The University of Kentucky’s Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling Psychology offers two concentrations: a 60-credit hour concentration designed to prepare students to pursue psychology licensure in Kentucky and a 48-credit hour concentration designed for students interested in pursuing advanced study in counseling psychology. The concentrations differ in their curriculum and intended professional outcomes. Students should review the requirements and objectives of each option carefully before choosing a concentration.
60-Credit-Hour Professional Psychology Concentration
The 60-credit concentration is a is a 60-credit, full-time, in-person professional master’s degree designed to prepare graduates to pursue master’s-level psychology licensure in Kentucky while also equipping interested students with the skills and experiences to pursue doctoral studies in counseling psychology.
Graduates complete the coursework and supervised clinical training needed to apply for licensure in Kentucky as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA). LPAs provide health service psychology services—including psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and diagnosis—under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
After completing two years of supervised professional practice and satisfying other Kentucky Board requirements, an LPA can apply to become a Licensed Psychological Practitioner (LPP). LPPs can practice independently in Kentucky without ongoing supervision by a licensed psychologist.
Summary of Potential Professional Development Sequence:
- 60-credit M.S. at UK
- Following graduation, you may pursue your LPA
- Two years of supervised practice
- LPP application
- Independent psychological practice
Psychology licensure requirements are established by state law and regulatory boards and can change. The program is specifically designed around Kentucky requirements; completion of the degree does not itself confer a license. Requirements in other states vary.
48-Credit Hour Research Concentration
The 48-credit concentration option is a two year, full-time (12 credits per fall/spring semester), 48 credit hour terminal degree program that provides students with the comprehensive, foundational training specifically designed to prepare students to successfully apply for Counseling Psychology doctoral programs. This 48-credit concentration is not designed for people who may wish to stop their graduate education after getting their master’s degree (i.e., for people who want to get licensed at the master’s level as a licensed psychological associate/practitioners or licensed professional clinical associate/counselor in order to provide mental health treatment to clients). Students who may want the option, after completing their master’s degree, to become licensed at the master’s level should instead apply for our 60-credit concentration described above on this webpage.
Important: Students should not assume that completing the 48-credit hour concentration satisfies the educational requirements of the LPA or LPP licensure in Kentucky. Students interested in pursuing psychology licensure should review the requirements of the 60-credit hour concentration and confirm applicable requirements with the Kentucky Board before selecting an option.
Program Details
Delivery Method: In-person
Credit Hours: 48-60
Typical Time to Completion:
- 48-credit concentration: Approximately 21 months across four semesters (fall, spring, fall, spring)
- 60-credit concentration: Approximately 24 months across six consecutive semesters, including two summer semesters
Location: Lexington, Kentucky