Master’s Degree (LMFT, LADC & LPC/C)
Our Counseling Psychology MA provides students with a firm foundation of psychological theories and practical counseling techniques and opportunities for a variety of career paths after graduation.
Serve clients from diverse backgrounds
The Graduate School of Professional Psychology
About the Graduate School of Professional Psychology
As a part of our mission, the Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) educates, trains and prepares mental health practitioners to serve a diverse group of people. The program prepares practitioners for work in hospital and medical settings, community clinics, university counseling centers, corrections, and private practice. Our students advance the common good in many settings by providing evidence-based and culturally responsive care to the clients they serve.
Though we offer master's and doctoral programs as well as graduate-level coursework to fulfill CE credits for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) our students receive more than credentials. Dedicated attention, skill building, and meaningful relationships are core to our students' experiences.
All our faculty members have received their doctoral degrees and practiced in the field in a wide range of environments. As educators, they integrate foundational theory and the latest research, practical applications and case examples, and ethical and professional knowledge.
Degrees and Programs
The Graduate School of Professional Psychology programs at St. Thomas partners with over 90 well-established clinical placement sites and a 100% placement rate. Every student is assigned an academic advisor and receives 1:1 assistance finding a practicum site aligned with their interests.
Master’s Degree
Master’s with Direct Admission to the PsyD
Our Master of Arts (MA) with Direct Admission to our Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (PsyD) program is for qualified candidates seeking direct admission to the PsyD program upon successful completion of the MA.
Counseling Psychology Doctorate (PsyD)
This degree prepares graduates to pursue licensure for the practice of psychology, including psychotherapy, assessment, supervision and consultation. Our graduates also may pursue administration and teaching.
Additional Offerings
Continuing Education
Licensees (LPC and LPCC) needing to complete graduate-level coursework for the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) can meet this requirement by enrolling in a number of courses.
Non-Degree Coursework
If you are not sure you want to pursue a degree in counseling, you may enroll in a non-degree course first. After completing 1-3 non-degree courses, you can apply to the MA in Counseling Psychology program. When admitted, you can apply those course credits to your MA program.
Get Help Finding Your Training Site
Over 90 Training Sites
With over 90 different practicum sites to partner with, Counseling Psychology students can apply to many agencies to complete their training. Sites include university counseling centers, community mental health clinics, correctional facilities, schools, hospitals and the Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services.
Special Opportunities
Students of Color, Multiracial and Indigenous (SOCMI)
The Graduate School of Professional Psychology Students of Color, Multiracial and Indigenous (SOCMI) student group hosts monthly peer support groups for students of color. Members discuss shared experiences in the program and in the larger field of counseling psychology and build a sense of community.
Graduate Student Organization
The University of St. Thomas, Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is student-led organization founded with the purpose of enhancing the experiences and development of graduate psychology students within the University of St. Thomas.
The GSPP GSO unites Masters and Doctoral-level graduate psychology students in the University of St. Thomas GSPP, for the purpose of professional and personal student development, the betterment of the department, and in their contributions to the field and community. The GSO strives to enhance the experiences and development of graduate psychology students within the University of St. Thomas through representing and unifying GSPP graduate students at all levels, advancing their professional and personal interests, providing a forum for student discussion of psychology-relevant topics, and promoting graduate student participation in university and community affairs.
Career Options
The MA in Counseling Psychology program provides students with three career paths, each of which fully meets the educational requirements in Minnesota for the following MA-level licenses:
- LPC/LPCC (Licensed Professional Counselor/Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)
- Joint licensure as a LADC and LPC/C (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and LPC/C)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Because of the program's strong reputation, MA graduates have another viable career path: to apply to doctoral programs in counseling, clinical psychology (e.g., the St. Thomas PsyD program) or family social science. The Graduate School of Professional Psychology allows some MA students to be admitted directly into the PsyD program after completing the MA Program. Learn more about our MA with Direct Admission to the PsyD.
Students of Color, Multiracial and Indigenous (SOCMI)
The Graduate School of Professional Psychology Students of Color, Multiracial and Indigenous (SOCMI) student group hosts monthly peer support groups for students of color. Members discuss shared experiences in the program and in the larger field of counseling psychology and build a sense of community.
Graduate Student Organization
The University of St. Thomas, Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is student-led organization founded with the purpose of enhancing the experiences and development of graduate psychology students within the University of St. Thomas.
The GSPP GSO unites Masters and Doctoral-level graduate psychology students in the University of St. Thomas GSPP, for the purpose of professional and personal student development, the betterment of the department, and in their contributions to the field and community. The GSO strives to enhance the experiences and development of graduate psychology students within the University of St. Thomas through representing and unifying GSPP graduate students at all levels, advancing their professional and personal interests, providing a forum for student discussion of psychology-relevant topics, and promoting graduate student participation in university and community affairs.
Career Options
The MA in Counseling Psychology program provides students with three career paths, each of which fully meets the educational requirements in Minnesota for the following MA-level licenses:
- LPC/LPCC (Licensed Professional Counselor/Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)
- Joint licensure as a LADC and LPC/C (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and LPC/C)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Because of the program's strong reputation, MA graduates have another viable career path: to apply to doctoral programs in counseling, clinical psychology (e.g., the St. Thomas PsyD program) or family social science. The Graduate School of Professional Psychology allows some MA students to be admitted directly into the PsyD program after completing the MA Program. Learn more about our MA with Direct Admission to the PsyD.
Serving the underserved
Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services (IPC)
We offer psychological services to a diverse population of clients with mental health issues, while providing both practicum experiences and a pre-doctoral internship. At the IPC, students strive to meet the needs of underserved people while gaining valuable real-world experience in a unique, interdisciplinary environment.
Student Experiences: Maria Helena Buitrago Cohoon
Hear from Maria Helena Buitrago Cohoon, who is pursuing her PsyD at St. Thomas after entering the MA with Direct Admission to PsyD program.
Our Staff
Dr. Christina Holmgren
Program Manager
Student success and support, internal operations, admissions
Hannah Parish-Dunsworth
Director of Student Engagement and Practicum
Student mental health support, cultural humility and competency development, assistance into practice
Elizabeth Petretti
Program Coordinator
Administrative liaison, office functions