  

Q11. I don’t really know what I want to study, what should I do?

Read through the program descriptions thoroughly. Look at job descriptions relevant to your fields of interest, and use resources such as www.counseling.org, AMHCA, and psychology journals at your nearest library.  Go to your state website and find a licensed social worker or counselor or psychologist whom you can contact and arrange an informational interview.   If you are still unsure, attend one of our information sessions.

Useful websites:

Steinhardt Graduate Admissions

NYS Mental Health Practitioners

American Mental Health Counselors Association