Graduate Studies

Assumption University offers eight graduate programs leading to master’s degrees: Applied Behavior Analysis, Business Administration (M.B.A.), Clinical Counseling Psychology, Organizational Leadership, Physician Assistant Studies, Rehabilitation Counseling, School Counseling, and Special Education. The Grenon School of Business also offers a graduate-level certificate in Healthcare Leadership. Additional information and application materials are available at www.assumption.edu/explore-academics/graduate-studies . For Assumption University undergraduate students, fifth-year options (combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees) are offered in the Business Administration (M.B.A.), Rehabilitation Counseling, and Special Education programs. Direct entry into dual degree programs is available to highly motivated high school students interested in the graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Business Administration (M.B.A.), Clinical Counseling Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, School Counseling, and Special Education. Please see https://www.assumption.edu/explore-academics/undergraduate-studies/dual-and-accelerated-degrees for additional information. Eligible Assumption undergraduates may take graduate courses in some programs with written permission of the Director of the relevant graduate program and the Chair of the relevant department. See the “Academic Policies,” section of this catalog, under “Undergraduate Registration in Graduate Courses.”

Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis

The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs teach the science of behavior, which is essential for individuals interested in autism, general and special education, developmental and intellectual disabilities, social work, and related fields. Our programs prepare students to be behavior analysts, independent practitioners with the expertise to conduct behavioral assessments, interpret the results of behavioral assessments, and design behavioral interventions for clients in a variety of fields. A behavior analyst may also supervise behavioral therapists and technicians. The primary goal of the programs is to create well-rounded behavior analysts by providing a strong foundation in the applied, basic, and conceptual branches of the science of behavior. Our coursework emphasizes the multi-disciplinary nature of ABA and demonstrates how behavioral principles can be applied in a variety of settings. Graduates of the program will be well prepared for both applied and research careers in ABA. The programs also include a required practicum that allows students to work under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The Master of Arts in ABA program fulfills the current educational and fieldwork requirements needed to apply for licensure as an Applied Behavior Analyst in Massachusetts and prepares students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam.

Masters in Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program’s primary goal is to provide students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies that constitute 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. Students may choose to pursue concentrations in Accounting, Finance/Economics, Healthcare Leadership, Human Resources, International Business, Management, and Marketing. The Accelerated M.B.A. is a full-time, one-year intensive program open to all students, regardless of their undergraduate major program of study. It includes a unique Professional Practice concentration that focuses on multiple dimensions of designing and launching a new career through various experiential learning opportunities. The Accelerated M.B.A. offers tracks in Accounting and Management.

Masters in Clinical Counseling Psychology

The Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling Psychology is the premier graduate level clinical counseling psychology program in the nation, specializing in curriculum-wide integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The master’s program prepares students to become Licensed Mental Health Counselors by building a knowledge and expertise base that leads to the high-level practical application of CBT. Optional concentrations are available in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies and Child and Family Interventions. The Clinical Counseling Psychology program offers up to five Graduate Fellowships annually to students who have strong academic records.

Masters in Organizational Leadership

The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program is part of the graduate-level offerings in the Grenon School of Business. This program prepares students to become responsible, ethical, and transformative leaders by developing four core competencies: reflective thinking, professional mastery, adaptive leadership, and systemic awareness. Learn what it means to be an impactful leader who is able to navigate change, develop teams, and communicate effectively. Unlike the MBA program, with its focus on developing expertise across all organizational functions (i.e. accounting, management, marketing, etc.), the MA in Organizational Leadership program is dedicated to developing leadership skills, especially those needed in today’s changing workplace.

Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

The Assumption University PA Program (https://www.assumption.edu/graduate/physician-assistant-studies) within the School of Health Professions provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful Physician Assistants/Physician Associates (PAs). The program is a full-time, 28-month graduate-level program that includes both didactic and clinical coursework. The didactic phase of the program will consist of four twelve-week didactic terms during the first year of the program and will cover a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, clinical skills, and patient assessment. Students will also learn about common medical conditions and how to diagnose and treat them. The coursework will be taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. In addition to the didactic coursework, students will also complete clinical rotations over 16 months in various healthcare settings. These clinical rotations will allow students to gain hands-on experience and apply the knowledge they have learned in the classroom. Students will have the opportunity to work with physicians, PAs, and other healthcare professionals to provide patient care. Upon completion of the 28-month program, graduates will receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree, allowing them to take the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) PANCE Examination and become certified PAs.

Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling 

The M.A. degree in Rehabilitation Counseling leads to a rewarding career working with individuals with disabilities. The primary role of the Rehabilitation Counselor is to empower individuals with significant disabilities, and to assist them to achieve life goals such as employment and independent living. Students may focus on services to veterans, youth in transition, individuals with psychiatric disabilities, substance abuse and addiction, and traditional vocational rehabilitation services. Upon successful completion of the academic and clinical requirements, students are eligible to sit for the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam. A special six-in-five program (Combined B.A./M.A.) in Rehabilitation Counseling is available for qualified Assumption University undergraduate students who can begin taking graduate courses in their senior year and complete their master’s degree in their fifth year of study.

Masters in School Counseling 

The Master of Arts in School Counseling program meets the highest national and state standards. It has been approved with distinction by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The primary objective of the program is to prepare students for careers as school counselors. The program is designed to meet Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Initial licensing requirements for School (Guidance) Counselor (Pre K–8; 5-12) or to obtain licensure as a School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor (all levels). In addition, the program offers the necessary course work and field work experiences for students interested in seeking national certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and National Certified School Counselor (NCSC). These certifications are under the auspices of National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).

Masters in Special Education

The Master of Arts in Special Education program primarily prepares candidates for careers as teachers of students with mild to moderate disabilities. The program is approved, with distinction, by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and leads to eligibility for Massachusetts Licensure as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre K–8 or 5–12). The competency-based program is founded upon the principles of effective evidence-based instruction and the philosophy of inclusive education. The courses that comprise the program emphasize connections among theory, research, and practice to build students’ awareness of how to maximize the development of each pupil in a variety of settings. Accordingly, students in our program develop a repertoire of instructional, diagnostic, consultative, and collaborative skills and strategies critical to the role. They also develop an understanding of the full continuum of services available to individuals with exceptionalities. A fifth-year option (Six-in-Five Combined B.A./M.A. program) is available for qualified Assumption University undergraduate students to complete requirements for both the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in an area of the liberal arts and sciences and the Master of Arts in Special Education. The student must have an overall GPA of 3.3, a GPA of 3.0 in the relevant major or minor, and written permission of the sponsoring department chairperson and the Graduate Program Director of Special Education. In addition, the student must have a major in one of the core academic subjects taught in grades 5-8 or 8-12 for which the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issues a license and for which the University has a state approved program.

Certificate in Healthcare Leadership 

The certificate in Healthcare Leadership equips existing and future healthcare professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to become effective leaders in the dynamic and challenging healthcare environment. This certificate program focuses on developing strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems. The program consists of four courses structured to be completed over two academic semesters, including a final research course focused on developing and improving a healthcare organization.