Are you fascinated by the workings of the human mind and wish to help people lead better lives? Then, the online master’s psychology programs in Wisconsin could be the right fit for you. These programs offer a convenient and all-inclusive educational experience that is tailored for busy working professionals like you.
With numerous areas to specialize in, these online master’s psychology programs equip you with the key skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of psychology. These programs will help you understand human behavior and become proficient in research methods. Main aim of these programs is to get you ready for an successful career in psychology, research, or mental health counseling.
So, if you are set to start an exciting adventure towards becoming a psychology professionals, let’s delve into what the online master’s psychology programs in Wisconsin can provide for you.
Wisconsin Online Master’s Psychology Programs
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online psychology master’s programs in Wisconsin:
- University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
- Capella University
- Marian University
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin Superior
- Marquette University
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Online School Psychology Program
The University of Wisconsin – La Crosse (UWL) offers a school psychology program that combines a Master of Science in Education and an Education Specialist degree. If you are a licensed educator in Wisconsin with at least a year of experience in K-12 schools, you can apply for this degree. The program adheres to the standards established by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Designed especially for working educators with a teaching license who wish to transition into school psychology, this program is offered online and asynchronously. This flexible approach lets you pursue this advanced degree while continuing to work in your school. The program involves three years of study over fall, winter, and summer semesters, a year-long internship in the fourth year, a final capstone project, and passing either the Praxis II School Psychologist content knowledge test (#5402) or comprehensive examinations at UWL.
The program’s focus is on producing effective teacher, parent, and school consultants through extensive hands-on experiences under mentorship. It also emphasizes a pupil services model, addressing the mental health and educational needs of all children, from early childhood through high school. After successfully meeting all the program requirements spread over 61 semester credits, you will be eligible for licensure as a school psychologist in Wisconsin.
Some of the core courses you will take include the following:
- School Psychology: Role and Function
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health for School Psychologists
- Academic, Behavioral, and Mental Health Interventions
- Early Childhood Assessment
- Psychoeducational Assessment I/II
- Application of Multicultural Psychology
- Counseling and Therapy Methods
Most courses in this program last six to seven weeks, and you will take one course at a time. You can complete most of the coursework whenever it suits you. Some classes may have scheduled synchronous sessions, arranged at the term’s outset based on student availability.
As a graduate student, you will engage in real-world clinical experiences in K-12 schools, applying your knowledge and skills in school psychology at your school site. In your third year, you will spend two days a week in schools under the guidance of licensed school psychologists. These school practica allow you to build professional skills in assessment, intervention, consultation, case management, counseling, and in areas covered by each of the NASP standards.
To maintain the quality of education, online class sizes are kept to just 12 students, mirroring the on-campus program. Online students stay connected with their peers and instructors through online discussions and assignments.
To apply for the School Psychology online program, you need to meet the requirements for graduate study, hold a Wisconsin educator license, have a minimum of one year’s experience in K-12 schools, and be currently employed in K-12 education. You also need to have successfully completed an undergraduate course in statistics before the program starts. Admitted students will need to pass a criminal background check before beginning classes.
Marian University
Online Master of Science in Industrial Organizational Psychology
Marian University offers an online master’s program in Industrial Organizational Psychology that equips you with required skills to effectively handle today’s ever-changing workforce and workplace dynamics. The curriculum focuses on contemporary social and global aspects that adhere to the latest ethical and legal norms. You can opt to expand your practical knowledge by choosing either a thesis or a practicum.
This I-O Psychology program is ideal if you are looking for a quality degree with the flexibility that fits your busy schedule. The program’s goal is to produce scientist-practitioners who incorporate evidence-based practices in their careers, thereby improving the workplace for the organization, its stakeholders, and its employees.
Some of the core courses you will take include the following:
- Training & Development
- Job Analysis
- Ethical & Legal Issues
- I0O Analytics Using R
- Organizational Consulting
Upon finishing this program, you will be able to:
- Show a robust foundational understanding of psychology as a discipline, including knowledge of the field’s history, current trends, theoretical foundations, concepts, and various branches within I-O Psychology.
- Display knowledge and skills in both the scientific and applied aspects of I-O Psychology, including the ability to form hypotheses, collect, analyze, and interpret data based on evidence-based foundations, and critically evaluate the results.
- Utilize the core principles of I-O Psychology, such as addressing ethical and legal issues, conducting research, analyzing jobs, facilitating organizational development, and implementing performance evaluation, workforce analytics, and technological programs in I-O.
- Apply the concepts of I-O psychology to organizations and employees, demonstrating a practical understanding of the field.
- Effectively communicate in both written and interpersonal contexts, using appropriate language, terminology, and scientific explanations tailored to specific audiences.
To apply for this program, you will need:
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts
- Undergraduate coursework in psychology, including General Psychology, Human Development, Social Psychology, Statistical Techniques for Research Data Analysis, and Research Methods
- GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A resume showcasing at least one year of employment at the time of application
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement of approximately 500 words, outlining your career aspirations.
Concordia University Wisconsin
Master of Science in Education – School Counseling Licensure or Professional Counseling License
Concordia University Wisconsin offers a 36-credit online counseling program, designed with a holistic approach, focusing on the mind, body, and spirit. You can opt for a master’s degree in school counseling, which allows you to work with K-12 students. Alternatively, you can earn a graduate degree in professional counseling, with an additional opportunity to qualify for a substance abuse credential.
The program is designed to equip you with strategies and skills required to effectively listen to, support, and assist a wide array of individuals. Each counseling track comes with a tailored curriculum that builds your proficiency and empowers you to provide lifelong service.
The program is mostly online, consisting of 8-week sessions throughout the academic year. You have the flexibility to begin at the start of any 8-week session as you work towards your graduate degree in counseling.
The program does require you to attend two in-person courses to further enhance your counseling skills and facilitate face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers. These courses, focusing on individual and group counseling skills and strategies, are taught by practicing counselors who have had counseling experience before transitioning into academia.
Some of the core courses you will take include the following:
- Counseling Theories and Issues
- Human Development
- Social Cultural Foundations in Counseling
- Consultations Strategies
- Trauma Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Professional Ethics
Licensure for school counseling and professional counseling tracks is valid only in the state of Wisconsin. If you are planning on practicing in another state, you will need to check with that state’s licensing board to see if this program meets their requirements. For students outside Wisconsin, a master’s degree without teacher licensing for the school counselor track is achievable.
By the end of the school and professional counseling tracks, you will have developed the ability to:
- Use evidence-based counseling theories, techniques, and interventions in real-world situations.
- Uphold professional and ethical guidelines in your practice.
- Regularly engage in self-reflection and commit to continuous learning throughout your career.
- Provide tailored support to clients, respecting their unique and diverse needs.
- Help your clients lead lives that are rewarding and fulfilling, taking into account their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
University of Wisconsin Superior
Online Master of Science in Education – Counseling Clinical Mental Health
Through the online MS in Education – Counseling Clinical Mental Health program at University of Wisconsin Superior, you will enhance your skills in three key counseling areas. You will learn to help clients managed and prevent personal and interpersonal issues, promote optimal human development, and address existing concerns related to social, emotional, and developmental factors.
To earn this online degree, you will need to complete 60 credit hours. This includes 12 core courses (39 credit hours), 5 LPCC courses (12 credit hours), and 2 elective courses (6 credit hours).
Experienced teachers will introduce you to contemporary strategies to build therapeutic relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures. You will also strengthen your critical thinking skills and gain practical experience through internships and practicum. This hands-on experience, coupled with successful clearing licensure exam, will prepare you to work as a licensed counselor in Wisconsin and Minnesota upon graduation.
As a graduate of this online program, you will be equipped to:
- Identify and apply the major theories and concepts of the counseling.
- Develop and apply various counseling techniques and treatments to help clients achieve their goals.
- Understand and apply group counseling principles in various counseling settings.
- Utilize and interpret suitable assessment tools, applying psychometric theory and concepts.
- Understand the cultural context of relationships, issues, and societal trends, and how these impact the client and the counseling profession.
- Apply your knowledge and skills professionally through in-depth professional development, classroom instruction, practicums, and an internship.
With this degree, potential career paths in Clinical Mental Health Counseling include:
- Private practice
- Inpatient or outpatient treatment facilities
- Government and non-profit social service agencies
- Hospitals and other healthcare systems
- Substance abuse & addiction treatment centers
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Legal and correctional systems
Marquette University
Online Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
With Marquette University’s online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, you get to experience a top-tier graduate program. This program equips you with essentials skills and experience, allowing you to pursue career as a clinical mental health counselor – all from the comfort of your home.
This online mental health counseling program requires you to complete 60 credit hours. Practicum and internship experiences are included, as these are often prerequisites for state licensing. These practical experiences are taken in the latter part of the program.
Some of the core courses you will take include the following:
- Introduction to Counseling
- Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Life-Span Human Development
- Theories of Counseling
- Research Methods in Counseling
- Psychopathology and Diagnosis
- Assessment in Counseling
You can choose to specialize in child and adolescent counseling or opt for our general track. Regardless of your choice, your focus will be on fostering growth and development, enhancing the quality of lives, identifying your clients’ strengths and necessary tools for success, and addressing the issues and mental health concerns holding them back.
As a licensed clinical mental health counselor, you can work in a wide array of settings such as community health centers, hospitals, outpatient and inpatient mental health centers, correctional facilities, and private practices. The nature of your work will be quite comprehensive, and partially dependent on the specific setting. You might engage in areas like behavioral or substance abuse interventions, or help clients improve parenting, interpersonal, and coping skills.
Keep in mind that licensing requirements differ from one state to another. However, mental health counselors generally need to possess a higher education degree, including a master’s degree, and complete an internship before taking licensing exams.
When you sign up as a student in this master’s program, a dedicated Student Success Coordinator will be assigned to you. This dedicated resource will work with you throughout the program, helping you to understand and meet important deadlines, overcome any tech issues, plan your course choices, and more.
While you can complete most coursework for this master’s degree at your convenience, some courses require real-time sessions. These live sessions give you vital opportunities to discuss and cultivate impactful counseling skills with instructors, including live response and interactive role-playing.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in Wisconsin?
The process of becoming a licensed psychologist in Wisconsin, or any other state, involves several steps that can take several years to complete:
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
- Earn a Master’s Degree: 2-3 years
- Earn a Doctorate: 4-7 years
- Complete Supervised Professional Experience: 1-2 years
- Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and Wisconsin’s state jurisprudence exam
In total, you are looking at around 11-14 years to become a licensed psychologist in Wisconsin, depending on how much time you spend on each stage. This timeline can vary based on part-time vs. full-time study, the specific requirements of your programs, and how quickly you are able to complete your supervised hours and pass the licensing exams.
Related Reading
- Accredited Forensic Psychology Programs in Wisconsin
- Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology in Wisconsin
- Accredited Child Psychology Graduate Programs in Wisconsin
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