University of Holy Cross

Degree Offerings in Psychology and Counseling at UHC

The University of Holy Cross appears in our ranking of the Top 25 Most Affordable Master’s Degrees in Counseling in the South.

The University of Holy Cross has several degree programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels in the fields of psychology and counseling. Undergraduates can earn a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling, in Social Counseling, or Applied Behavioral Science, an Associate of Science in Juvenile Counseling or Addiction Counseling, or a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Graduate degree seekers can earn either a Master of Arts or a Ph.D. in Counseling.

Each of the various undergraduate degrees requires completion of the general education requirements. In addition, common courses such as Introduction to Sociology, Interviewing and Counseling, and General Psychology are found in the curriculum guides across the undergraduate degrees. From there, depending upon the degree focus, students are offered courses in Addiction Counseling, Recovery Counseling, Juvenile Delinquency, Crisis Interventions, Human Sexuality, and Sexual Trauma. The BS in Applied Behavioral Sciences also includes courses in Criminal Investigation, Criminology, and Criminal Justice Electives. The BS in Psychology provides more in-depth coursework in Psychology of Learning, Death and Dying, and Psychological Tests and Measurements.

At the graduate level, University of Holy Cross offers a Masters of Arts in Counseling with several areas of specialization, including Clinical Mental Health, Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, and School Counseling. All involve common courses in Human Growth and Development, Social and Cultural Foundations, and Career and Lifestyle Development. Students in any of these specializations will also take courses in Theories of Counseling and Theory and Practice of Group Counseling. In addition, students will participate in a practicum and two internships as part of the degree requirements.

For students advancing to the doctoral level, further coursework involves Advanced Counseling Theories, Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders, and a combination of doctoral seminars, college teaching experiences, practicum and internships. In addition, a minimum of 12 credit hours must be dedicated to dissertation research, broken down into three specific courses given at the 800 level. The Ph.D. program prepares students to work as counselor educators, researchers, supervisors, and practitioners in a variety of academic and clinical settings.

Regardless of which degree program is chosen, students at the University of Holy Cross will enjoy a low student to teacher ratio of approximately 13:1 and the personalized education that comes from the dedication to educate both mind and heart.

About The University of Holy Cross

The University of Holy Cross is a private, Catholic university and a Ministry of the Marianites of Holy Cross. It was originally founded as a girls’ high school in the 1850s and eventually evolved into a teaching college and then into the fully accredited, coeducational university that it is today. The only four-year university located on the West Bank of New Orleans, it is still dedicated to the Marianite principles of holistically educating the whole person, interpreted as both the heart and the mind. Core values include instilling a Catholic identity, a sense of cultural diversity, and responsible stewardship of resources.

University of Holy Cross Accreditation Details

The University of Holy Cross is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Under this accreditation, the university is able to offer degrees ranging from associate level through its doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. In addition, specific programs in clinical mental health counseling, marriage, couple, and family counseling, and school counseling are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs.

University of Holy Cross Application Requirements

Students seeking admission to University of Holy Cross as a freshman must show proof of attaining a high school diploma or completing a GED program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. In addition, students need a minimum composite score of 20 on the ACT, with a minimum of 16 scored on each of the English, Mathematics, and Reading sub-tests. In addition, students must not need more than one developmental course as determined by ACT test scores.

Students may also be admitted conditionally with a high school or GED cumulative grade point average of between 2.0 and 2.49 and an ACT composite score of 17 to 19. ACT sub-test scores must still be no lower than 16. High school transcripts and ACT scores are to be submitted along with the student’s application for admission.

Transfer students may be granted admission to University of Holy Cross if they have attained a minimum of 12 university level credit hours and have maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher at their previous institution(s). Students wishing to transfer with less than 12 credit hours are subject to the same requirements as an incoming freshman. In addition, students wishing to transfer to UHC must have left their previous college or university in good standing. In order to be considered for admission as a transfer student, the prospect must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, along with the application for admission.

Students seeking admission to one of the graduate programs will need to include transcripts from all prior institutions of higher learning along with the graduate school application. In addition, admission for either a masters level or doctoral program requires a minimum of three letters of recommendation and a personal goal statement that is at least two pages long, double-spaced and provides information on why the student has chosen the particular profession, some background on the student, and future professional goals. In addition, transcripts must confirm proof of the previous attainment of either the bachelors or masters level degree from an accredited university or college.

Tuition and Financial Aid

As a private and religion-based institution, tuition costs for both undergraduate and graduate levels are the same regardless of whether the student is an in-state resident or not. Undergraduate coursework is charged at $435 per credit hour, while graduate coursework is charged at $550 per credit hour. In both cases, there are various additional fees ranging from totals of approximately $566 to $596 per semester.

Financial aid is available from a variety of sources for students who qualify. Sources include federal grants and student loans as well as specific scholarships and work-study arrangements. The first step to determining eligibility and receiving financial aid is to fill out and return the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form can be completed and submitted completely online.

For more information about studying counseling at The University of Holy Cross.