2015-2016 Graduate Academic Catalogue 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Academic Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pastoral Counseling, M.S./Ph.D.


The M.S.-Ph.D. combination program was developed to address the needs of highly competent candidates who are seeking the opportunity to pursue the two degrees in a seamless manner. The program may be completed in six to seven years by highly motivated candidates willing to commit at least two to three days per week of full-time study including summers.

Degree Requirements


Degree requirements and course offerings are detailed in the following sections. For additional information on a specific degree, please contact the Pastoral Counseling Department.

Program of Study


The typical program of study consists of five to six years of full-time coursework and clinical training. The following coursework is required in order to obtain the Master of Science (M.S.) portion of the M.S.-Ph.D.:

Note(s):

Students are to obtain no less than 800 total hours of clinical experience, with no less than 280 being client contact hours, prior to a master's degree conferment. The clinical courses must be taken in sequence, and all clinical work must be completed in compliance with satisfactory academic progress.

Students using their workplace as a clinical placement site, or those who are at a placement site where there is no qualified doctoral supervisor, will be assigned an additional supervisor to avoid any dual relationship. To this end, students must also enroll in an individual supervision course (PC 805 /PC 806 , PC 905 /PC 906 ) for the entire clinical year. These courses involve supervision by a department faculty member.

Students who drop out of clinical then resume may need to wait an entire year before being able to take the next clinical course in sequence. Students who take a clinical leave of absence will be assigned an additional individual supervisor upon returning to the clinical track to ensure clinical support.

Students who are dismissed from a clinical placement site may be required to participate in a Professional Assessment Review (PAR) before resuming clinical internship. They may also need to wait an entire year before being able to take the next clinical course in sequence.

Theology/Spirituality (6 credits)


Upon admission, each student's transcripts are reviewed to determine if theology course waivers are possible. Students applying to the program with a recent graduate degree in theology may be granted a waiver for both PC 608  and PC 665 . This waiver is dependent upon the nature of the prior coursework completed, and at the rate of three graduate credits for a three-credit course successfully completed with a B or better. PC 608  and PC 665  must be waived or completed prior to taking PC 700 .

Transition into the Ph.D. Program


Candidates typically transition into their doctoral coursework prior to conferment of the master's degree. Students should consult with their doctoral academic advisor and review the M.S.-Ph.D. typical program guides in order to sequence their courses appropriately. The M.S. is conferred upon successful completion of all required coursework and clinical requirements for the degree. Candidates complete all required coursework for the Ph.D. program as outlined above.

State Licensure


The M.S. and M.S.-Ph.D. programs of study integrate the coursework required for Maryland state licensure as a professional counselor. While each state has unique licensure requirements, most states require academic coursework similar to that required in the M.S. and M.S.-Ph.D. programs. Some states do require that academic courses and clinical work be taken in a prescribed order; therefore, students are encouraged to become familiar with their anticipated state of residence's licensure and examination requirements.

A pastoral counseling faculty member is assigned to act as the liaison between the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and the department. Students may request current licensing information from this person. Information about the licensing requirements of other states is available in the pastoral counseling department office. Further, the University is an approved site for the National Counselors Exam (NCE) administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). The NCE is required for Maryland state licensure. However, other states and the District of Columbia may require different examinations and/or academic requirements. Loyola offers the NCE twice a year, prior to a student's graduation from the program of study.