University of Maryland College Park Advanced Graduate Specialist Certificate in Counseling Psychology, School Psychology, and Counselor Education
University & College Info June 21, 2013Everyone knows something about human psychology. Then again, even a pig or a dog is capable of understanding the basics of manipulation and communication. What truly separates you, the student; from millions of others out there is your willingness to learn the science behind psychology—beyond common sense. The University of Maryland at College Park offers an advanced graduate specialist certificate in the areas of counseling psychology, school psychology, and counselor education. This certificate will qualify you for certification and allow you to pursue a career in this truly important profession.
What Does the UMD Teach in Regard Counseling and Psychology?
The training program will focus on all three aspects from counseling theory to textbook psychology to counseling within an educational institution. These subjects also include areas of specialization in various human services. At the root though, all of these fields focus on helping people on an individual basis, as well as within group settings and even organizational settings. You will be learning not merely how to control or motivate people, but also how to help them reach their optimal level of functioning in work, life, relationships and their own social setting.
Students who study with the University of Maryland at College Park will often go on to careers teaching at elementary schools, high schools, or even prestigious universities. Furthermore, there is a growing need for counselors and psychology workers in mental health care, business industry, government and community service. Following your certification, you may opt to work as a researcher, teacher, administrator, or go on to work as a psychologist after further education.
Resources at UMD for Students
Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or B average in order to qualify for admission. In addition to this outstanding performance, admissions policies require students to submit three letters of recommendation and a statement of their goals. For higher education including A.G.S. or PhDs, students must also include fieldwork.
The good news is that once you do gain acceptance, you can look forward to cultivating relationships with brilliant educators and take full advantage of the on-campus facilities at UMD. Fieldwork assignments go well beyond the facilities and may branch out into nearby colleges, schools, counseling clinics, and other businesses and organizations in the greater Metropolitan area. You can also look forward to using on-site conveniences such as the Library of Congress, the National Institutes of Health, and the American Counseling Association.
Students who need financial assistance will have plenty of opportunities. There are scholarship options as well as financial aid resources to look into through the Department along with the University.
If you want to excel in a career where you are respected, appreciated, and literally save people’s lives, then psychology and counseling is the path to take. It may relieve you to know that you do not have to go get a doctorate degree just to start working in this field. You can start with undergraduate, graduate, and certification work to develop your resume. However, with just a little bit of effort you will find yourself truly in-demand.
