Program Overview

The M.S. in Psychology program at Albizu University, Miami campus, trains students to become culturally competent mental health professionals who deliver effective services to diverse populations. Three majors are offered: School Counseling, Marriage and FamilyTherapy, and Mental Health Counseling. A dual major option is available to provide you with additional specialized training and a competitive advantage in the labor market.

Program Highlights

The M.S. in Psychology program with a major in School Counseling trains you to become a guidance counselor who provides culturally relevant counseling and the consultative interventions required to meet the developmental, remedial, and preventive needs of children and adolescents. You will be prepared to seek employment in public or private school settings.

In addition to the core curriculum, the following courses are required:  Principles, Philosophy, Organization & Administration of Guidance (PSYM607), Counseling Children & Adolescents (PSYM624), Nature and Needs of Exceptional Children (PSYM604), Consultative Interventions (PSYM608), Career Development & Assessment (PSYM513), and Group Counseling (PSYM520). The degree requirements for this major include 42 academic credits, 7 practicum credits, a cumulative GPA of 3.00, and successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination.

The program is committed to providing personal attention to your professional growth throughout the course of your studies. The faculty members are active professionals who bring to the classroom a working expertise in theories, skills, techniques, research, and practice in their fields. The program’s extensive practicum placement network offers an ample choice of sites in the tri-county area (Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach), including community mental health agencies, hospitals, treatment facilities, and schools.

Afternoon, evening, and Saturday classes make the adaptation to academic life less difficult if you hold a full-time or part-time job. Some courses are also available partially or fully online. The small student-faculty ratio enhances learning by creating classroom environments where you will be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and hone your skills to meet the needs of a diverse clientele upon graduation.

Certification Information

Graduates of the program are eligible for certification in Guidance and Counseling (Grades PK-12) in the state of Florida through the Florida Department of Education. Each state sets its own requirements for certification, although those requirements are generally similar.

Career Opportunities

Graduates typically find employment in a variety of public and private school settings. These include public and private pre-K, elementary, secondary, and high schools, as well as charter schools.