Clinical Practices in Psychology, M.A.

Required credits (54)

The Clinical Practices in Psychology program is a full-time program, with a two-year sequence of course work and practicum experiences leading to the Master of Arts. This program enables students to become sensitive to diverse clinical problems and to be aware of the various approaches that can lead to their resolution. Students become thoroughly familiar with psychological and behavioral assessment, as well as methods of intervention, such as individual and group psychotherapy, family therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy. An emphasis on the rapid and continual changes in the healthcare marketplace and on ethical issues permeates the course work. Implementation of these techniques is coupled with solid academic preparation in the foundation areas, such as personality theory and psychopathology. In addition, an appreciation of the roles of psychologists within institutions and the community is facilitated.

While students learn to evaluate critically the ongoing research in the field of clinical psychology, the primary focus of the program is on the development of clinical skills and ethical practice.

During the entire second year of training, students continue to develop their clinical skills in an external practicum setting. In addition to formal course work, under the close supervision of licensed clinicians, students engage in the assessment and treatment of individuals with a variety of problems. The primary emphasis throughout the practicum year is to allow each student maximum exposure to a variety of clinical experiences, working in conjunction with supervisors representing diverse clinical viewpoints.

Program graduates are qualified to provide clinical services in various institutions, clinics, and hospital settings. In some states, master’s level graduates are licensed to practice independently or under supervision. The University’s program may be useful for gaining a counseling license but is not a guarantee of such. The program does not lead to a credential as a licensed clinical psychologist. Students may consult the program director or the state licensing board for specific regulations and courses for the professional counselor license.

Although the program features specialty classes, prospective students should note that it is a program in clinical psychology practices designed to produce well-rounded, M.A.-level providers of psychological services.

Note(s):

Students interested in credentialing as a licensed professional counselor must complete additional course work and post-M.A. clinical experience. Students interested in licensure as a master’s-level counselor are encouraged to consult individual state requirements as regulations can vary across the country.

Progress Review

Each semester, the student’s progress is reviewed by the program faculty. Because of the sensitive nature of the work that students are qualified to do during and upon graduation from the program, the review focuses not only on formal academic progress but also on nonacademic factors. These nonacademic factors may include personality, interpersonal, and/or ethical issues that may impact the student’s judgment and/or ability to function appropriately in a clinical setting. The director of the program discusses any concerns with the student promptly and, where possible, works with the student toward remediation of the problem. In extreme cases, it may be necessary for the student to delay further course work and/or practicum placement during such remediation. In the event that a remedial plan is not possible or does not prove effective, the student may be removed from the program.

Comprehensive Examination

A written examination is given to the M.A. candidate at the end of the first year. An oral examination may also be required. Satisfactory completion of the first-year comprehensive examination is a prerequisite for continuing course work and the practicum sequence. Further information may be obtained from the program director.

Admission Requirements

A completed application for consideration for admission consists of

1. transcripts of all past educational experiences and documentation of the award of the bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education;
2. an overall undergraduate grade average of B or higher (in rare instances, the requirement of an undergraduate average of B or higher may be waived by the admissions committee with evidence of above-average ability);
3. an undergraduate major or concentration in psychology*;
4. official scores for the General Aptitude (Verbal, Quantitative, Analytic) and the GRE Subject Test in Psychology;
5. a personal statement of academic objectives and professional goals; and
6. three letters of reference, preferably by psychologists, evaluating academic abilities and fieldwork experience.

*An undergraduate concentration in psychology, including courses in introductory psychology, statistics, tests and measurements, abnormal psychology, history and systems, and experimental psychology, is desirable. All applicants will be considered on their individual merit, and a personal interview may be required. Applicants who do not meet specific academic requirements but who give evidence of outstanding practical experience or skills will be considered and may be required to remediate specific deficiencies.

Transfer Credit

With the approval of the program director, students may transfer up to 6 credits of course work that are applicable to the program requirements.