{"id":536,"date":"2026-03-02T15:09:44","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T20:09:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/psychology\/?page_id=536"},"modified":"2026-03-03T11:31:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T16:31:32","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/psychology\/graduate-programs\/m-a-in-psychology-clinical-counseling\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-master-of-arts-in-psychology-clinical-counseling\">Master of Arts in Psychology: Clinical Counseling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Citadel\u2019s Clinical Counseling master\u2019s program offers graduate education for those interested in becoming licensed professional counselors in the private sector or community agencies, including college counseling centers, hospitals, mental health and social services agencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are answers to frequently asked questions about our program. If you have additional questions, please contact <a href=\"mailto:\/\/genelle.sawyer@citadel.edu\" type=\"mailto\" id=\"mailto:\/\/genelle.sawyer@citadel.edu\"><strong>Dr. Genelle Sawyer<\/strong><\/a>, Program Director, or visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/psychology\/graduate-programs\/m-a-in-psychology-clinical-counseling\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/psychology\/graduate-programs\/m-a-in-psychology-clinical-counseling\/\"><strong>program page<\/strong><\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq\">FAQ<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Why should I choose this program?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>The Clinical Counseling Program at The Citadel provides in-person training grounded in psychological science and evidence-based practice. Students are taught to take a scholarly approach to understanding client concerns and to develop thoughtful, research-informed intervention strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The program is delivered on The Citadel\u2019s historic campus, with evening classes (after 4:00 p.m.) designed to accommodate working professionals while maintaining a strong, in-person learning community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students have the opportunity to complete their field placement experiences at a wide variety of organizations with a diverse range of clients and problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, the program has built a strong reputation within the community and the profession. Since 2019, 79% of graduates secured employment in the field prior to graduation, and an additional 17% obtained employment within three months of graduating.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Is The Citadel Graduate College a military institution?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>The Citadel is a senior military college, but students in The Citadel Graduate College (CGC) are not part of the Corps of Cadets. Graduate students do not wear uniforms and do not participate in the military structure or activities associated with cadet life.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Is your program accredited?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>Yes. The Clinical Counseling Program (CCP) is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). The program is grounded in scientifically based principles and theories of psychology and follows a scholarly-practitioner training model. This approach emphasizes the application of psychological science to diverse populations and a wide range of clinical concerns.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Does your program meet licensure requirements for an LPC?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>The program\u2019s coursework aligns with the requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina. Graduates have also successfully obtained licensure in other states; however, licensure requirements vary by state. Students are encouraged to review the specific licensure requirements for the state in which they plan to practice.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">How long does it take to complete the program?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>Students who enroll full-time in the Clinical Counseling Program can complete the required coursework in three years. Some students choose to enroll part-time depending on their individual circumstances. All degree requirements must be completed within five years of initial enrollment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">How successful are graduates at passing national licensure exams?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>Graduates consistently demonstrate strong success in licensure preparation, with\u00a098%\u00a0of graduates reporting that they passed either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)\u00a0in their first attempt and 100% passage overall.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Can students work while enrolled in the program?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>Yes, many students work full- or part-time while enrolled. The program is designed with flexibility in mind, with courses held in the late afternoons and evenings. However, working full-time can become more challenging during the final year, when students are completing practicum and internship placements in clinical mental health settings.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">If I do not meet admissions criteria, will I still be considered for admission?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>Applications are reviewed holistically, and admissions decisions are not based solely on test scores or GPA. Volunteer and research experience, strong letters of recommendation, and a well-written, thoughtful personal statement can strengthen an application. However, meeting all admissions criteria increases the likelihood of acceptance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">If accepted, when can I start classes?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>If accepted in the fall, students begin taking courses in the spring semester. If accepted in the spring, students may begin in either of the summer sessions or the fall semester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Application Deadlines:<\/strong> February 15 (for summer and fall terms) and October 1 (for the spring term).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">When are classes offered?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>During the fall and spring semesters, classes meet one day per week, Monday through Thursday, from 4:00\u20136:45 p.m. or 7:00\u20139:45 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Summer courses meet twice per week from 5:45\u20138:45 p.m.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Are there opportunities for student employment on campus?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>Yes. Graduate assistant positions are available to students enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours, and work-study positions are available to students enrolled in at least 3 credit hours. These positions pay $15 per hour and offer up to 20 hours per week. Many current students take advantage of these opportunities.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">How many credits do I need to take to be eligible for financial aid?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>Students enrolled in 3 credit hours are eligible for part-time financial aid status. Students enrolled in 6 credit hours are eligible for full-time financial aid status. For deadlines, answers to questions, and other important information regarding financial aid, refer to the financial aid website at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/financial-aid\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/financial-aid\/\">citadel.edu\/financial-aid<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item\"><details><summary class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__title\">Where do students find employment after graduation?<\/summary><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-accordion-item__content\">\n<p>Our graduates have obtained employment in diverse settings, including community mental health centers, college counseling centers, substance abuse programs, correctional facilities and social service agencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of our graduates complete licensure requirements in South Carolina or other states, and many pursue private clinical practice. In addition to clinical practice, some of our graduates pursue administrative or advocacy work in local, regional and national organizations and non-profits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-pt-barracks-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-have-a-question\">Have a Question?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Get in touch with the program director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/psychology\/faculty-staff\/genelle-k-sawyer-ph-d\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/psychology\/faculty-staff\/genelle-k-sawyer-ph-d\/\">Genelle Sawyer, Ph.D.<\/a><\/strong><br><em>Program Director<br><\/em><a href=\"mailto:genelle.sawyer@citadel.edu\">genelle.sawyer@citadel.edu<\/a><br>(843) 953-5320<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Master of Arts in Psychology: Clinical Counseling The Citadel\u2019s Clinical Counseling master\u2019s program offers graduate education for those interested in becoming licensed professional counselors in the private sector or community agencies, including college counseling centers, hospitals, mental health and social services agencies. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about our program. If you have [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":694,"featured_media":0,"parent":93,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-536","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.8 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Clinical Counseling FAQ - Department of Psychology<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find answers to common questions about The Citadel\u2019s M.A. in Psychology: Clinical Counseling program, including accreditation, licensure, course schedule, completion time, financial aid and careers.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/psychology\/graduate-programs\/m-a-in-psychology-clinical-counseling\/faq\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Frequently Asked Questions\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Find answers to common questions about The Citadel\u2019s M.A. in Psychology: Clinical Counseling program, including accreditation, licensure, course schedule, completion time, financial aid and careers.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.citadel.edu\/psychology\/graduate-programs\/m-a-in-psychology-clinical-counseling\/faq\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Department of Psychology\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-03T16:31:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.citadel.edu\\\/psychology\\\/graduate-programs\\\/m-a-in-psychology-clinical-counseling\\\/faq\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.citadel.edu\\\/psychology\\\/graduate-programs\\\/m-a-in-psychology-clinical-counseling\\\/faq\\\/\",\"name\":\"Clinical Counseling FAQ - 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