Cost & earnings at Benedictine University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Psychology graduates earn a median $42,682 Across 402 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Master’s in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology at Benedictine University is a practitioner-focused graduate programme designed for students seeking advanced training in assessment, intervention and applied psychological science. It suits graduates aiming to work in clinical or counselling settings, or to continue on a pathway toward professional licensure or doctoral study, combining coursework, supervised practicum and applied research or capstone experience.
The programme delivers a broad grounding in clinical and counselling psychology together with hands-on training in assessment and therapeutic intervention. Core topics include psychopathology, counselling theories and techniques, ethics and professional issues, psychological assessment and measurement, research methods and statistics, and lifespan development. Students explore specialised areas such as multicultural counselling, group therapy, crisis intervention, and child and adolescent psychopathology.
Practical learning is emphasised through supervised practicum placements in community mental health settings, university clinics or other applied agencies, allowing students to develop clinical interviewing, diagnostic formulation and evidence-based treatment skills. The degree typically culminates in an applied capstone or research project that integrates clinical work with scholarly inquiry.
Applicants should hold an accredited bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. Candidates without a psychology background may be admitted conditionally but will normally be required to complete prerequisite coursework (for example: introductory psychology, statistics, and abnormal psychology) prior to or during the early part of the programme.
Typical application materials include a completed application form, academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the degree, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees. A current résumé or curriculum vitae is usually requested. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency with an accepted test or institutional proof where required.
Because of the practicum component, admitted students must satisfy professional and agency requirements before placement, which may include background checks, immunisation documentation and other clearances as required by training sites.
Graduates of the programme pursue a variety of careers in mental health and human services. Common roles include counsellor, mental health clinician, behavioural health specialist, case manager, and crisis intervention worker in settings such as community mental health centres, hospitals, schools, non-profit organisations and employee assistance programmes.
For those aiming to provide independent clinical services, the degree provides substantial preparation for the supervised clinical hours and examination requirements many jurisdictions require for professional licensure as a counsellor or clinical psychologist; applicants should check specific licensure regulations in their intended region since requirements vary. Other graduates move into specialised roles in assessment, programme development, administration, or continue to doctoral-level study in clinical or counselling psychology.
Benedictine University offers a personalised learning environment with relatively small class sizes and faculty who combine academic expertise with clinical experience. The programme emphasises applied training and ethical, culturally competent practice grounded in a liberal arts tradition, preparing students for real-world clinical work.
Students benefit from practicum and internship partnerships with local agencies and the university’s counselling clinic, which provide supervised opportunities to work with diverse client populations. In addition, the institution’s professional support services, career advising and alumni network help graduates transition into employment or further study in the mental health professions.
Overall, the programme is suited to motivated students seeking rigorous clinical and counselling training within a supportive campus community and with clear pathways to applied practice or advanced academic work.
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