Department of Counseling
Counseling Psychology
Life Can Be Challenging. Teach People to Cope.
Mental health affects all aspects of life. It takes commitment to overcome daily stress and anxiety. Bowie State University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology provides you with proven strategies to help yourself and others overcome emotional, social and developmental challenges. We don’t just teach others; we lead the way. Here’s one example: our faculty has studied the current opioid crisis since 2017 and has created the first training program in the nation that uses a culturally responsive approach to recovery. It’s this type of creative problem solving that makes our counseling programs among the best in the nation. Join us and learn what it means to make a difference in the mental health community.
To be an effective counselor, it’s important to understand your future clients. We’ll teach you how to:
- Utilize current information, resources and evidence-based practices to support client needs.
- Identify specific tactics and strategies to support individuals in achieving their personal goals.
- Develop culturally responsive approaches to both counseling and research.
- Collaborate with faculty who are experts in the field of counseling and psychology.
The Bowie State Advantage
- Location: Bowie State University is located between Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington, DC, making it easily accessible to residents in the metro area.
- Culturally responsive lens: You will learn culturally responsive techniques and social justice initiatives to help support marginalized communities
- Research-focus: Evidence-based research provides you with an understanding of the unique challenges facing culturally diverse communities and ways to provide counseling
- Earn your licensure: The 60-credit program provides an avenue to become a licensed professional counselor which opens the door to additional career opportunities.
Alumni Snapshot: C. Nneka Chime ('21)
BSU Program: Counseling Psychology (M.A.) May 2021
Current Job: Early Learning Specialist at United Planning Organization, Washington, DC.
Favorite Part of the Program: The sense of community and opportunities. Professors go above and beyond for their students. I was supported in more ways than I could have ever imagined and was even given access to attaining free certifications.
What Attracted You to Bowie State University: Bowie is a state school and an HBCU. I specifically wanted to go to an in-state HBCU, and Bowie felt like the right fit. They also had the program I was interested in at an affordable rate. Lastly the feedback from alumni. Most of the people you speak with graduated from Bowie and are proud to be Bulldogs. We’re also in all sorts of positions in the area which helps with networking prospects and opportunities.
One Thing You Learned at BSU That Has Impacted Your Life or Career: Everything I’ve learned in my program of study has greatly impacted both my personal life and career. I’ve learned how to effectively communicate, observe, and understand people from all walks of life. All these things are essential to being a counselor, but also an impactful person in this world. And I’ve become more patient and accepting people and their choices.
Advice for Prospective Students: Make sure you are applying to a program you actually want to follow through with. Look into the requirements, accreditation needs and figure out if this works for you and your life. Take advantage of all opportunities and network with your peers and professors.
Student Snapshot: Ossawa Gillespie
BSU Program: Counseling Psychology
Current Job: Cryptologic Engagement Officer
Favorite Part of the Program: The availability of the staff and alumni to answer questions. There is a culture that helps all students to achieve.
What Attracted You to Bowie State University: When I returned to Maryland area I wanted to attend an HBCU and build a network with other minority counselors.
One Thing You Learned at BSU That Has Impacted Your Life or Career: Being a student has taught me to be disciplined with my time. Time is precious and it can be difficult to manage.
Advice for Prospective Students: Professors are there to help, so ask questions often! As a graduate student, you carry the responsibility of keeping track of your progress throughout the program.
Our alumni are making an impact in the mental health community. They work for medical centers, government institutions or connect with clients in private practice.
- Otis Williams, Chair, Department of Counseling