Shot of a mature psychiatrist sitting with her patient during a consultation in her clinic

Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Program Overview

The mission of Chestnut Hill College’s Master of Science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology program is to develop interpersonally skilled, culturally informed, empathic, and knowledgeable clinicians prepared to meet the needs of individuals within a broad spectrum of contexts: relational, familial, and cultural and societal. The program’s goal is to graduate ethical, self-aware practitioners with a high level of professional competence, personal integrity, and social conscience.

Students complete a total of 60 graduate credits, typically earning the M.S. degree in between two to three years. The majority of courses meet once/week for three hours in the evening each semester; some courses are offered in an optional five-day accelerated format. During the field placement year, students have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of general and specialized treatment centers in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, including hospital, outpatient, and residential settings. The field placement year often leads to employment possibilities, and our CHC program alumni are a source of connection, support, and opportunity for current students.

See Program Fast Facts

The M.S. degree in clinical and counseling psychology meets the requirements for students seeking master’s licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as either Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). The M.S. degree also provides the training and preparation for students who wish to pursue doctoral study in the field.

The Clinical and Counseling Psychology Master’s Degree Program will prepare students to become competent and ethical mental health professionals.  The program is designed to expose students to the theory, science and practice of Clinical and Counseling Psychology, provide training in the skills needed for professional practice, encourage appreciation of diversity and social justice, and prepare students for ongoing graduate study.

The program is designed to meet degree requirements for students seeking licensure in PA as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT).

Program Highlights

  • MPCAC Accredited Program
  • A top 3 program in PA for Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
    (Source: IPEDS – based on total number of PA Master’s degree conferrals in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology in 2020)
  • 60 credits to complete degree
  • Two Campus Locations
    • ​Main Campus, Philadelphia
      • Classes are offered Monday through Thursday, from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m.
      • There are a select number of Saturday courses offered from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m.
      • Classes are offered during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
      • Some classes may include a hybrid component and meet in person for a limited time with the remainder of courses being completed online.
      • Classes are not traditionally offered in the morning or afternoon, Monday – Thursday.
      • Students should register for classes that will work with their availability.
    • Lehigh Valley Campus, Center Valley, PA
      • Classes are offered between 4:00 and 10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with some offerings on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
      • Classes are offered during the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
      • Some classes may include a hybrid component and meet in person for a limited time with the remainder of courses being completed online.
      • Students should register for classes that will work with their availability.

Grant Funding for CCP Students

Starting this Fall semester, qualified applicants to the Clinical and Counseling Psychology (CCP) Master’s Program in our School of Graduate Studies can receive new grant funding to cover two full graduate courses.

There is no additional or separate application, simply apply for admission into the CCP Program and you will be automatically considered to receive the two free courses. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis dependent upon a holistic review process that includes input from program directors and overall application evaluation. Only a limited number of these CCP grants will be awarded so early application is strongly encouraged.

Baseline Eligibility Requirements Include:

  • Completed application submitted to the Clinical and Counseling Psychology Master’s Program no later than June 15, 2024
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Registration for at least 6 credits (per semester)*

*Grant awardees will be notified by July 1, 2024, and must register for a minimum total of 6 credits per semester, for at least two semesters, to receive the full funding. The grant will apply to cover one course (3 credits) in each of the student’s first two semesters.

Now is the time to jump in and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to save money on your graduate education.

Meet Jennifer

Following two impactful volunteer experiences at orphanages in Zimbabwe and Kenya, one as a senior in high school and the other as a sophomore at Wagner College, Jennifer Musick Wright founded HEAL, committed to “raising our world, one child at a time.” Now, as a student in Chestnut Hill College’s Clinical and Counseling Psychology program and Executive Director of HEAL, Wright is using her education to help further her goals of helping provide a better world for orphans and vulnerable children around the world.

“When I was looking for programs, I saw that Chestnut Hill College was in the Top 25 in child psychology,” notes Wright. “I like that the spiritual energy and the mission align with what I’ve done so far in life. When I walked through the Hall of Philanthropy for the first time, I knew this was where I was supposed to be.”
Read more of Jennifer’s Story

Take the Next Step

ApplyFind a ProgramRequest Information