MA/MS Mental Health Counseling: TC Columbia or GSE Upenn?

[Xiaomeng]

Decision Time!

I'm an international student and I've been admitted to both Teachers College, Columbia's Mental Health Counseling program and Upenn GSE's Counseling and Mental Health Services.

Upenn gave me a merit scholarship(did not mention the exact amount of money) for one year, full time and TC didn't offer me any money for two years full time.

I want to become a licensed mental health counselor after graduation and I would also consider a doctorate program in counseling psychology or clinical psychology. (Plus, I found myself a little bit interested in psychoanalysis, if this need to be took into consideration when making the final decision.)

That being said, which program has better education quality/reputation/recognition and is better for me?

Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated!

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[AcronymAllergy]

I'll let others who are more knowledgeable chime in as to the reputations. But I would say ultimately, I would probably make the decision based on the scholarship (i.e., I would choose UPenn), if it's a decent amount and would tip the cost of attendance in UPenn's favor.

 

[Xiaomeng]

I'll let others who are more knowledgeable chime in as to the reputations. But I would say ultimately, I would probably make the decision based on the scholarship (i.e., I would choose UPenn), if it's a decent amount and would tip the cost of attendance in UPenn's favor.

Thank you very much! It turned out that Upenn gave me $1000 as merit scholarship. Not a very decent amount .

 

[AcronymAllergy]

Ah, so yeah, that might not really affect the decision. You could still try comparing the projected overall costs of attendance, though, to see if there's a significant difference.

 

[Xiaomeng]

Ah, so yeah, that might not really affect the decision. You could still try comparing the projected overall costs of attendance, though, to see if there's a significant difference.

I would definitely do that. Again, thank you very much!

 

[flowchase]

I would definitely do that. Again, thank you very much!

I agree that total costs of attendance should be taken into account. I have colleagues who graduated from both programs and they appear to be well-trained. Not sure about Upenn's class sizes, but TC's is huge from my understanding (80-100 per cohort?) so you might get lost in the crowd easily unless you actively participate in research, which you should if considering a phd in clin/counseling psych.

Do also note that for Upenn's prog, you would need to continue with the 2nd year in Professional Counseling to be eligible for LPC (vs the 1 year full time you mentioned).

 

[R. Matey]

I knew someone who went to UPenn program and really liked it before going on for a counseling psychology PhD. I’ve also met people from TC at various conferences/interviews. Both programs seem solid. So really, finances are probably the bigger consideration.


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