Counseling Psychology

Q: How do I sign-up for the Student Listserv?

A: Upon admission into the program you will receive a listserv form. If you do not have one please email Ms. Johnson at: airby@bowiestate.edu

Q: How many PDA hours do I need to complete for each course?

A: Students are required to complete five (5) hours of professional development activities (PDA) in the community for each 3-credit hour course.

Q: When and how do I submit for Advancement to Candidacy?

A: At the completion of 12-18 credit hours in the program, candidates are required to submit an application for Advancement to Candidacy. The Counseling Faculty at this point reviews each application. If candidates have a 3.25 grade point average and are recommended by at least two members of the full-time faculty based on the student’s disposition, they are advanced to candidacy in the degree program.

Q: What is the comprehensive/CPCE exam?

A: Students are required to pass the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) as part of the program’s comprehensive exam. The CPCE consist of the eight CACREP Common Core areas. The pass score is determined each semester by the CPCE’s national mean minus one standard deviation. Students must register for the CPCE (PSYC 799), which is offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. After completing Levels, I, II, & III courses (27-30 credits) and Advancement to Candidacy, students are eligible to register. After passing the CPCE, students are then eligible to take PSYC 836, PSYC 858, and PSYC 861. Students who do not pass the CPCE after two attempts will be dismissed from the program. Those who require special accommodations must contact Dr. Hughes in Disability Services.

Q: What courses do I need to complete before registering for the Comprehensive Exam?

A: Students need to complete EDUC 507, PSYC 502, PSYC 633, PSYC 730, PSYC 608, PSYC 780, EDUC 706, PSYC 733, and PSYC 614.

Q: What additional courses are required to become a licensed counselor in Maryland?

A: In additional to the program’s 48 credit hours, students will need another 12 credit hours (60 total) to become licensed in the state of Maryland. Students will need to take PSYC 833 Advanced Techniques in Counseling and three electives. NOTE: PSYC 737 Lifestyle Assessment is counted as one of the electives. Students will also need an additional 300 hours in practicum or internship (1000 total).

Q: When should I start looking for a practicum/ internship site?

A: Students should start looking for a site at least 1 year in advance. Once students attend the practicum/ internship orientation they can request the list of sites that are approved.

Q: How long does it take to get my practicum/ internship site approved?

A: If the site is not already approved on the Department’s listing, students should expect 2-3 months for a site to be approved. Sites must be approved before a student can begin practicum or internship.

Q: When are practicum/ internship orientation?

A: Practicum/ internship orientations are held at least twice a semester.