Master your future with a graduate degree
Application deadlines nearing for campus-based programs
By Lexi Byler
MSUM’s 12 graduate degrees, licensures and certificates can easily accommodate work, life and school responsibilities. Students have the opportunity to learn and grow from prestigious faculty members who have real-world experience and scholarly expertise. Interested in pursuing a career caring for others? Check out School Psychology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Counseling and Student Affairs for application deadlines.
School Psychology
MSUM’s Master of Science and Specialist in School Psychology program prepare graduates to help students succeed academically and socially. Graduates are prepared to serve students with a range of cultures, backgrounds and diverse identities; work with families and schools; and advance their skills in academic, mental health, and systems consultation, assessment and intervention.
Key benefits of MSUM’s School Psychology program:
- 100% pass rate on the National Exam in School Psychology
- 100% percent job placement
- Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- 65-credit program designed for three-year completion
- Field experience in the first semester through practica supervised by school psychologists and local educators
- Third year internship is typically a paid position within a school district or special education cooperative
- Priority deadline: February 15
The cohort model of about 12 students per cohort encourages peer support and learning. The small class sizes foster strong faculty/student mentorships.
“It’s a very supportive collegial atmosphere,” said Lisa Stewart, Ph.D. and program director.
Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-Language Pathology specializes in treating children and adults who have communication disorders such as speech, language, voice or swallowing problems. The M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program is unique at MSUM. Unlike many other SLP programs, students graduate prepared and qualified to work in schools or medical sites.
Key benefits of MSUM’s SLP program:
- 100% pass rate on the SLP National Exam
- 100% percent job placement
- Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (CAA)
- 5 semester program
- Computer-based clinical and research instrumentation for speech and voice analysis, audiology and augmentative communication
- Graduates volunteer for speech, hearing, language and memory screenings; a stuttering support group; and present at regional and national conferences
- Field experience at the on-campus Speech-Language and Hearing clinic
- The clinic serves over 100 clients both on campus and at over 40 off-campus sites
- Deadline: February 1
With around 20 students in each class, students benefit by connecting with their professors. Weekly face-to-face interaction not only promotes interactive and cooperative learning, but allows students to establish strong bonds with one another which helps them persist to graduation.
“My favorite part of the program is the students. This is a helping profession and the students have a real passion for helping,” explained Nancy Paul, Ph.D. and program coordinator.
Counseling and Student Affairs
The mission of the Counseling and Student Affairs (CNSA) program at MSUM is to prepare highly skilled counselors and student affairs professionals who are knowledgeable in human development and counseling theory.
Key benefits of MSUM’s CNSA program:
- 100% pass rate on both the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam and the National Counselor Exam
- 100% percent job placement
- Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- The program is designed to be completed in two years for full-time students and up to five years for part-time students
- Emphases in: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling and Student Affairs and College Counseling
- Field experience at the on-campus Community Outreach Center
- Priority deadline: February 15
The program focuses on the integration of counseling and developmental theories with interpersonal skill development. In addition to the coursework, practicum and internship experiences prepare students for careers as professional clinical health providers, school counselors, college counselors and student affairs professionals.
“The core of MSUM’s CNSA program is our students. The passion they have and share with others is amazing,” said Lisa Karch, Ph.D.
With dedicated faculty and passionate students, MSUM’s nationally accredited graduate programs offer a flexible and unique way to further your education. Let MSUM help you become one step closer to your life goals.
Admission requirements: https://www.mnstate.edu/graduate/admission-application.aspx