William James College

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Updated December 1, 2022 · 3 Min Read

Learn more about the various counseling degree programs available at William James College.

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The Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology was founded in 1974 in West Roxbury, a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2012, the college relocated to Newton and, in 2015, the college changed its name to William James College, honoring the founder of American psychology. In many psychology circles, Dr. James is considered one of the most influential and innovative thinkers of the 19th century. He championed diversity and believed that it was critical to provide education regardless of race and gender. In addition, Dr. James promoted a practical application of psychology using a wide range of social perspectives.

For the past 40 years, William James College has offered academic programs with an upward trajectory designed to increase reach into the community and forming relationships with partners who can provide students with hands-on experience that complements their classroom experience. Even after the name change, William James College will continue to focus on providing high-quality graduate degrees in the psychology field.

More than 700 students attend William James College each year and the school has initiated strategic initiatives that are designed to set the college apart in both the short- and long-term that reflect the school’s educational philosophy. Students are provided an education that positively changes the lives of those dealing with mental health issues.

Because the school does not offer undergraduate degrees, the Board of Trustees chose not to change the name to William James University, believing that “College” better suited the programs offered.

William James College Accreditation Details

William James College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges which demonstrates that the school has met or exceeded criteria set forth by the accrediting agency that indicate excellence in education. The Clinical Doctoral Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. In addition, the school is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists.

William James College Application Requirements

The application process for each program at William James College is different depending on which program the student wishes to attend. The learning environment and practical training are unique. Students are encouraged to discuss those requirements with an admissions counselor before applying for any program at William James College.

William James College Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition at William James College is as follows:

  • Clinical Psychology Psy.D. - $1,248 per credit hour
  • Leadership Psychology Psy.D. - $1,248 per credit hour
  • School Psychology Psy.D. - $1,248 per credit hour
  • Counseling Psychology, Master of Arts - $1,248 per credit hour
  • Counseling Psychology in Couples & Family Therapy, Master of Arts - $1,248 per credit hour
  • Counseling Psychology in Expressive Arts Therapy, Master of Arts - $1,248 per credit hour
  • Counseling and Health Psychology, Master of Arts - $1,248 per credit hour
  • Forensic & Counseling Psychology, Master of Arts - $1,248 per credit hour
  • Counseling Psychology in Community Mental Health, Master of Arts - $832 per credit hour
  • CAGS in School Psychology, Master of Arts - $1,248 per credit hour
  • CAGS in applied Behavior Analysis
  • Organizational Psychology (Blended), Master of Arts - $33,000 per year
  • Organizational Psychology (Online), Master of Arts - $26,000 per year

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

William James College Degrees Available

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is a 60 credit hour program that is available in two concentrations – Latino Mental Health and Military and Veterans Psychology. The program takes two years of full-time study or three to four years of part-time study to complete. During the first year, students are required to complete a 360-hour practicum and must complete a 600-hour practicum during their second year. Students may take some courses in a blended format. The blended format is a rigorous seven-week program with a weekly online component and one intensive weekend-in-residence. Some courses must be taken completely onsite. Students must have a bachelor’s degree or higher to apply for the program and must have completed either basic psychology coursework or volunteer work in a psychology field.

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology in Community Mental Health

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology in Community Mental Health takes, on average, three years to complete. Students may complete the program in a blended traditional and online format. Students must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in order to apply and must be a current mental health worker employed at a William James College-partnered community mental health agency. The program seeks to address the critical shortage of individuals that are trained to meet the needs of community mental health consumers.

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology in Expressive Arts Therapy

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology in Expressive Arts Therapy at William James College can be completed in two years attending full-time and in three or four years attending part-time. Students have the option of taking courses in a blended format that are a combination of online, traditional and weekend courses. Students must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in order to apply for the program as well as basic psychology courses or have volunteered in a psychology-based organization. The program is designed to prepare mental health professionals in the therapeutic use of expressive arts to transform individuals, families or communities. Research shows that including expressive arts with strong counseling and trauma treatment can improve individuals, families and communities.

Master of Arts in Forensic and Counseling Psychology

William James College offers a Master of Arts in Forensic and counseling Psychology designed to provide health and substance abuse assessment to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. The program examines the relationship between psychology and the legal system, training students to apply psychological principles to legal issues in a variety of capacities. The program is offered in intensive onsite weekend classes as well as online learning over a two-year period. The program prepares students for graduate study as well. Upon completion, students meet the requirements to qualify for licensure in the state of Massachusetts as Mental Health Counselors.

William James College strives to provide an education to students that will honor its namesake. Many programs at the college are offered in either a blended format or completely online, allowing adult students who may have family, work or social obligations achieve their higher education goals.

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