Virginia Psychological Science and Human Services Graduate School Fair

The Master of Science in Human Resource Management
The MSHRM program prepares students to be an innovative strategic partner in human resources in a diverse and international workplace. Explore organizational excellence, international issues, legal and regulatory factors, analytics in HR, and consulting concepts and practices. Practice new skills through a consulting project in the local community.

Master of Science in Athletic Training
Delve deeply into the AT profession gaining real-world experience on campus and at clinical sites. Graduate from the program as a confident and proficient healthcare professional.

Master of Science in Psychology – Mental Health Professions
Become Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). Meet the requirements to become a Qualified Mental Health Professional in Virginia. Complete the program in less than one year! Graduate with an important designation in the mental health field.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Toward Licensed Professional Counselor [LPC]: CACREP-accredited to prepare the LPC licensure process. Experience a cohort-based, experiential model of education with faculty who have experience as clinicians. Participate in practicums and internships in on-campus and local community organizations, agencies, and schools.

Art Therapy and Counseling, MS Program (ATC): Art therapy is a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the Art Therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the result artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.” (American Art Therapy Association, arttherapy.org). Unique balance of clinical practice, art-making, and research.  The curriculum prepares graduates to seek their Art Therapy credentials (ATR) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license following required supervision in the field.

• The first class of students entered EVMS in 1973 and ATC is a founding program in the School of Health Professions.  We are excited to be celebrating our 50^th anniversary this year!
• We have an in-person Open House scheduled for Saturday, September 30^th at 10am.  Students, faculty, and alumni will be available to meet with interested individuals for a panel discussion.
• Webinars are available each month and will provide information on the Norfolk area, an overview of art therapy, prerequisites needed to apply, internships, and community projects.
• The application portal for fall 2024 will be open on October 1^st.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Addiction Counseling: Online with a three-week residency requirement. Students are required to spend one week on campus during semester one, two and four of the programs. Preparation for clinical mental health and addiction counselors emphasizing prevention of emotional and mental health concerns, early intervention when problems are identified, and client empowerment.

Occupational Therapy: Three year 112-credit hours. Features didactic and clinical education including lecture courses, laboratory courses, seminars, clinical fieldworks and a capstone experience and project.

Physical Therapy (DPT): Three year 119-credit hours including interprofessional (IPE) opportunities and clinical rotations regionally and nationally. Facility includes Gross Anatomy Lab, Pediatric Lab, Neuro and Musculoskeletal Labs and Falls Prevention Center for first-hand experience with community engagement, service-learning, and rural health care for medically underserved populations.

Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS): Full-time 27-month program. Students are admitted and progress as a unified cohort and complete courses in a specified sequence of full-time study, divided between a 13-month didactic phase and a 14-month clinical phase of training.

College of Education and Human Development

School of Education, School of Kinesiology, School of Sport Recreation and Tourism Management. The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) inspires graduate students to promote learning and development across the life span. The college is a nationally recognized leader in educator preparation, special education, counseling, and school leadership, and is home to 11 centers engaged in groundbreaking research. CEHD is ranked among U.S. News and World Report’s Top 50 best education schools in the country.

James Madison University offers a variety of masters/doctoral counseling and psychology programs including:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling
College Student Personnel Administration
School Counseling
Psychological Sciences
School Psychology
Counseling and Supervision
Clinical and School Psychology

Health Related Programs include:
Applied Nutrition
Athletic Training
Audiology
Speech Language Pathology
Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology)
Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Physician Assistant 

Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD): The first entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) in Virginia. Benefit from a top-notch academic experience that prepares for a future in all practice settings. Graduate empowered to screen, evaluate, create, and deliver evidence based care plans.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): Preparation for entry-level physical therapists working in any practice setting upon graduation and licensure. Innovative teaching and learning integrating current technologies and focusing on developing critical thinking; application of evidence-based practice; optimization of patient outcomes; and delivery of compassionate care.

Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA): The MSPA program mission is to academically and clinically prepare students for PA practice as compassionate, effective, qualified clinicians able to serve in a variety of medical specialty areas and settings in collaboration with licensed physicians.

Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA): Designed to advance a career unmatched by employment experience and help shape the future of a healthcare organization. Master a diverse range of disciplines with this unique education path. Manages aspects of business and healthcare field .

Master of Healthcare Administration/Master of Business Administration (MHA/MBA) Dual Degree: Designed for those who wish to expand their career potential in business management and healthcare administration. Core business courses that focus on the healthcare market and business industry, and healthcare administration courses that are deeply rooted in healthcare management. Forge a career in high-level healthcare leadership.

MA Forensic and Legal Psychology: The first of its kind in the metro D.C. region. Preparation for careers that tackle pressing issues in the legal system and intelligence community. It provides graduates for law enforcement, criminal investigation and defense, public policy, matters involving miscarriages of justice, and national security — just to name a few.

MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Combines hands-on learning with in-person coursework providing tools and techniques to help individuals with emotional, physical, social, school, and work issues.

Master of Social Work: Coming 2024

Occupational Therapy (transitional O.T.D.): Provides for US licensed occupational therapists who hold a master’s degree in occupational therapy to transition their academic credential to the O.T.D.

Doctor of Physical Therapy: Prepares generalist practitioners to deliver best-PT practice for improving movement, function, and health. Dynamic learning-in-context environment that utilizes a modified problem-based curriculum unique to the region.

MS Medical Sciences: Preparation for careers in medicine by strengthening scientific skills, improving MCAT scores and giving a competitive advantage in applying to medical and health professional schools. Excellent for entering fields like medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, or pharmaceuticals.

Athletic Training: The mission of the Master of Science of Athletic Training program is to develop exceptional clinicians accomplished in the delivery of evidence-informed care, in collaboration with other healthcare providers, for diverse client/patient populations with a variety of health conditions.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Develop exceptional clinicians accomplished in the delivery of evidence-informed care, in collaboration with other healthcare providers, for diverse client/patient populations with a variety of health conditions.

Counseling: preparation for professional practice in all settings. The core course work covers a range of counseling and human development issues including approaches to individual and group counseling; ethical and professional issues in counseling; fundamentals of the counseling profession; counseling ethics; measurement and evaluation in counseling; lifespan and career development; research in counseling; and social and cultural issues. In addition, students select one of two specializations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling.

Psychology:  For individuals wishing to gain additional research experience prior to enrolling in a psychology doctoral program at Old Dominion University or another university or for those individuals who are seeking the master’s as a terminal degree. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong background in statistics, research methods, and general psychology so that the student will have a wide range of choices for future professional education and development. The program requires a major research project that culminates in the master’s thesis, the focus of which is determined and supervised through one-on-one mentoring with a faculty member with whom the student works throughout their time in the program. Although the master’s degree is not a licensing or practicing degree, it prepares students to be competent researchers, consumers, and interpreters of psychological science.

Public Health: Provides graduates with an advanced understanding of the public health sciences and skills that can be utilized in multiple career fields. The Program prepares individuals for careers in the field of public health, incorporating knowledge and skills that can be utilized in healthcare management, population-based research, and the community practice of public health. Students complete both didactic and experience-based courses, culminating in a community organization-based Practicum that provides students the ability to combine their classroom-based learning with “hands-on” public health projects. MPH is an applicable graduate degree for students from any discipline.

School Counseling: Practice as professional school counselors in K-12 educational settings and meets the school counseling licensing requirements in Virginia. The School Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Additionally, students can expect to receive training on the American School Counselor Association National Model through didactic and experiential instruction.

MSAT Athletic Training
MS/MA, Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology)
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling
MS, Data & Information Management
Math Education, Special Education, Literacy Education
MS. Educational Leadership
MS, Education – Curriculum & Instruction
MA/MA, English
MS. Health Sciences
MHA, Healthcare Administration
Advanced Nursing Degrees
MA/MS, Music
MS, Strategic Communication
OTD, Occupational Therapy
DPT, Physical Therapy
MS, Physician Assistant

Master of Social Work (MSW):  Waldron College of Health and Human Services’ School of Social Work builds upon the values and ethics of the social work profession by integrating the principles of social and economic justice locally, nationally and globally. The program is rooted in empowerment and strengths-based perspectives centered on a critical understanding of diversity.  Through classroom learning and field placements under the guidance of committed faculty mentors, students learn how to help improve the quality of life for families and communities in the region and beyond. Graduates are prepared for careers in professional, community-based family practice with a focus on understanding the development, behavior and interactions among individuals, families, groups and communities.

Social work values and ethics, diversity and social and economic justice are explored throughout the curriculum. Students focus their areas of study through elective courses.

School of Health Professions

Athletic Training: Through hands-on learning in the classroom, on the field, in performing halls, esports arenas, and in our state-of-the-art cadaver lab, you’ll become a leader in managing all sports injuries and will be prepared to take the Board of Certification (BOC) exam in athletic training. Follow your passion and combine your Master of Science in Athletic Training with one of our graduate certificates or pursue a dual degree with Physical Therapy.

Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists help people of all ages regain their quality of life through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, help individuals recovering from injury to regain skills, and provide support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Shenandoah’s graduate programs in occupational therapy prepare you to help clients reach their greatest level of quality of life and independence by serving as a caring and effective occupational therapist.

Physical Therapy: Shenandoah University’s Division of Physical Therapy prepares students as doctorally educated physical therapists who are reflective, collaborative practitioners that provide evidence‐based, compassionate and ethical care for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunction across the global community.

Public Health and Health Sciences: Shenandoah’s graduate Public Health & Health Sciences programs prepare students to assume a wide-range of positions that address today’s most challenging public health issues. Our innovative, flexible, on-line programs focus on rural and underserved populations and concerns.

College of Arts and Sciences

Applied Behavior Analysis: The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs offer educators, clinicians, business owners, administrators, and families an evidence-based approach to instructions, personal management, and treatment of challenging behaviors that improve the performance in everyday life. The curriculum focuses on the use of behavioral assessment methodologies, empirically-driven measurement and analysis, and the selection and implementation of function-based treatment strategies that help individuals improve critical social and adaptive learning skills.

Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The clinical mental health counseling program provides you with learning opportunities in the areas of individual, family, and group counseling. You’ll be prepared for entry-level counseling positions in:

• Community mental health agencies
• Human service organizations
• Outpatient counseling centers
• Drug and alcohol treatment programs
• Psychiatric hospitals

Master of Education in School Counseling

The program prepares you to meet the K-12 guidelines required by the Virginia Department of Education and become a highly skilled school counselor. Dive deep into counseling, consultation, and curriculum development. Learn to coordinate different components of guidance programs and work with students from elementary to high school. Learn to provide individual and group counseling, work with families, provide career development experiences, and assist students in meeting developmental challenges and making decisions. Develop in-depth understanding of the nature and needs of people in multicultural contexts, with a strong emphasis on the cultural context of relationships, issues, and trends in a multicultural society.

Apply expertise and help meet the counseling needs of students, parents, teachers, and other school stakeholders.

• Comprehensive preparation to become a highly skilled school counselor.
• Special emphasis on counseling, consultation skills, curriculum development, and coordination of guidance program components.
• Skills development for working with students of all ages, from elementary school to high school, and meeting the needs of children at all levels.
• Training in a range of essential areas, including individual and group counseling techniques, family collaboration, facilitating career development opportunities, and supporting students in overcoming developmental challenges and making important decisions.
• A strong emphasis on understanding the cultural dynamics that shape relationships, address relevant issues, and respond to current trends in our multicultural society.

Master of Public Health

The program provides knowledge and skills to improve the health and well-being of diverse populations around the world — and to lead others along the way. Through evidence-based practice, develop advanced understanding of public health. Learn to assess population needs and design and evaluate interventions. Delve into policies influencing population health programs. Gain data collection and analysis skills and learn to apply these skills in real-world situations. Explore epidemiological research models, strengthen biostatistical methods, such as survey and surveillance design and delivery, build management and leadership skills, and explore how health policies and systems impact different communities from an equity perspective. Discover community health analysis tools that will equip you for success and learn how to apply your knowledge in an ethical way. Complete an experiential learning component either through an internship, a community-based project, or by conducting research. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible for certification as Certified Health Education Specialists by passing the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing exam.

• Learning essential skills for designing, implementing, administrating, and evaluating population health programs.
• Exploring a concentration in community health to empower you to support healthy communities locally and globally.
• An extensive curriculum that covers core areas of public health, including data analytics and assessment, policy development and program planning, communication, health equity, community partnerships, public health sciences, management and finance, and leadership and systems thinking.
• Specialized training in health promotion and education methods, health communication, program planning and evaluation, and program administration through the community health emphasis.
• Flexibility and accessibility with a 100% online program.

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Excellent choice for those who are passionate about health care and helping athletes and individuals who are physically active to perform at the highest levels through skills, knowledge, and experience to become a successful professional in the athletic training field. Combine classes, hands-on experiences, and clinical rotations to apply theoretical and practical athletic training skills. Work with Lynchburg’s NCAA Division III athletes and athletes at high schools, colleges, professional sports, and non-traditional settings, giving you valuable, real-world experience in keeping people healthy and injury free. Foundation in evidence-based medicine.

Upon completion, the student is prepared for the Board of Certification examination requirement for practicing as an athletic trainer.

• 66-67 credit hours, completed in two years.
• Small, year-round cohorts of 20 students for personalized attention from program faculty.
• Hands-on clinical experience in a variety of settings, including intercollegiate athletics, intramural and club sports, high schools, industrial settings, physical therapy clinics, and physician’s offices.
• Study with nationally recognized faculty and staff.
• Opportunities to publish and present original research at professional conferences.
• Access to education and research facilities, including a human cadaver lab

Master of Science in Human Services Management: 30-credit program designed in partnership with Target Community & Educational Services, Inc., a premier provider of community living, educational, life and skills training, and day habilitation for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This one-of-a-kind partnership offers students an opportunity to earn a master’s degree in two years while building knowledge and experience through the Target Scholars partnership program offering a paid internship that provides on-the-job, real-world training and mentoring. Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. offers a unique opportunity for students to receive:

100%Tuition Scholarship
Paid Internship
Stipend of $45,000 per year
Health, vision, and dental benefits
Housing and Board

Students are admitted to the HSM program in fall, spring, and summer. Target Scholarships are not guaranteed and are awarded on a competitive basis. Students accepting the Target Scholarship will be required to complete the HSM program internship as a Community Living Manager at Target Inc.

Accepted students will work with nationally recognized faculty and receive four years of funding, including a stipend and tuition. Students in have the unique opportunity to work in the greater Richmond area with local school systems and organizations to effect change from the very beginning of their time in programs including:

Clinical Psychology: concentrations in behavioral medicine and child/adolescent clinical psychology
Counseling Psychology
Health Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Social Psychology

Master of Social Work
Through specialized coursework, research and field experience, M.S.W. students position themselves as changemakers, advocates and partners in the lives and communities they touch. Join and engage with a vibrant community campus in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia.

Program Highlights

• Generalist knowledge, skills, ethics and values essential for work with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations
• 2 specialization options
• An educational environment where students:
  • Apply the profession’s values and ethical principles
  • Gain a greater understanding of implications of diversity through education on identifying cultural strengths and ways to counteract individual and institutional prejudice, oppression and discrimination
  • Apply research methods to analyze and critically evaluate professional practice, programs and service delivery systems
  • Gain a greater understanding of advocacy and involvement in advocacy to effect social and economic justice

The Department of Psychology offers graduate study leading to both Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Students working toward the Master of Science degree may choose a concentration in either General Psychology or Clinical Psychology. Doctoral students will focus on Clinical Health Psychology or Behavioral and Community Health Sciences (BCHS).

Health Psychology PhD: The Health Psychology PhD program has two specialized areas of study: Clinical Health and Behavioral and Community Health Sciences (BCHS). Strong research focus on behavioral risk factors that impact health such as stress, at-risk sexual practices, drug use, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and noncompliance with treatment regimens. Focus on health service provision disparities and research in minority communities examining psychological disorders and diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and sexually transmitted infections. Promotes effective health education and planning.

Clinical Health: Broad training in science and practice of clinical psychology providing students with specialized knowledge and skills in clinical health psychology. Currently seeking accreditation from Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association as a clinical program. This specialization prepares students to work in applied settings, such as hospitals, physical rehabilitation settings, outpatient clinics, and other health services agencies as members of multidisciplinary teams.

Behavioral and Community Health Sciences: Focus on research in health promotion and disease prevention by examining related psychological, social, emotional, and behavioral factors in physical and mental health. This area of study strongly emphasizes social conditions such as cultural influences, family relationships and social support. Teaching and research areas explored in the program include health systems and services, health policy, and community-based research and services. The BCHS specialization will prepare students to conduct research and to develop/implement community interventions.

The primary focus of the Master of Science program is to prepare students for doctoral-level training in psychology. Advisors are appointed to aid students in selecting and developing a program consistent with their interests. Students have opportunities to participate in research and applied training in their concentration. At the conclusion of the Master of Psychology program, students possess skills that are marketable, and consequently, are able to serve as effective agents of social change. Many graduates of the program decide to apply to our Health Psychology Doctoral program and benefit from transferring course credit to that program.

Clinical Psychology: Students interested in working in mental health services should pursue the clinical concentration to gain knowledge and skills in clinical assessment and intervention. They will be prepared to work in the public mental health sector, including mental health agencies, prisons, and hospitals. Some students who complete the Clinical Psychology concentration choose to pursue the Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) credential if they practice clinically after graduation.

General Psychology: The General Psychology concentration prepares students for further training at the doctoral level. The program is designed to help them become more effective researchers, critical thinkers, and ethical practitioners. Those planning to pursue careers at the completion of the program may apply for careers in nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, social service agencies, educational institutions, and community outreach organizations.