Counseling Programs

The Department of Psychology offers two counseling programs which provide coursework and experiential training designed to prepare individuals for careers in the counseling profession.  The 48-credit counseling program is appropriate for those intending to work in the counseling field or who intend to pursue doctoral work in psychology or related fields.  The 60-credit CMHC program is specifically designed for students who plan to meet licensure requirements in the State of Indiana (or states having similar requirements) as a Mental Health Counselor.

VU's CMHC program is the only such program of its kind in the region housed within a psychology department, and the CMHC degree is the only counseling specialty that leads to licensure.

• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 hours: leads to licensure)
• M.A. in Counseling (48 hours) 

Law & Psychology/Counseling Programs

Aspects of legal practice often involve a psychological dimension, including nuanced interviewing, empathy for clients, inferring motivation, predicting behavior, selecting juries, and understanding psychological reports and testimony.

Two dual degree options enabling graduate study in psychology and counseling are offered through collaboration between VU's Graduate Division and the School of Law. Each option provides a different level of psychological competency relevant to legal practice. Because a limited amount of coursework for each degree may apply toward the other, the total number of credits required for the dual degree is substantially less than that required for both degrees individually.

• Joint J.D./M.A. in Psychology
• Joint J.D./M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (eligible for licensure)