Clinical/Counseling Psychology Frequently Asked Questions

No. However, you must possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited undergraduate institution and we require 5 foundational courses to be completed prior to entry.   Specifically, you need to have completed, with a grade of C or above, the following classes:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to Human Development
• Either General Math Statistics OR Psychology Statistics
• Psychology Research Methods
• Abnormal Psychology

Yes.  The MSCCP program is designed for students who either want to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or continue on to a doctoral program in psychology. The program meets the curricular requirements set forth by the Georgia Secretary of State and the Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists.  The program prepares students to be eligible to sit for the licensure examination in Georgia (if interested, students must check specific state requirements for other states).

Generally, to become an LPC in Georgia, a student must complete a master’s degree, and also pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE), and a minimum of two years of post-masters supervised experience. Students can apply to take the NCE upon graduation. The curriculum and training provided in the MSCCP program provides the state mandated academic requirements to sit for the NCE. 

Yes. However, to complete the program in two years, a full load will is 12 credit hours during fall and spring and 6 credit hours during the summer.

While we will allow for part-time enrollment, we strongly encourage students to attend on a full-time basis. Attending on a full-time basis will greatly enhance students’ mastery of the material because material in the different courses is quite often complimentary and being fulltime allows for a stronger synthesis.  Part-time students will need at least 3 years to complete the degree.

The MSCCP program is designed and delivered primarily as a seated, on‑campus program. While selected courses utilize alternative instructional formats, such as hybrid delivery (with seated meetings one day per week), long‑block scheduling (extended class meeting times that meet once weekly), or fully online instruction, the program is best characterized as a fully seated program. Students are required to be physically present on campus a minimum of two days per week, ensuring consistent face‑to‑face engagement, faculty interaction, and access to campus‑based clinical training experiences.

Not at this time. The MSCCP program is designed for full‑time study. During the second year, students complete clinical practicum placements that require significant weekly time commitments, often during standard business hours. Accordingly, students are expected upon entry to plan their schedules around program coursework and clinical training requirements that typically occur during the day.

The MSCCP program follows a cohort model, meaning you begin the program with a group of classmates and move through the courses together in a set sequence. Courses are offered on a consistent schedule each semester, so you always know what to expect and what comes next. This structure helps you build strong connections with your peers while steadily developing your clinical knowledge and skills throughout the program.  The program's plan of study can be viewed under Course Map.

Yes.  We are accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Counsel (MPCAC).  MPCAC accreditation supports the field of counseling and psychology as well developing licensed clinicians in these areas.  Standards required for licensure in Georgia are the same as other counseling accrediting bodies.  You can view the MPCAC website here: http://mpcacaccreditation.org/ 

Yes.  However, this option is only available to applicants that already possess a graduate degree in counseling or psychology.  Applicants can apply as a non-degree seeking student; however you are not guaranteed acceptance as a non-degree seeking student.  If accepted, you can take a maximum of 9 credits (3 courses) under this option and approval by the clinical director is required.

Non-degree seeking students will need to go through the same admissions process as all other applicants if they wish to enroll full time at a later date or wish to take more than 9 credit hours.  This option is not available for applicants who are still trying to determine if the program is right for them or for those seeking to circumvent the application process.

If you meet the requirements above and wish to apply as a non-degree seeking student, start this process via the Office of Admissions, by contacting their office: 

Graduate Admissions

Email: graduate@clayton.edu

Phone: (678) 466-4110