Master’s in Counseling Psychology -Creative Arts Focus

In UMF’s Counseling Psychology master’s program, you will:

• Develop strong clinical skills through supervised practicum and internship experiences.

• Gain knowledge in psychological theory, counseling techniques, and ethics.

• Strengthen your research abilities to inform evidence-based practice.

• Build the competencies needed for professional licensure in counseling.

• Participate in supervised clinical training with real clients.

• Engage in research projects that enhance professional practice.

• Gain experience in individual, group, and family counseling.

• Work closely with faculty and mentors who guide you toward professional licensure.

This program will prepare you to be eligible for licensure in the State of Maine. Visit the UMaine System State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

• Licensed Professional Counselor

• School-based counselor

• Clinical mental health counselor

• Positions in community agencies, hospitals, and private practice settings

U.S. Veterans Administration uses creative arts therapies for those who are “resistive to other treatment approaches”:

• chronic pain
• neurocognitive disorders
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Substance Use Disorder

Given these realities, counselors with creative arts emphases may find employment in an expanding range of settings:

• nursing homes
• assisted living facilities
• home health agencies
• community mental health agencies
• inpatient and outpatient children’s treatment centers
• facilities providing services to veterans and their families

• UMF offers small class sizes and individualized faculty support.

• The program emphasizes hands-on learning and professional readiness.

• UMF has a strong reputation in psychology and teacher education in New England.

• Students are well-prepared to pursue professional licensure and careers in counseling.

• Cohort-model: learn and develop with a group of future colleagues
• Every Friday on the UMF campus
• Complete the program in 2-years
• Take 4-5 courses each semester; (summer and winter term 1 course)
• Program assistance in obtaining practicum and internships

• Cohort-model: learn and develop with a group of future colleagues
• Every other Saturday on the UMF campus
• Complete the program in as little as 4 years
• Take 2 courses each semester (some summer and winter terms)
• Program assistance in obtaining practicum and internships

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

A foreign degree must be validated by World Educational Services, Center for Educational Documentation, Inc., or other appropriate agency. The decision to accept the degree is made on a case-by-case basis by the Associate Dean for Graduate and Continuing Education.

Download our application form>>

Please email completed forms to: gradstudies@maine.edu

Please provide official transcripts from each institution you have attended (including both the undergraduate and graduate level). Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institutions to the UMF’s Office of Graduate Studies. If you attended a UMaine System school (UMA, UMF, UMFK, UMM, UM, UMPI, or USM), the Office of Graduate Studies can obtain your transcript for you.

A unique feature of the MA Counseling program at UMF is the opportunity to explore the creative arts at the graduate level while simultaneously completing a program of study in the field of counseling. The program facilitates the development of counseling skills via professional clinical training and a focus on the creative arts (e.g., music, painting, creative writing).

In a 500-word essay, please explain your reasons for seeking admission to this program. Feel free to discuss your experience or interests in music, creative writing, or any other art.

Two recommendation forms are required:

• These individuals should know you in a professional or educational context and speak to your abilities for graduate study.

Download Recommendation Form>>

Note: This is a fillable form, and you may need to download it to enable it.

Please provide a copy of your current resume.

Participants in this program will be required to satisfy a criminal background screening.

If you are requesting that graduate-level coursework be transferred from another institution into this UMF Master’s program, in addition to your transcript you must submit the syllabi for each course you would like considered for transfer. Transfer decisions are made at the time of admission.

A student, with the approval of the Admissions Committee, may transfer up to 9 graduate credits from another institution into his/her academic program; only 3 of these credits may be in the core of the program. These credits must have been earned from a regionally accredited institution, within 5 years prior to admission, and with a minimum grade of B (or equivalent). Graduate credits applied toward an undergraduate degree cannot be used toward the Master’s degree.