Doctor of Audiology
USD's Au.D. program is a comprehensive four-year post-baccalaureate curriculum that...
M.A. in Counseling and Psychology in Education
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
USD's M.A. in Counseling and Psychology in Education features specialized tracks in School Counseling (K-12) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Both specializations are designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter rapidly growing fields. The program is comprehensive, typically requiring 2-3 years of study, including extensive internship and practicum components. It emphasizes personalized mentorship from experienced faculty and fosters a strong sense of professional identity grounded in social responsibility, self-awareness, diversity, and inclusive excellence. A state-of-the-art training clinic provides hands-on experience, preparing students to be advocates for others.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of counseling theories, techniques, and ethical practices. For both specializations, core coursework covers fundamental areas such as counseling skills, counseling theories and techniques, group process, assessment, appraisal and testing, principles of diagnosis and treatment planning, crisis/trauma counseling, and legal and ethical responsibilities for counselors. Specific courses might include "Multicultural Counseling," "Lifespan Development," and "Substance Use, Co-Occurring Disorders and Addiction." The program requires extensive supervised practicum and internship experiences, ensuring students gain substantial hands-on clinical hours.
Research Focus: While the M.A. in Counseling and Psychology in Education is primarily a practitioner-oriented degree, it strongly emphasizes evidence-based practices and research-informed approaches. Students are trained in research methods and encouraged to engage in faculty-led research projects. Faculty members contribute active research and scholarship in areas like children's learning from media, traumatic stress and crisis counseling, socio-emotional development, child growth and development, school psychology, and crisis intervention. This engagement ensures students graduate as thoughtful leaders who can critically evaluate research and apply findings to their professional practice, continuously improving interventions and services.
Industry Engagement: USD's program places a strong emphasis on practical experience and preparing graduates for direct entry into the workforce. The state-of-the-art training clinic allows students to gain hands-on clinical experience under supervision. Extensive practicum and internship requirements provide direct engagement with clients in real-world settings, such as schools, mental health centers, and community agencies. These experiences are vital for licensure and professional development. Graduate assistantships and grant-funded positions within the School of Education also offer valuable opportunities to assist with research, teaching, and program evaluation, further strengthening professional connections and practical skills.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Counseling and Psychology in Education at USD inherently fosters a global perspective through its emphasis on multicultural competence and responsiveness to the needs of individuals from all backgrounds and lived experiences. The curriculum includes coursework on multicultural counseling, preparing students to work effectively with diverse populations and understand the impact of cultural factors on mental health and educational outcomes. The program's commitment to social responsibility and advocacy also prepares graduates to address mental health and educational disparities in an increasingly interconnected world, fostering an understanding of global challenges and the importance of inclusive practices in counseling and education.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling and Psychology in Education from the University of South Dakota (USD) prepares graduates for crucial and impactful roles in promoting mental health and well-being within educational and community settings.
School Counselor (K-12): Graduates specializing in School Counseling work in elementary, middle, or high schools. They address students' academic, career, and social/emotional development, provide individual and group counseling, develop prevention programs, and collaborate with parents, teachers, and administrators to foster a positive school environment. Licensure typically requires the M.A. degree, supervised internship hours, and passing a state-specific exam (e.g., Praxis II for South Dakota).
Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC): Graduates from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization work in private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, substance abuse treatment facilities, or universities. They provide individual, group, and family therapy to clients facing a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. Licensure (e.g., LPC and LPC-MH in South Dakota) is required and involves post-graduate supervised experience and passing national examinations (NCE, NCMHCE).
Substance Abuse Counselor: Specializing in addiction, these counselors help individuals overcome substance use disorders. They provide therapy, develop treatment plans, lead support groups, and work to prevent relapse, often in dedicated treatment centers or mental health clinics.
Crisis Intervention Specialist: Working in hospitals, emergency services, or crisis hotlines, these professionals provide immediate support and counseling to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress, trauma, or suicidal ideation.
Rehabilitation Counselor: These counselors help individuals with disabilities lead more independent lives. They assess clients' needs, develop rehabilitation plans, and facilitate access to resources like job training, adaptive technologies, and support services.
Grief and Bereavement Counselor: Specializing in loss and grief, these counselors support individuals and families coping with death, illness, or significant life changes. They often work in hospices, hospitals, or private practice.
Career Counselor: Often found in educational institutions, career centers, or private practice, these counselors help individuals assess their skills and interests, explore career options, and develop strategies for career planning and job searching.
Child and Adolescent Counselor: These counselors specialize in working with younger populations, addressing developmental, behavioral, and emotional challenges specific to children and adolescents, often within school-based health centers, private practices, or family service agencies.
Counseling Supervisor (after sufficient experience and training): Experienced licensed counselors can pursue additional training and become supervisors, guiding and mentoring new or provisionally licensed counselors in their clinical practice.
Human Services Program Coordinator: Graduates can apply their understanding of human needs and program development in roles coordinating social service programs within non-profit organizations, community agencies, or governmental departments.
