Explore Fulfilling Careers in Counseling Psychology
If you have already earned a master’s degree in a field related to mental health, you may be considering a career as a licensed psychologist. The Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology degree program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota provides the advanced training and credentials necessary for this fulfilling career path.
Our Doctor of Psychology degree program focuses on preparing practitioners to deliver psychotherapy, assessment, supervision, and consultation services to individuals, groups, and organizations. Here, we talk about this in-depth program, offered at the Minneapolis campus of our Catholic Lasallian University, and what a career in the field can look like.
How to Become a Licensed Psychologist
To become a licensed psychologist in the state of Minnesota, you must first earn a doctorate. Minnesota Board of Psychology administers these licenses, and current requirements include passing several examinations and completing one year of post-doctoral practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. The Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology degree program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota includes an intensive, full-time internship during the fifth and final year. This experience helps students prepare for the post-doctorate supervision required for state licensure.
Job Outlook for Doctor of Psychology Graduates
Trained and licensed psychologists offer services needed throughout our society. The skills they possess for observation, interpretation, and compassionate guidance are essential. Through extensive, careful training with dedicated faculty at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, you can acquire the skills and experience needed for this career path.
Doctor of Psychology graduates work in a variety of clinical settings, including private practices. Many counseling psychologists have practice subspecialties, such as cognitive assessment, organizational consulting, or therapy for people who have experienced trauma. There also are opportunities for industrial-organizational psychologists within corporate, industrial, and business settings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a steady demand for psychologists and related social science occupations. Employment is expected to grow faster in these fields than the average growth rate for all occupations. Additionally, the median annual wage for these jobs was significantly higher than the national average for all occupations at $74,330 as of May 2022.
Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Doctor of Psychology students at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota come into the program with master’s-level knowledge from a variety of fields, including psychology, family therapy, social work, counseling, nursing, and human development. As a dynamic group of dedicated professionals, they share knowledge and build new skills in our advanced degree program.
Our core faculty team guides and mentors the group based on their extensive experience. The Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology degree program is accredited by American Psychological Association (APA).
Early entry students can simultaneously pursue their master’s and doctorate degrees, starting with the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services degree program. Students who are accepted into the early program will save time and money with these two programs, which entails a seamless transition from the master’s program to the Doctor of Psychology program.
Our Catholic Lasallian Educational Values
It’s easy to see how our Catholic Lasallian educational values blend well with the field of psychology. Based on a long history of operating educational institutions and preparing teachers in the Christian Brothers tradition, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota promotes critical thinking and problem-solving. We honor diversity and believe that treating others with respect is a building block of good character.
Professional psychologists perform important services that help individuals gain clarity and stay centered. Their useful, caring guidance benefits our communities and countries. We welcome students from all backgrounds to share the benefits of our Catholic educational standards. Your experience in our Doctor of Psychology program will set you apart in the professional world. Our students gain a strong foundation in advanced principles of psychology and counseling to work with diverse populations, as well as opportunities for dedicated mentorship.
Earn Your Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
If you’re working in the fields of healthcare, mental health, or social work, you realize what an advanced degree in counseling psychology and counseling can do for your career by preparing you for clinical licensure as a doctoral-level psychologist. Students can take the first step and learn more about our university and the Doctor of Psychology program. The admissions department can help answer questions about our degree programs in psychology. They also can further explain the requirements for applying to this exciting and fulfilling doctorate program. For more information, contact us today at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
