Union College Offers Graduate Degree in Psychology

Union College has expanded its graduate studies with the addition of a master’s degree in psychology, a program that holds future options for licensure in various facets of the field of psychology.

Last week’s accreditation nod for the new program has opened many doors for current and prospective Union College students, who are invited to apply and register through Sept. 8, with classes beginning on Sept. 11.

“This is going to be a boon for our area,” said Dr. Joni Caldwell, who will direct both the undergraduate and graduate psychology programs. “I’ve been here for 16 years, and for as long as I can remember, students have been begging for a graduate program in psychology. The need is great, but the actual programs for students in eastern Kentucky are few.”

Students may opt for the 36 hour master’s in psychology degree or the 45 hour program leading to state licensure in clinical or counseling psychology at both the psychological associate and the psychological practitioner level.

All faculty members hold doctorate degrees, and there is a licensed clinical psychologist on staff who will supervise the field practica and internships. Having a licensed psychologist on staff also helps pave the way for a campus counseling center, a facility which is currently being considered and will provide internship opportunities.

This new degree was precipitated by the recent increased enrollment in the graduate education program, along with other factors such as regional need, a balanced budget, sufficient institutional support resources and community and student interest.

As a one-time only enrollment incentive, Union College administrators are offering a 10 percent tuition remission to the first 25 students who enroll in three core classes offered in the fall semester. This discount applies to the following courses: Statistics for Mental Health Professionals, Advanced Counseling Techniques, and Clinical Assessment for Emotional/Psychological Functioning.

Classes will be offered on evenings, weekends and online to accommodate professionals in the field who want to upgrade their credentials, according to Caldwell. Candidates must submit with their applications two letters of recommendation, GRE scores, formal statement of goals, among other requirements. For additional information concerning admission, visit the Graduate Psychology Website.

August 22, 2006