Master of Science in Clinical Psychology

Program Details

Overview

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology is a 34-credit program emphasizing both research and counseling skills. This combination provides a strong foundation for the advanced study of psychology.

Newly admitted students may start the Clinical Psychology program in fall semester.

The development of research skills takes place through completing advanced courses in statistics and research methods. Students have the option of conducting their own research study and completing a thesis (which involves an additional 3 credits of coursework, for a total of 37 credits).

Newly admitted students may start the Clinical Psychology program in fall semester. It is possible to complete the program in 2½ years if attending on a part-time basis.

Focus on Practical Skills

Students

The Masters in Clinical Psychology curriculum emphasizes the development of research skills. Counseling skills are, however, offered in many of the courses. Students gain an understanding of psychological disorders and evidence-based methods for treating those disorders. Students also develop skills in interviewing, group therapy, and applied behavior analysis. Due to the emphasis on research experience, the coursework in the Masters in Clinical Psychology program does not lead to licensure and students do not have direct client contact. Instead, students are encouraged to participate in ongoing faculty research and to develop their own research projects.

Students are exposed to an overview of psychological testing, and they learn how to effectively develop treatment plans and engage in program evaluation. Legal and ethical issues related to both research and counseling are emphasized in the program.

Course Options*

The Clinical Psychology program offers students the option of completing two courses in child and adolescent therapy, or two courses in psychiatric rehabilitation, which focuses on working with adults who have serious mental illnesses.

The courses in psychiatric rehabilitation emphasize the goal of improving the quality of life for the seriously mentally ill by assisting them in functioning as independently as possible. Students develop skills in areas such as symptom assessment, functional assessment and skills training.

The two-course sequences in child and adolescent therapy or in psychiatric rehabilitation provide an opportunity for students to focus on treatment techniques related to a particular population.

*Course specializations are subject to change

Career Options

A number of career options are available to graduates of the Clinical Psychology program. The curriculum is designed to prepare students who plan to continue their graduate studies in a doctoral program. The program is also designed for students who desire to complete a terminal master's degree in psychology and do not intend to become a licensed practitioner.

Many of our graduates choose this career path and are successfully employed overseeing treatment programs in mental health agencies. Graduates of the Masters in Clinical Psychology program are qualified for employment in the community college system as instructors of psychology.

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