M.S. in Applied Psychology, Counseling Psychology Concentration
Monique Rodriguez, M.S. '18, was the recipient of the 2017 Dr. George Lassen and Mrs. Jean Lassen Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded for academic merit and commitment to excellence in counseling psychology.
The 48-credit Counseling Psychology Concentration at UB prepares students for careers in psychology, by providing a stepping stone to doctoral study in clinical or counseling psychology or to a career as a licensed clinical professional counselor. You can pursue one of two optional specializations--the Science Specialization or the Practitioner Specialization--or complete a standard counseling psychology curriculum. We offer a stimulating learning environment that fosters the development of critical thinking, knowledge and skills in evidence-based practice, and your evolving professional identity.
Why counseling psychology at UB?
- Our program holds a nearly perfect (98 percent) first-time pass record on the National Counselor Exam.
- You can choose from specializations that can help you prepare for your specific career goal.
- Most of the counseling courses are offered in the evenings so that you can still work during the day; in fact; about half of our students work and attend class part-time.
- Class sizes are small, so you'll receive individualized attention.
- Our campus is nestled in the heart of downtown and easily accessed by train, light rail, bus or car.
- All of the psychology programs have a wonderfully diverse student body.
Where do UB's counseling psychology graduates work?
Through specializations that can be developed through practica and internships, you can enter the field prepared to work in your specific area of interest. Our graduates work in hospitals, school-based mental health programs, community mental health clinics, residential treatment centers, crisis response units, substance abuse treatment centers and private practice.
Who are the counseling psychology faculty?
The Division of Applied Behavioral Sciences hosts four full-time faculty with backgrounds in counseling or clinical psychology:
John Donahue
assistant professor
410.837.5831
jdonahue@ubalt.edu
Courtney Gasser
associate professor
410.837.6760
cgasser@ubalt.edu
Katy Shaffer
assistant professor
410.837.5994
kshaffer@ubalt.edu
Sam (Sepideh) Soheilian
assistant professor
410.837.6560
ssoheilian@ubalt.edu
We also have outstanding adjunct faculty who bring professional experience and expertise in various areas of psychology:
ADJUNCT FACULTY |
AREAS OF EXPERTISE |
Michelle Crisafulli | human services psychology and clinical and community/applied social psychology |
Tara Gogolinski | marriage and family |
Josef Passley | child and adolescent therapy |
Thomas Tsuji | substance abuse |

Chris Ceary, M.S. '17 (center) successfully defended her master's thesis, "The Strength of Pursuing your Values: Valued Living as a Path to Resilience," on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018. Chris earned a B.S. in Psychology from Stevenson University (summa cum laude) in 2015. She is pictured with Counseling Psychology faculty members Assistant Professor Katy Shaffer (left) and Assistant Professor John Donahue (right).
For more information about the counseling psychology concentration, contact Courtney Gasser, associate professor and director of the M.S. in Applied Psychology, Counseling Psychology Concentration program.