Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

The programme emphasises applied clinical skills, evidence-based interventions and professional ethics. Core topics typically include psychopathology and diagnosis, assessment and testing, counselling theories and techniques, lifespan development, research methods and statistics, multicultural competency, and ethical and legal issues in practice. Students also study specialised intervention approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, family and couples work, crisis intervention, and group counselling.

Training is practicum-based: students complete supervised clinical practicum and internship experiences in community mental health centres, schools, hospitals or private practices to develop case formulation, intake, treatment planning and documentation skills. Coursework is combined with case consultation, supervised client hours, and a capstone or applied research project that integrates clinical practice with scholarly enquiry.

Entry requirements

• A recognised bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, typically in psychology or a related discipline. Applicants with degrees in other fields may be considered where they demonstrate relevant preparation or experience.
• Academic transcripts showing solid undergraduate performance. Specific grade minima are set by the university and may vary by cohort.
• Statement of purpose outlining professional goals, clinical interests and reasons for choosing the programme.
• Letters of recommendation, usually from academic referees or professional supervisors who can speak to the applicant's suitability for graduate clinical training.
• A résumé or CV documenting relevant experience (paid or volunteer) in counselling, community work, research, or related settings.
• Some applicants may be invited to an interview. Background checks, immunisation records or additional documentation may be required for practicum placement.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of helping and clinical roles in community mental health agencies, hospitals, substance abuse treatment centres, schools, corrections, private practice and employee assistance programmes. Common positions include counsellor, mental health clinician, case manager, behavioural intervention specialist and crisis worker. The programme also provides a foundation for those pursuing licensure as professional counsellors or other clinical credentials, depending on state licensing requirements and additional supervised hours.

Alumni also move into related areas such as programme development, clinical supervision, organisational consultation and doctoral study in counselling or clinical psychology. The applied training and practicum experience support an easier transition into workforce roles that require direct client contact and assessment skills.

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s offers a small, student-centred environment with faculty who combine academic expertise and clinical experience. The programme’s emphasis on applied training means students gain supervised practicum placements in the Twin Cities region and beyond, working with diverse client populations. Class sizes and mentoring opportunities support personalised feedback on clinical skills and professional development.

The university provides flexible delivery options and scheduling to accommodate working professionals, along with resources such as career services, campus counselling labs and community partnerships that facilitate practicum placement and networking. For students seeking a hands-on, ethics-oriented clinical education with direct client experience, Saint Mary’s blends classroom learning with real-world practice.