Earning Master’s in Psychology degree in Arkansas can lead to rewarding careers as mental health counselors or school psychologists.
In recent years, Arkansas has increased efforts to recruit psychology professionals with advanced degrees to diagnose and treat social, behavioral, cognitive or mental conditions. This is due in part to a shortage of qualified mental healthcare providers especially in rural areas. In response to these mental health care needs, graduate schools in Arkansas offer cutting-edge psychology programs that can provide future psychologists with the right credentials to make a difference in the lives of people while creating a sustainable career.
Arkansas State University
College of Educational and Behavioral Science
From its roots as a regional agricultural school, Arkansas State University has developed into a national educational institution with cutting-edge research facilities and a diverse student population. Students can expect a solid educational foundation that prepares them to be career leaders and contributors to their communities. Such expectations are met through ASU’s advanced psychology programs, which offer the opportunity to pursue specialist degrees in counseling and school psychology. ASU ranks 53rd among southern regional universities and 20th for top public schools in the region according to the 2015 listings of best colleges from U.S. News & World Report.
Psychology and Counseling, Ed.S.
This 66-credit hour specialist degree in psychology and counseling provides planned programs of study that are individualized based on the educational backgrounds and career goals of candidates. The program is often considered by working professionals in educational or healthcare careers who wish to become licensed school psychologists or mental health counselors. Studies cover a broad range of content including psycho-educational assessments, learning theories, counseling techniques, psycho-pathologies of children and adolescents, intervention, social and cultural aspects of counseling, couples and family counseling, behavioral assessments, consultation, research design and program evaluation. Additionally, candidates complete several supervised field experiences and internships to earn clock hours towards certification. The Ed.S in Psychology and Counseling usually takes about five years to complete.
School Psychology, Ed.S.
The specialist degree in school psychology emphasizes working as a team with students, parents, teachers, administrators, guidance counselors and others to meet the learning and behavioral needs of the school-aged population. The 66-credit program spans five years and focuses on those skills essential for school psychologists to make meaningful connections with students that foster academic and social progress in school environments. Topics of study include socialization and cognitive development, data-based decision making, effective instruction, special education, crisis intervention and prevention, student diversity, home and school collaboration, academic skills, school climate, and behavioral and psycho-educational assessments. Program completion also requires two supervised internships and qualifies graduates to sit for certification exams leading to licensure.
Accreditations
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission
- Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- National Association of School Psychologists
- National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education
Contact
College of Behavioral and Educational Science
Arkansas State University
P.O. Box 1560
State University, Arkansas 72467
(870) 972-3064
psycounseling@astate.edu
Psychology and Counseling, Ed.S.
University of Central Arkansas
College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology and Counseling Department
Established in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas has developed nationally recognized degree programs that focus on student learning and community involvement. Students are encouraged to become leaders of change in the 21st century workplace through rigorous programs that also address community needs. To that end, the Department of Psychology and Counseling offers two Master of Science degrees that assist future psychologists to practice counseling in a variety of settings. U.S. World & News Report ranks UCA 65th among all southern regional universities and 29th for top public schools in the South.
Mental Health Counseling (MS)
As of 2014, The Master in Mental Health Counseling replaces the former Master in Community Counseling and Counseling Psychology program. Changes were designed to conform to new requirements for psychology practitioners. The degree provides two 60-credit hour tracks, one in traditional counseling and the other in research and counseling. The traditional track provides students with foundational counseling skills to work in community and mental health settings as marriage counselors, behavioral therapists or addiction specialists. The research and counseling track gears students towards working in research settings or continuing on with doctoral studies. Both tracks include many of the same core classes to prepare graduates to become licensed professional counselors. Degree requirements include participating in a supervised internship and passing a comprehensive examination. The MS in Mental Health Counseling takes a minimum of three years to complete.
School Psychology (MS)
UCA’s MS in School Psychology involves 60 credit hours over a minimum of three years to prepare for licensure as a school psychologist. The program teaches prospective school psychologists how to combine psychological theory with educational principles and practices to assess, diagnose and treat behavioral and learning difficulties exhibited by students in school environments. Studies cover psychotherapy and counseling, cognitive development, psycho-educational assessments, applied behavior analysis and counseling techniques for individuals and groups. Other degree requirements include participation in two school practicums, completion of a 1,200-hour supervised internship, and passing the Praxis II exam.
Accreditations
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission
- National Association of School Psychology
Contact
Department of Psychology and Counseling
University of Central Arkansas
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, Arkansas 72035
Dr. Dong Xie
501) 450-5422
dxie@uca.edu
Mental Health Counseling MS
Dr. Ron Bramlet
450-5405
ronkb@uca.edu
School Psychology MS
The field of psychology offers many rewards for those who make it their vocation. In particular, mental health counselors and school psychologists are in positions to affect the daily lives of people of all ages through therapeutic interventions at home, school, work or in the community. For those aspiring to help others for a lifetime, earning Master’s in Psychology degrees in Arkansas may be the right choice towards fulfilling career goals.
See also: Psychology Doctoral Programs in Arkansas