Psychology (M.A) - Clinical Psychology

Why Earn a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology?

The clinical psychology track of the Master of Arts in Psychology provides hands-on training and firsthand experience in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and applied research. The program is ideally suited to individuals who wish to pursue further graduate study in clinical psychology, work as master's level psychometricians or behavioral specialists, or who wish to serve as research interviewers/clinicians/project managers on applied research studies.

Practice the Latest Techniques

The program curriculum provides comprehensive and hands-on training in personality and intellectual assessment, diagnosis, state-of-the-art and empirically-supported treatment, as well as research methods and statistics. Courses in psychotherapy and behavior change prepare students to do intake interviews and case conceptualizations and to provide evidence-based individual therapy. Advanced seminars in legal, ethical and professional issues in psychology, personality and intellectual assessment, child psychopathology and therapy are offered regularly and prepare students for the required nine-month internship. Opportunities are also available for students to work on research projects under the direct supervision of a faculty member. In addition to completing a research thesis, students may also have the opportunity, depending on the faculty member, to assist in developing research conference presentations and manuscripts for publication.

Small Class Sizes Promote Learning

In keeping with the mentorship model adopted by the program, all courses are limited to no more than 16 students and are generally open only to students matriculated in the clinical psychology program. Students are encouraged to attend full time to complete all program requirements within two years, but, with permission of the Program Director, students may attend part time for some or all of the degree work.

Choose Your Internship

A unique feature of the clinical psychology track is the required half-time, nine-month internship. Depending on their personal and professional goals, students have the opportunity to choose between either clinical or research internships. If students elect to complete a clinical internship, they will provide supervised psychological services to clients in an off-campus mental health setting. Internship placement sites include community mental health centers and clinics, state psychiatric hospitals and other psychological service centers. If students elect to complete a research internship, they will gain experience in all aspects of clinical research including: obtaining informed consent, scheduling and administering research assessments, and data entry under the direct guidance of an experienced research mentor.

Apply for an Assistantship

The Graduate Studies Assistantship Program offers a limited number of graduate assistantships each year to qualified students. Students apply for assistantships either on campus or off campus for a period of either 10 or 12 months, full-time (20 hours per week) or half-time (10 hours per week). Students must submit an assistantship application and a resume after they have been offered and accepted admission into the program.