The Marywood University Counseling Program offers two options for professionals possessing a master's degree.
The post master's certification in school counseling allows students who earned a single certification (elementary or secondary) to meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements for dual certification. Graduates are able to pursue employment at all (PK-12) educational levels.
The post masters licensure program (LPC) allows students who possess a masters degree to meet the educational requirements for the Pennsylvania counseling license (LPC). Graduates are able to pursue employment options such as private practice, agencies, and treatment facilities.
Prospective students should be aware that the number of courses required will vary and depend on the type and number of years since the masters degree was earned.
Licensure requirements for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania are as follows:
- Passing score on the National Counseling Exam (NCE).
- 60 graduate credits in Counseling.
- 3,000 hours of documented experience, supervised by another Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or other licensed helping professional (i.e., clinical psychologist, etc.).
- A complete application packet, submitted to the “State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors” at P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
For more detailed information, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of State's website for professional licensing information.
Students should be aware that each state has different professional licensure and certification requirements. Students who plan to pursue licensure or certification outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania should be aware that state licensure and certification requirements are subject to change. Students are ultimately responsible for verifying their individual eligibility for state licensure and satisfying any requirements.
The 60-credit M.A. degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides the necessary coursework for licensure in the state of Pennsylvania. Students who wish to be licensed in other states are strongly encouraged to educate themselves on the specific requirements of each state in which they seek licensure.
More specifically, students should be aware of the following:
- State regulations regarding licensure opportunities if an applicant has a previous felony conviction.
- State regulations regarding the type and number of academic courses and practicum/internship hours, which can differ among states.
- To obtain your state’s web address, use the following link: State Licensure Boards
The 60-credit M.S. degree program in Counselor Education - PK-12 School Counseling provides the necessary coursework for school counseling certification and professional counseling licensure in the state of Pennsylvania. Students who wish to be certified or licensed in other states are strongly encouraged to educate themselves on the specific requirements of each state in which they seek certification or licensure.
More specifically, students should be aware of the following:
- State regulations regarding certification and licensure opportunities if an applicant has a previous felony conviction.
- State regulations regarding the type and number of academic courses and practicum/internship hours, which can differ among states.
- Testing requirements
All students should be aware that enrollment in either degree program does not guarantee a degree from Marywood University or qualification for licensure or certification."
