Assumption University offers Master of Arts degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Clinical Counseling Psychology (CCP) and Organizational Leadership (OL). Both Master’s degrees and Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study are offered in Business Administration (MBA), Rehabilitation Counseling (RCP), School Counseling (SCP), and Special Education (SED). Certificates of Advanced Graduate Studies are offered in Resiliency in the Helping Professions (RES), Special Ops: Service Members, Veterans, and Families (SOP: SMVF), and Transition Specialist (TRS). Professional Certificates of Graduate Study in Healthcare Leadership, Resiliency in the Helping Professions, and Special Ops: Service Members, Veterans, and Families are also offered at the graduate level.
This graduate handbook provides information about policies, procedures, regulations, and activities at the University with which each Assumption University graduate student should be familiar. Some of the policies are common to all graduate programs; however, please note that certain graduate programs have program-specific policies that are set forth in the program-specific sections of this handbook or in a handbook unique to the program, such as the Physician Assistant Studies program. In many instances, more detailed information may be found by consulting the Program Director or the Graduate Studies webpage: www.assumption.edu/graduate.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
The multi-disciplinary applied behavior analysis (ABA) program prepares students for careers as behavior analysts. A behavior analyst is an independent practitioner who conducts behavioral assessments, interprets the results of behavioral assessments, and designs behavioral interventions for clients in a variety of fields. A behavior analyst may also supervise behavior therapists, technicians, and students engaged in graduate-level work in behavior analysis. Upon successful completion of the coursework and fieldwork requirements, students are eligible to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam and to apply for licensure as an applied behavior analyst in Massachusetts.
The mission of the ABA program is to prepare students to be well-rounded behavior analysts who excel at using their knowledge of the science of behavior in a variety of settings. The program accomplishes this goal through comprehensive coursework in the applied, basic, and conceptual branches of behavior analysis and related fields. We teach evidence-based approaches to assessment and treatment that are widely applicable and based on firmly established behavioral principles. The coursework is integrated with a practicum series to provide students with multiple opportunities to develop competencies in skills related to behavior-analytic service delivery and research. The program teaches students to effectively work with and train staff, parents, and caregivers and to collaborate with other service providers to maximize client outcomes while remaining in harmony with the core conceptual and ethical tenants of the field. As a result, students become adept at critical thinking and are formed as contributing members to both the wider discipline of behavior analysis and the communities they serve.
Clinical Counseling Psychology (CCP)
The Clinical Counseling Psychology program is designed to prepare graduates to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts and most other states. Assumption has the only M.A. offering a fully integrated curriculum based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in the United States. The Clinical Counseling Psychology Program is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).
Grenon School of Business Graduate Programs
The primary goal of the Grenon School of Business programs is to provide an opportunity for qualified persons in all undergraduate majors to develop the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies that provide a foundation for career growth and development in business, government, or other organizations. With principled leadership as the key animating idea of the program, the curriculum emphasizes ethics and values in business. Graduates learn ethical decision-making models and how to apply them to issues and situations that may be encountered across all business disciplines.
Recent undergraduate students who graduated with or without an undergraduate business degree have the opportunity to enroll in the full-time Accelerated MBA which is designed as a 12-14 month intensive program offering a unique Professional Practicum course series including an internship and mentoring relationship. The accelerated MBA program has two distinct tracks: Management, and Accounting. The Accounting track requires students to have an undergraduate accounting degree and includes a CPA prep review course. Depending on the student’s undergraduate work, an additional Foundations Course may be required to complete the MBA degree. The pre-requisite course is designed to give those with little or no formal business education the knowledge and foundation needed to enroll and succeed in an MBA program. The MBA Director or a designee will determine if the Foundations Course requirement will be waived based on the candidate’s prior education and experience. The Grenon School of Business also offers a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) in Business for master’s degree holders.
The Certificate in Healthcare Leadership program equips existing and future healthcare professionals with the essential business knowledge and skills needed for today’s healthcare managers. Students will acquire an in-depth understanding of healthcare systems and the people they serve, develop strategic thinking skills and leadership capabilities. The rigorous program will develop graduates who are well-prepared to lead within the complex 21st century healthcare industry. As a Catholic institution, Assumption University is committed to improving the experience of healthcare quality, access, and outcomes for all.
Rehabilitation Counseling (RCP)
The Rehabilitation Counseling program offers two 60-credit Master of Arts degree programs. The same program offered in a blended, on-campus format is also offered fully online. The M.A. program in Rehabilitation Counseling is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
The Rehabilitation Counseling program, in coordination with the School Counseling and Health Advocacy programs, also provides a 6-course, 18-credit Special Ops: Service Member, Veterans, and their Families Certification Program (SOP:SMVF). This program provides training for individuals in the human services field, arming them with knowledge of relevant issues facing SMVF. There is an increased role for service providers in the civilian sector and a growing need for human services professionals who are well versed in SMVF issues and rehabilitation techniques. Students acquire competence in military culture and the physical and psychological effects of war with an emphasis on prevention, assessment, and intervention. This program employs a culturally responsive and strengths-based framework to build relationships and effectively engage and empower SMVF to find effective solutions to the specific issues they face.
Prerequisites for SOP:SMVF programs:
- Certificate of Graduate Study (C.G.S.) - Prerequisite courses and /or experience required
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) - Prerequisite M.A. or M.S. degree
School Counseling (SCP)
The School Counseling program offers a Master of Arts degree leading to Initial Licensure (All Levels) as a School Counselor through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) or leading to licensure as a School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor (All Levels). The School Counseling Program also offers 3 options to pursue a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS). Students may pursue a CAGS to obtain a license as a School Counselor or as a School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor in Massachusetts. In these cases, the numbers of courses, credits, and practicum hours needed may vary based on the student’s previously completed master’s degree in a counseling-related field. Students may also create a customized CAGS with a minimum of 7 courses tailored to their needs and interests. Students may choose courses from among those offered by the following: School Counseling Programs; Rehabilitation Counseling Programs; Resiliency in the Helping Professions Program; Health Advocacy Program; Special Ops: Service Members, Veterans and their Families; Special Education Program; Applied Behavior Analysis Program; and the Transition Specialist Program. All licensure-related CAGS options require a completed master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field prior to application. To pursue the customized CAGS option a master’s degree in any field is acceptable. Please note that in order to obtain licensure in Massachusetts students must passed the Literacy and Communication areas of the Massachusetts Test for Education Licensure (MTEL).
Special Education (SED)
The Special Education program prepares teacher candidates who seek Initial or Professional Licensure as Teachers of Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12). The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education is designed to meet Initial and Professional licensing requirements for pre-service and in-service special education teachers. The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) offers three tracks: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Positive Behavior Supports (PBS), and Transition Specialist (TRS). The ASD program, with an Autism Endorsement option, prepares school professionals to enhance knowledge and skillsets for working with students with ASD. The PBS program, with a Professional Licensure option, provides all school professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in behavioral supports. The TRS program, with Transition Specialist Endorsement option, provides training to individuals interested in helping transition age students with disabilities explore and develop career identities as well as develop the skills needed to successfully transition into post-secondary educational, training, and employment after completing high school.
Transition Specialist (TRS)
An interdisciplinary Transition Specialist Program is offered jointly by the Special Education, School Counseling, and Rehabilitation Counseling programs. This 6-course, 18-credit program leads to a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.), with an endorsement option, for individuals who have already earned a master’s degree in Special Education, School Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, or related field. Individuals interested in acquiring specialized skills to effectively work with transition-aged youth are eligible for the program to prepare them to work in school or non-school settings (e.g., state/federal vocational rehabilitation programs, school collaborative, adult agencies providing services to transition-aged youth).
The Transition Specialist program provides training to individuals interested in helping 14 – 22 year-old students with disabilities explore and develop career identities as well as develop the skills needed to successfully transition into post-secondary education, training, and employment after completing high school. The program focuses on the educational, functional and social/emotional needs of students. Knowledge about transition-related law, assessment, collaborative planning, school and community-based skills are developed. Consistent with the philosophies of counseling and education programs, emphasis is placed on the significance of self-determination and self-advocacy in the transition process.
The policies stated in this handbook are subject to revision and students will be notified about these changes through normal channels of communication. Students are responsible for checking the Assumption University Portal and their Assumption e-mail accounts as these are the official forms of communication for the University