Six Psychology and Counseling Degrees at McNeese
McNeese State University appears in our ranking of the 30 Most Affordable Master’s in Psychology Online Degree Programs.
Online on Moodle or at Farrar Hall, the College of Nursing & Health Professions led by Dr. Peggy Wolfe offers a 120-credit B.S. in Psychology where McNeese State University Cowboys and Cowgirls might join Psi Chi, present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, and volunteer with Mental Health America. Chaired by Dr. Dena Matzenbacher, the M.A. in General/Experimental Psychology is a 39-credit Ph.D. preparation option that mixes courses like Single-Subject Methodology with Animal Lab projects, Gambling Treatment Program research, and SAMBA membership. Dedicated to “Expanding Horizons,” the M.Ed. in School Counseling has a 48-credit, CACREP-accredited curriculum headed by Dr. Christine Anthony that fulfills Louisiana K-12 certification with 100 practicum and 600 internship hours for 100 percent job placement at Benjamin Franklin High, Haynes Academy, Belle Chasse Primary, and more.
Since June 2016, the M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis has delivered a 58-credit, ABAI-accredited plan overseen by Dr. Carl Bartling for cohorts of 10-15 to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts after hybrid 600-level courses like Human Growth and hands-on Autism Program practicum. Directed by Dr. Kevin Yaudes, the M.A. in Counseling Psychology follows a 60-credit, three-year Lake Charles path where post-grads can gain Counseling Center experience, volunteer with Relay for Life, and intern at the Kay Dore Clinic for 100 percent LPC certification success. On Moodle, the M.S.N. in Psychiatric/Mental Health develops a 51-credit, thesis-optional track under Dr. Tari Dilks for registered nurses to pledge Sigma Theta Tau, find internships like Longleaf Hospital, and become APRNs.
About McNeese State University
McNeese State University originated in September 1939 when Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge opened a two-year branch called Lake Charles Junior College for Calcasieu Parish. In 1940, it became John McNeese Junior College to honor the first local school superintendent. One decade later, Senator Gilbert Franklin Hennigan successfully got legislation passed to start four-year bachelor’s education. In 1951, it split from LSU and became McNeese State College. Regionally accredited in 1954, McNeese began offering master’s degrees in 1960. In 1966, President Wayne Cusic authorized the first Educational Specialist program. In 1970, the McNeese State University name was chosen. Two years after, McNeese joined the NCAA Division I Southland Conference for 14 varsity sports. By 2001, MSU had opened the Kay Dore Counseling Clinic for low-cost Southwest Louisiana services.
Endowed for $18.7 million, McNeese State University now employs 302 full-time faculty teaching 6,268 undergrad and 576 post-grad Cowboys/girls from 40 countries online or on the 68-building Lake Charles campus with 100+ clubs like the National Alliance on Mental Illness. In 2017, MSU had the American Red Cross Lifesaver Award recipient. In 2011, McNeese State received the AANP Louisiana State Award for Nurse Practitioner Excellence. The U.S. News & World Report ranked McNeese among the top 348 online bachelor’s programs. On Niche, MSU boasts America’s 268th best public education and 309th best athletics. Washington Monthly placed McNeese State University 385th overall. College Factual applauded MSU for the 237th best psychology value. PayScale named McNeese State 447th with a 20-year net ROI of $316,000. Best Value Schools crowned MSU as Louisiana’s fifth-best buy.
McNeese State University Accreditation Details
On February 27, 2018, McNeese State University announced that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) had extended the Level IV accreditation through 2027-28 under the seventh president, Dr. Daryl Burckel, who won the Independence Bowl Spirit of Independence Award. Located 660 miles east via Interstate 10 in Decatur, Georgia, this giant 11-state Gulf Coast Region accreditor is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to review MSU’s 83 degrees. Further, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) reaffirmed McNeese on January 14, 2016. The College of Nursing & Health Professions was approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) until December 31, 2023. The M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis is accredited through the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) too.
McNeese State University Application Requirements
Enrollment at McNeese State University is classified “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s because only 1,373 of the 3,224 Fall 2018 applicants were chosen for 43 percent acceptance. First-year Cowboys and Cowgirls seeking the B.S. in Psychology must graduate from high school or pass the GED equivalency exam. At least 16 core academic units must be completed with GPAs above 2.0. Freshmen need a minimum 1020 SAT or 20 ACT score. Transfers must carry 12+ non-developmental credits with cumulative 2.0 or higher GPAs. Non-native English speakers must exceed a 525 TOEFL pBT or 5.5 IELTS score. The William Dore School of Graduate Studies requires accredited four-year bachelor’s completion with upper-division GPAs over 2.75. Eighteen credits of behavioral science courses, such as Abnormal Psychology, are prerequisite. The M.Ed. in School Counseling requires 1200 or higher when multiplying GPA by GRE score plus 150. Master of Arts cohorts must present a minimum 285 GRE mark. The M.S.N. program also necessitates current RN licensure in Louisiana or Texas.
McNeese State University has final undergrad deadlines of July 8th for Fall and December 8th for Spring starts. International B.S. in Psychology majors should file before May 15th or October 15th. February 15th is the priority date for scholarship consideration. Graduate programs keep admission rolling on a space-available basis. Accordingly, complete the McNeese Application online for $20 ($30 if foreign). Forward official transcripts to Box 93260 at 4205 Ryan Street in Lake Charles, LA 70605. Directly submit testing scores via SAT/GRE code 6403 or ACT code 1594. Attach supplemental materials, such as the letter of intent, 2-3 references, resume or curriculum vitae, nursing license, immunization compliance form, background check, and passport. Contact (800) 622-3352 or admission@mcneese.edu with questions.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For 2019-20, McNeese State University is billing in-state undergraduates $4,000 each semester or $8,000 annually. Non-resident B.S. in Psychology majors pay $6,500 by term or $13,000 each year. International tuition rises higher to $19,200 yearly. Room and board for the Lake Charles campus’ dorms like Watkins Hall adds $6,400 to $9,600. MSU budgets $1,300 for textbooks and $4,040 for miscellaneous expenses. Annual bachelor’s attendance equals $21,526 in-state and $29,564 out-of-state. The William Dore School of Graduate Studies charges full-time Louisianans $4,258 by term. Non-resident master’s majors spend $6,704 each semester. Post-grad international learning costs $9,796 every four months. Online courses require an additional $30 technology fee per credit.
According to the NCES College Navigator, the Department of Financial Aid in Chozen Hall connects 73 percent of full-time MSU Cowboys and Cowgirls to tuition assistance averaging $7,271 apiece for $36.79 million combined. Institutional funds include the Lee Allured Memorial Scholarship, Curtis Baker Memorial Scholarship, Bessette Family Scholarship, Constance Clarke Research Scholarship, Ellis Family Graduate Scholarship, Linda Finley Scholarship, Frances King Memorial Scholarship, Benjamin Mount Memorial Scholarship, Willis Noland Scholarship, Ann Smith Todd Scholarship, and Ebbie Whitten Scholarship. The John McNeese Scholars Award gifts $1,800 per semester to freshmen with 27-29 ACT or 1280-1380 SAT scores. The McNeese Access Award waives out-of-state fees for freshmen with minimum 2.25 GPAs. Federal programs, such as the Pell Grant and Direct Unsubsidized Loan, require FAFSA applications coded 002017. Louisianans could also claim the Go Grant, TOPS Scholarship, Horatio Alger Scholarship, Gear Up Scholarship, and Volunteer Fireman’s Tuition Reimbursement.
Learn more about McNeese State University at the Department of Psychology website.