Master of Science in Nutrition and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MSN/MACP) is a dual-degree, integrated program that explores the dynamic relationship between the studies of nutrition and mental health. The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology portion of the program provides the academic requirements to become a licensed mental health counselor. The Master of Science in Nutrition provides graduates the ability to practice as a certified nutritionist within the scope of practice specified in the state of Washington. Students planning to practice in other states will need to determine whether the program meets the requirements for nutrition practice in that state, as state scope of practice and licensing requirements vary. See Professional Licensing/Certification Agencies by State or District. 

This three-year graduate program provides interdisciplinary education in nutrition and counseling psychology for students who want a fully integrated mind-body approach to human health. Students are offered a unique focus in health psychology through the biopsychosocial model. An array of other counseling theories are also offered so students can decide as providers what to offer their clients. The program includes attention to diversity issues across the curriculum.  

Expected Program Outcomes

The educational objectives of the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology are focused on the education and training of our graduates. By completion of this degree program each student:

• demonstrates knowledge and application of ethical concepts and awareness of legal issues regarding professional activities with individuals, groups, and organizations.

• exhibits behavior and comportment that reflect awareness of professional identity and the values and attitudes of counseling and psychology.
• demonstrates knowledge of individual and group theories of counseling consistent with program orientation and goals supporting whole-person health.
• applies evidence-based intervention and prevention strategies designed to promote the health of individuals, groups, and organizations.
• demonstrates the awareness, knowledge, and skills consistent with cultural humility and a commitment to providing culturally responsive care for all communities.
• demonstrates knowledge and ethical applications of the diagnostic and treatment planning processes and their effects on treatment across cultural communities.
• identifies and applies ethical and culturally responsive strategies for selecting, administering, and interpreting assessment and test results.
• develops an understanding of research methods and techniques of data collection and program evaluation.
• demonstrates knowledge of career counseling and career development throughout the lifespan.
• develops an understanding of biological, systemic and environmental factors that affect human development, functioning and behavior, and applies theories of individual and family development across the lifespan.
• demonstrates knowledge of the social, political, economic, and cultural factors that promote the health of individuals, groups, and organizations, and the skills in advocacy and practice to address extant barriers.
• develops reflective practice and self-assessment through clinical supervision, conducted with self-awareness and appropriate self-care.

At the end of this dual-degree program, the Master of Science in Nutrition portion in conjunction with the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology will provide students with the ability to:

• critically evaluate and apply scientific evidence pertaining to human nutrition for states of health and of disease.
• provide culturally appropriate nutrition assessment and individualized intervention strategies.
• effectively utilize a breadth of counseling and health behavior change skills for individuals and groups.
• develop the capacity for receiving and integrating feedback, ongoing self-reflection, and continuous professional learning.
• display ethical and professional behaviors in all aspects of professional practice and in integrative collaboration of care.  

Admissions

For general information on the admissions process, refer to the Admissions section in this catalog. Information below refers only to the MSN/MACP program. Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview.  

Prerequisites

Entering students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, or a 3.0 in the last 45 credits in their undergraduate degree, a B or better in General Psychology, Human Physiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Microbiology and a C or better in all other prerequisite courses. Exceptional candidates who do not meet these standards will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.   

*Must be science-major level and not survey-level with at least one lab in any science class.
**Biochemistry and psychology courses must have been taken within seven years of program start.    

Admission to Clinical Training

In order to enroll in the Clinic Experience series, students must have successfully completed all prerequisites, based on the clinic track outlined below and under course descriptions for Clinic Nutrition Practicum, and must have met the criteria for professional behavior and attitudes and ethical behavior. Students are also required to pass a national criminal background check (see Felony Disclosure and Background Checks for more information) and must show proof of completion of the clinic entry checklist prior to the first scheduled clinic shift.  

Clinical Training

The core of the program’s clinical training takes place at Bastyr Center for Natural Health, the University’s teaching clinic. Bastyr Center is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary clinic providing quality training for students in all of the University’s programs. The clinical training program begins in the first year and is comprised of two rotations. Clinical entrance requirements include the following (details can be found in Student Clinician Handbook): completed PS5800 Clinical Preparation; completed TB screening; received hepatitis B vaccination or titer or waiver; completed online HIPAA, BBP, and safety training; submitted confidentiality form, Washington state patrol check, and national background check; and have proof of current CPR (Basic Life Support) training. The criminal background check will be conducted prior to enrolling in clinical shifts. For more information, see Felony Conviction Disclosure and Background Checks in the Academic Policy and Procedure Manual, in the Student Policies and Procedures section of MyBU on SharePoint. These requirements will be explained during PS5800 Clinical Preparation. Documentation of completion of these requirements will be submitted in PS5800.

Exit Exam

Successful completion of a clinical competency exit examination is a requirement for students in the third year of the MSN/MACP program. This examination tests the minimal knowledge and skills required to perform nutritional and mental health counseling with diverse clients. The examination does not cover the whole curriculum and cannot substitute for any part of regular course requirements. Students are eligible to take the exit exam if they are in good academic standing, have completed or are concurrently registered for all required (non-elective) courses by the end of the term in which the exam is scheduled, and are making satisfactory progress in the practicum.  

Graduation Requirements

MSN/MACP students must complete a minimum of 149.5 credits and must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. MSN/MACP students must complete their degree within six years following matriculation into the program. A graduation requirement of the MSN/MACP program is that students must complete 750 hours of supervised mental health counseling (including hours in counseling classes at BCNH and its satellites and external practicum sites, that includes one interim counseling shift) and 92 hours of nutrition counseling completed at BCNH to include one required interim nutrition shift.

In addition to the didactic and clinical experience, MSN/MACP students are required to complete 10 hours of individual counseling or therapy sessions during the first year of the program and before their first counseling shift at BCNH. Counselors must be licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, or mental health counselors. The Bastyr University counselor(s) may not be used to meet this personal growth requirement. Documentation of these hours is required.  Students must successfully complete their exit exam.