Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in Counseling Psychology at Temple University. Below, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our programs. If, after reviewing this material, you still have questions, please contact the program coordinator listed at the bottom of the FAQ.
General Questions || Admissions Questions || Funding & Assistantships
Course Questions || Practicum & Internship || Certification & Licensure
General Questions
Is the program supportive of its master's students?
- Yes, the program is very supportive of its master's students. Faculty members in the program are approachable and considerate of students' needs. It is important that each student be an active participant in the faculty-student relationship. Although Temple is a large school, it is possible to have your ideal "small school feeling" in the program.
Describe the students' relationships with and amount of interaction with the professors
- Other than the customary professor/student relationship in the classroom, students can interact with the faculty in the department or at socials. Students also have the option of sitting in on bimonthly faculty meetings. Your relationship with a faculty member is what you make it. You do not have to be worried about being turned away if you solicit a professor's direction or guidance.
Is the program designed to train counselors in a more practice-oriented manner or in a theoretically oriented manner?
- The program extends a Master of Education degree, which, historically is a more practice-oriented degree. A master's thesis is not required. However, there are opportunities to be involved in research projects with faculty or through Graduate Assistantships/Externships. Faculty members subscribe to various theoretical orientations, but students are not encouraged to adopt a specific orientation. Students are encouraged to develop their own particular style and develop a theoretical orientation that fits well with them and is effective with their clients.
Are the master's students supportive of and collaborative with one another or are they "cut throat" and competitive with one another?
- The students are generally supportive of and collaborative with one another. Of course, there are cliques of friends, but everyone communicates and collaborates with others to complete projects or prepare for examinations. The students become well acquainted with one another over the course of their enrollment in the program. Students attend most of their classes as a group. Faculty members teach these courses from our department. This gives us a sense of community within a large urban university.
What "tracks" do you offer in the Counseling Psychology program?
- Agency Counseling Track – this track prepares students to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups in various settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, and consulting agencies. Completion of the master’s degree in the agency track qualifies the student to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Completion of the master's degree in the agency track qualifies the student to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- School Counseling Track – this track prepares students to work with students, teachers, administrators, and parents in either an elementary or secondary school setting. Completion of the master’s degree program in the school counseling track qualifies the student for certification as an elementary or secondary school counselor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Completion of the master's degree program in the school counseling track qualifies the student for certification as an Elementary or Secondary School Counselor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
What is the difference between a "School Counselor" and a "School Psychologist?"
- See above for a description of a school counselor. School Psychologists mainly administer psychological testing to children and adolescents with a variety of issues (such as, Learning Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorders, Autism, Mental Retardation, and Giftedness).
What constitutes "full-time graduate status" at Temple University?
- Master's students must be enrolled in nine or more graduate credits in order to be considered full time' status.
Is public transportation readily available and convenient?
- Yes. Availability of public transportation covers the Delaware Valley. It is not necessary to have a car if you reside in Philadelphia or southern New Jersey. Trains, subways, and buses are readily available. In fact, SEPTA trains have Temple stops from such area locations as Lansdale, West Chester, Willow Grove, West Trenton, Bryn Mawr, Ambler, Malvern, etc. In addition, there is a Temple University stop on the subway route and buses stop throughout campus. Public transportation can be simpler and more convenient than driving because you do not have parking concerns.
Are there options for on-campus housing and information about apartments near Temple?
- There are several graduate housing complexes on campus, www.temple.edu/studentaffairs/housing/
- The university also provides information and brochures regarding housing in the surrounding areas in the Student Center. In addition, you can locate apartments using the Internet by doing a search via www.move.com,www.apartmentfinder.com/Pennsylvania/Philadelphia and www.apartmentlist.com
What is it like to attend a university that is located in a predominantly low income, urban environment?
- It is exciting and interesting to say the least. Temple University, itself, has a beautiful campus. Campus security provides numerous services such as two on-campus police stations and several security booths.
- There is a 24-hour escort service, and campus security phones. In addition, workshops are held to educate you to be "safety conscious." Philadelphia is a fast-paced city that offers a variety of events and activities. It is hard to be bored when living in Philadelphia. Philadelphia also has the largest urban park, Fairmount Park, which is larger than New York's Central Park.
Admission Questions
I would like to take classes as a non- matriculated student (or student enrolled in another program at Temple University).
What courses can I take and where do I go to register?
- Below is a list of courses that you can take as a non-matriculated student/student enrolled in another program (Please email Dr. Tucker for permission to take a course). If you apply and are accepted, up to nine credit hours can also be "transferred" into the program.
Spring Semester |
|
| CP 5511 | Counseling in the Schools |
| CP 5519 | Group Counseling |
| CP 5579 | Introduction to Couples & Family Counseling |
| CP 5593 | Career Counseling & Development |
Summer I |
|
| CP 5526 | Multicultural Counseling |
| CP 5565 | Professional Issues in Diverse School Settings |
| CP 5566 | Professional Issues in Agencies |
Summer II |
|
| CP 5591 | Legal & Ethical Issues in Counseling Psychology |
| CP 5593 | Career Counseling & Development |
Fall Semester |
|
| CP 5492 | Theories of Counseling Psychology |
| CP 5519 | Group Counseling |
| CP 5526 | Multicultural Counseling |
| CP 5694 | Introduction to Assessment |
- Non-matriculated students and students from other programs may take the following courses at the undergraduate or graduate level (These courses DO NOT transfer into the program if you apply and you are accepted).
- CP 3571/5571 Introduction to Counseling Psychology
- CP 3572/5572 Interviewing Techniques
- To register for any of these courses, contact the College of Education Shimada Resource Center:
150 Ritter Annex 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave. (corner of Cecil B. Moore Ave. & 13th St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Main line: (215) 204-8007
Fax: (215) 204-4383
Email: graduateprograms@temple.edu
How many people apply and are accepted into the program each year?
- On average, our program receives 120 applicants per year. Upon assessment of the application materials, we invite around 60 people for interviews. Each year we accept around 20 full-time students and 10 part-time students.
What are the average GRE scores and MAT scores for applicants?
- GRE: Verbal Mean = 500
- Quantitative Mean = 500
- Writing Score = 5
- Combined Verbal & Quantitative Mean = 1000 MAT: Mean = 50
Do you have rolling admissions?
- No, we only accept students once a year. The due date for the application is February 1 and students begin the program in the fall of each year.
Temple University requires graduate applicants to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. My GPA is lower than this. Can I still apply?
- Yes, if you complete three courses in the Counseling Psychology Master's program as a nonmatriculated student with a 3.50 GPA or better, you can still be considered for acceptance.
I am applying for the master's program, but I would like to take classes during the spring when the application materials are due. Can I still take classes even if the admissions process is not completed
- Yes, you may take courses in the spring semester even if your application for admission is not complete.
Whom do I contact to check on the status of my application to the master's program?
- Shimada Resource Center - College of Education
150 Ritter Annex
1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave. (corner of Cecil B. Moore Ave. & 13th St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
Main line: (215) 204-8007
Fax: (215) 204-4383
Email: graduateprograms@temple.edu
For international students only: What are the minimum TOEFL scores that the master's program will accept?
- To be admitted to Temple University, a student must score a minimum of 550 on the paper-based, 213 on the computer-based, or 79 on the internet-based version of the TOEFL. Students admitted with a TOEFL score below 600 on the paper-based, 250 on the computer-based, or 100 on the internet-based examination will be required to take an English-skills course during the first semester of matriculation at Temple.
- Those having taken the paper-based or computer-based test have the additional option of testing out of the English course by taking and passing the SPEAK test at Temple.
- Where do I send my TOEFLR scores?
Temple University Graduate School
501 Carnell Hall
1803 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6095
I have been invited for an interview for admission to the program. What hotels would you recommend in the area?
Name |
Address |
Phone Number |
Distance to Temple |
| The Conwell Inn | 1331 Berks Street Philadelphia, PA 19122 | 215-235-6200 | On Campus |
| Local Properties with Which Temple University Has Rate Agreements | |||
| DoubleTree Hotel | Broad Street at Locust Philadelphia, PA 19107 | 215-893-1600 | 2.2 miles |
| Club Quarters - Philadelphia | 1628 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 | 215-282-5100 | 2.2 miles |
| Holiday Inn Express (Midtown) | 1305 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | 215-735-9300 | 2.0 miles |
| Hilton Garden Inn | 1100 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 | 215-923-0100 | 1.9 miles |
| Hampton Inn | 1301 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | 215-665-9100 | 1.8 miles |
Funding/Graduate Assistantships (GA)/Graduate Internships (GI)/Graduate Externships (GE)
What type of funding is available to students?
- Funding for master's students is limited. Many of our students support their education through student loans, graduate assistantships/graduate externships, and work outside the university. Limited amounts of Temple resources are available. Should you be accepted to the program, we will provide you with a list of possible finding options. Temple University offers a variety of Graduate Assistantships and Graduate Externships to a limited number of graduate students. To be considered for an assistantship or externship, a student must have achieved a GPA of 3.25 or higher. In addition, the minimum GPA of 3.25 must be maintained throughout the duration of the assistantship/externship.
- Interested students should consult the department/program of their choice for specific details. Assistantships include support in the form of a stipend and, in some cases, tuition. Externships provide a stipend. Recipients of these awards are required to perform up to 20 hours per week of service.
- ON-CAMPUS POSITIONS HELD BY COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY MASTER'S STUDENT*
- Johnson and Hardwick Residence Halls
- Temple Towers
- 1940 Residence Hall
Position |
Location |
| Graduate Extern, Athletics Department, Office of Compliance and Student Services | 1700 N. Broad Street, 4th Floor |
| Graduate Extern, Athletics Department,Coordinator of Academic Support | Pearson Hall, Room 103 |
| Resident Coordinator,University Housing and Residential Life | |
| Supervisor/Graduate Extern | 1810 Liacouras Walk |
| Cashier | Temple University Bookstore |
Course Related Questions
Can I count graduate-level courses toward my master's degree if I took them prior to being admitted to the program?
It depends. First, the courses that you want to transfer into the program must be completed within five years of you being accepted into the program.
- Scenario I: You were admitted to the program in fall of 2008, and you took Introduction to Couples and Family Therapy in 2003. Can you count that course toward your degree program? Yes
- Scenario II: You were admitted to the program in the fall of 2008, and you completed Introduction to Couples and Family Therapy in 2002. Can you count that course toward your degree program? No. It falls outside of the five-year time window. Second, you also cannot transfer in a graduate-level course if that course has already been counted toward another degree that you have completed. In essence, no 'double dipping' is allowed when it comes to your coursework!
What courses could I take as electives?
Elective coursework is designed to help you to become familiar with content that you believe will enhance your professional development. Electives must meet the following criteria:
- Be recognized by Temple University as a "graduate-level" course
- Be from a degree-granting institution that is recognized by Temple University (i.e., religious seminaries are not typically 'recognized')
- Is a course offered outside of our program (i.e., it does not have a Cn Psy label attached to it)
- Is directly applicable to the field of either school or agency counseling
Practicum & Internship
What are the qualifications of an approved internship site in agencies?
- Allow you to audiotape or videotape all of your client sessions. Provide you with a private counseling space (which may be shared with other trainees or staff). Provide you with 1 hour of weekly individual supervision by a person who has completed a master's degree or better in a counseling-related field (e.g., school counselor; agency counselor, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc). This person must have at least 2 years of post-degree experience and must have been employed at this training site for at least 1 year. Guarantee you 4 or more hours of direct client contact (counseling) on EACH of the 8 hour days that you are at the training site. Cannot be your place of employment.
What are the qualifications of an approved internship site in schools?
- Allow you to audiotape/videotape all of your client sessions. Provide you with a private counseling space (which may be shared with other trainees or staff). Provide you with 1 hour of weekly individual supervision by a person who has completed a master's degree or better in a counseling-related field (e.g., school counselor; agency counselor) and who is a certified school counselor. This person must have at least 2 years of post-degree experience and must have been employed at this training site for at least 1 year. Guarantee you 4 or more hours of direct client contact (counseling) on EACH of the 8 hour days that you are at the training site. Can be your place of employment, but your supervision cannot be provided by a close work colleague and you cannot provide counseling to students with whom you have other types of academic contact (e.g., You can't be this student's 8th grade chemistry teacher and his/her school counselor.).
- You must obtain approval of your site with Dr. Tucker if your preferred training site is also your place of employment. This is not necessary if your training site is not your place of employment
School Counselor Certification/Agency Counselor Licensure
I plan on moving to a different state after I graduate from Temple. Will I be eligible for licensure or certification when I get there?
- You should contact the licensing/certification office located at the state capital in the state you will be residing to determine whether or not that particular state has reciprocity with Pennsylvania.
Can graduates from other universities obtain school certification from Temple University?
- graduate from our program. Students from outside of our program are encouraged to contact other master's in counseling programs to see if they have certification programs that they might enroll in to obtain their professional goal.
Do you have a certification only program if I got my master's degree from another university?
- No, you would need to apply, be admitted, and complete the full program to get certification. You can contact the schools listed below to request information about their "certification only" program.
| PA | Chestnut Hill College (215) 248-7170 Holy Family College (215) 637-7203 St. Joseph's University (610) 660-1583 Villanova University (610) 519-4620 West Chester University (610) 436-3063 |
| NJ | Rowan University (856) 256-4000 (ext. 4702) Rutgers University (732) 932-7496 (ext. 134) |
I had to complete the PRAXIS I exam in order to obtain my teacher certification. Do I have to take it again?
- No, you do not need to take the PRAXIS I examination again. You will need, however, to take the PRAXIS II examination prior to applying for school certification. You should attach a copy of your teacher certification with your school certification application.
I am currently licensed as a registered nurse, dental hygienist, psychologist, or social worker. Do I have to take the Praxis I and II examinations?
- You need to submit a copy of your license with your school certification application. You do not need to take the Praxis I examination; you do need to take the Praxis II examination.
If I am in the agency track, will I be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) when I graduate?
- No, you will be license eligible. You will need to sit for the licensure exam and accrue approximately two years of supervised client contact hours before you can submit for licensure in PA.
Contact Us
Still have questions? Please contact the program coordinator:
Gregory M Tucker, PhD.
email: gmtucker@temple.edu
phone: (215) 204-1590
