Overview
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Jamestown Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program is to educate our students through the integration of scientific research and clinical practice, infuse diversity throughout all areas of the program, and train competent, multiculturally sensitive, and ethically sound entry-level professionals in the field of counseling.
Program Philosophy
The University of Jamestown Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program is built upon the values of service and diversity. The program aims to graduate a diverse student body who can provide a variety of high-quality services to clients of all backgrounds, various levels of impairments, in multiple settings throughout their communities. Although the university is built upon the Christian faith, we welcome students from all backgrounds and religions. Students do not sign a faith agreement or adhere to any religious requirements while enrolled at the University of Jamestown.
Accreditation and Licensure
Licensure Overview
As of July 2023, the University of Jamestown Master’s in Clinical Counseling program curriculum has been reviewed by the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners and is deemed to meet educational requirements for licensure in the state of North Dakota at the level of Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC).
The requirements for the LAPC designation include three main components:
- Completion of program curriculum: The 60-credit-hour curriculum aligns with CACREP standards.
- Practical experience and training: Includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship, totaling 700 required hours.
- Preparation for the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
The MCC program meets the LAPC-level requirements. Additional training is required for LPC and LPCC licensure. For more details, visit the
North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners website.
Licensure Eligibility
Students will not be immediately licensed upon graduation. Licensure depends on state-specific rules and is governed by a state board. While earning a master’s degree is essential, other requirements include clinical training (e.g., practicum and internship) and passing a national exam. Most states require students to wait until their degree is conferred, but North Dakota allows students to begin the licensure process in their final semester. The MCC program supports students by offering licensure preparation resources and field experience coursework.
During the post-graduation gap before obtaining licensure, students may not qualify for insurance reimbursement. Though not required, students are encouraged to take the licensing exam before program completion.
Clinical Training Information
The Practicum and Internship experiences are central to the program, offering hands-on learning under licensed supervision. Site selection is based on student needs and CACREP standards. Students complete at least 700 hours of training: 100 during Practicum and 600 during Internship, with at least 40% being direct client contact.
Required Clinical Training Elements
Clinical training includes supervised direct service to diverse populations. A tailored training plan helps students meet competency benchmarks. Sites are selected to provide quality experiences aligned with health service psychology. Supervision must be conducted by qualified professionals, and evaluations include direct observation (live or recorded). For more, refer to the Field Experience Manual.
Faculty per Student Ratio
Current (2023–24) full-time faculty per student ratio is 1:10.
Facilities and Resources
The University of Jamestown has three campuses: the main campus in Jamestown; the online graduate studies and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs based at the Fargo campus; and University of Jamestown Accelerated (UJA) located in Phoenix, AZ. The Clinical Counseling program is primarily delivered through distance education and is based in Fargo, ND, with a physical location at 4143 26th Ave. So. Ste. 100, Fargo, ND 58104 for faculty and staff offices. This Fargo location does not currently provide physical resources for students.
The program is primarily distance learning and utilizes the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Students are required to have a functional computer with a camera and access to a word processor to complete assignments.
Admission and Costs
Application Information
There are two avenues to be admitted into the University of Jamestown Master of Science in Clinical Counseling Program:
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Direct Entry
Any current or future online or on-campus undergraduate student (high school senior through college senior) at the University of Jamestown may apply directly to the Clinical Counseling Program at any time without using PSYCAS. The program will reserve a spot pending successful completion of requirements. This route is exclusive to UJ students.
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PSYCAS.org
Applicants who are not currently enrolled at UJ may apply via the Centralized Application Service for Graduate Psychology (PSYCAS).
Application Instructions for Direct Entry
- Complete online application.
- Screening for students at or below junior status; formal interview (Zoom or in-person) occurs the year before program start.
- Advisor and instructor references will be contacted.
- No personal essay or application fee required.
Application Instructions for PSYCAS
- Complete the PSYCAS application.
- Submit official transcripts from all U.S. institutions to PSYCAS.
- Submit official transcript evaluations from foreign institutions using one of the following:
- Use the World Education Services (WES) link in the Academic History section to order your WES evaluation.
- Alternatively, use the “Download Evaluation Request Form” in the Academic History section to request evaluation from another approved service.
- Scan and upload a personal statement in the Documents section of PSYCAS.
- Request 2 letters of recommendation via the PSYCAS recommender portal.
- Submit an APA-style writing sample.
- Successful applicants will be contacted for a formal Zoom interview.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field from a regionally accredited university.
- 18 psychology credits preferred. Applicants with fewer should list relevant courses related to psychology or counseling.
- Successful applicants will be contacted for a Zoom interview.
Program Costs
Fall
| Tuition | $8,040 (12 credits) |
| Fees | $30 |
| Room and Board | $6,000 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Transportation* | $1,000 |
| Miscellaneous* | $1,000 |
| Subtotal | $16,870 |
Spring
| Tuition | $8,040 (12 credits) |
| Fees | $30 |
| Room and Board | $6,000 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Transportation* | $1,000 |
| Miscellaneous* | $1,000 |
| Subtotal | $16,870 |
Summer
| Tuition | $4,020 (6 credits) |
| Fees | $30 |
| Room and Board | $6,000 |
| Books and Supplies | $400 |
| Transportation* | $500 |
| Miscellaneous* | $500 |
| Subtotal | $11,450 |
This table represents one year of this two-year program.
Cost: $670/credit
*Estimated costs based on student surveys.
Transfer Credit Policy
The University of Jamestown Clinical Counseling Program accepts up to 30 program credits. Students must complete at least half of the training (or its equivalent) through the institution granting the master’s degree. Refer to the University Handbook for full details.
Outcomes
Education and Training Outcomes
Education and training outcomes include eight areas of discipline-specific knowledge and nine areas of profession-wide competencies as outlined below.
Discipline-Specific Knowledge
Coursework and/or clinical training in the program will cover:
- Affective Aspects of Behavior
- Biological Aspects of Behavior
- Cognitive Aspects of Behavior
- Developmental Aspects of Behavior
- Social Aspects of Behavior
- Research Consumption
- Research & Practice
- Psychometrics
Profession-Wide Competencies
1. Integration of Psychological Science and Practice
- This area of competence requires knowledge of scientific methods, procedures, and practices. Trainees are expected to:
- Understand and critically evaluate research and scholarly works.
- Apply research methods to improve individual treatment outcomes.
- Consider equity, diversity, and inclusion in evaluating psychological research.
2. Ethical and Legal Standards
- Trainees are expected to demonstrate competency in the following areas:
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Be knowledgeable of and act in accordance with:
- APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
- Relevant laws and policies across all governance levels
- Professional standards and guidelines
- Recognize and resolve ethical dilemmas through sound decision-making processes.
- Conduct themselves ethically in all professional activities.
3. Individual and Cultural Diversity
- Trainees are expected to demonstrate:
- Ongoing self-reflection of personal/cultural biases and attitudes.
- Knowledge of diversity in professional settings (research, training, service).
- Ability to integrate cultural awareness into professional roles.
- Effective approaches to working with diverse individuals and groups.
- Understanding of systemic factors such as oppression, privilege, and intersectionality.
- Awareness of social justice's role in behavioral health access.
- Advocacy for social equity and justice impacting patient populations.
4. Professional Values and Attitudes
- Trainees are expected to:
Professional Values and Attitudes
- Behave in ways that reflect psychology’s values, including integrity, deportment, professional identity, accountability, commitment to science and practice integration, lifelong learning, and concern for the welfare of others.
- Engage in self-reflection to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and effectiveness.
- Actively seek and respond to feedback and supervision.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
These foundational skills span all aspects of service and interaction in health service psychology. Trainees are expected to:
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with diverse individuals and professional groups.
- Produce and comprehend respectful, accessible, and integrated communication—oral, nonverbal, and written.
- Demonstrate interpersonal effectiveness, including management of difficult communication.
- Communicate in culturally responsive ways that honor diverse perspectives and styles.
Assessment
Trainees are expected to:
- Understand diagnostic systems and behavioral patterns, including client strengths and psychopathology.
- Apply knowledge of human behavior in context.
- Use contextually informed assessment processes.
- Critically select and use empirically supported assessment tools with attention to diversity.
- Interpret data objectively and ethically to guide decisions and avoid bias.
- Communicate assessment results clearly and sensitively for varied audiences.
Intervention
Trainees will demonstrate the ability to:
- Build effective therapeutic relationships appropriate to context.
- Design evidence-based interventions aligned to service goals.
- Implement interventions based on literature, assessment, culture, and context.
- Evaluate and adapt interventions using ongoing monitoring.
- Incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion in stakeholder education and engagement.
Supervision
Trainees are expected to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of supervision roles.
- Understand supervision requirements for their scope of practice.
Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills
Trainees are expected to:
- Work effectively in integrative teams that include diverse professionals and stakeholders.
- Show respect for the roles, skills, and perspectives of other professionals.