Applied Clinical Psychology, MA

Introduction

The goal of the Master’s Program in Applied Clinical Psychology is to foster learning of and competence in skills relevant to responsible and ethical conduct within clinical service settings. Students gain expertise regarding the impact of cultural, biological, social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors on psychological phenomena. Emphasis is placed on developing a strong theoretical and scientific foundation, along with methodological and clinical skills that can be employed in a variety of applied settings.

Graduates will find employment as masters-level psychological professionals or be competitive applicants to doctoral programs in psychology. The MA Applied Clinical Psychology program offers courses in foundational science and practice in psychology as defined by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council and the American Psychological Association.

The MA in Applied Clinical Psychology program has three primary objectives:

To prepare culturally and ethically competent professionals who have achieved high standards of competence in science and practice foundations within the field of psychology.
To prepare culturally and ethically competent professionals who effectively utilize research and clinical skills.
To prepare culturally and ethically competent professionals who are committed to the collaborative practice of psychology.

Degree Requirements: 62 Credits

The Master of Arts in Applied Clinical Psychology Program requires two years of full-time study. 62 credits are required for the degree. All courses in the first year are taught in person. Some courses in the second year may be taught remotely. No asynchronous courses are offered.

Foundational Classes: 22 Credits

GPSY 503 - Professional Orientation & Ethics 3 credit(s)
GPSY 510 - Cultural Foundations 3 credit(s)
GPSY 580 - Research Methods 3 credit(s)
GPSY 581 - Statistics 3 credit(s)
GPSY 600 - Development 3 credit(s)
GPSY 602 - Cognitive, Social, & Systems Foundations 3 credit(s)
GPSY 604 - Biological Foundations of Behavior 3 credit(s)
CHP 550 - Found for IP Prac, Equity, & Inclusion 1 credit(s)

Clinical Classes: 22 Credits

GPSY 505 - Psychological Assessment 3 credit(s)
GPSY 512 - Helping Relationships 3 credit(s)
GPSY 513 - Helping Relationships Lab 1 credit(s)
GPSY 520 - Introduction to Diagnosis 3 credit(s)
GPSY 522 - Evidence-Based Practice 3 credit(s)
GPSY 535 - Group Dynamics 3 credit(s)
GPSY 686 - Pre-Practicum for ACP Masters 3 credit(s)
GPSY 731 - Career Counseling 3 credit(s)
GPSY 511 - Ethnic Minority Student Seminar 1 credit(s) (optional elective)

Applied Research Project: 6 Credits

Students complete one of two applied research options. The thesis project is a scientific investigation that is collaboratively developed and completed with a core faculty member. The clinical case study is a single-case treatment outcome investigation completed under the guidance of a core faculty member in a seminar format. In their first year, students are matched with a faculty mentor and research option.

GPSY 680 - Master’s Thesis 2 credit(s)
OR
GPSY 690 - Clinical Case Study 2 credit(s)
(Each option is for 2 credits x 3 terms; 6 credits total)

Clinical Practicum: 12 Credits

A minimum 700-hour practicum in the second year is required. This practicum may be served in a variety of community settings, including sites that offer opportunities to work with a wide range of clients and areas of treatment focus. In addition to the training and supervision provided by the community training site, students meet weekly with a core faculty member for adjunctive consultation, didactics, and professional development.

GPSY 687 - Clinical Practicum 4 credit(s)
(4 credits x 3 terms; 12 credits total)

Program Length

The MA Applied Clinical Psychology Program is designed so that students will complete the required credits in two years. Students who wish to complete the program part-time may create individualized education plans with a faculty advisor to complete the program in three or four years. All degree requirements must be completed within four years of enrollment.

Student Advisement

Upon enrollment in the MA Applied Clinical Psychology Program an academic advisor is assigned to each student. This person, a member of the full-time core faculty, works closely with the student to provide continuity and coherence throughout the student’s program. The advisor provides guidance on the educational plan and general coursework and program requirements. MA students meet with their advisors on a periodic basis, or when necessary. Advising may encompass academic and professional concerns and opportunities, career questions, and other topics. Students may request a different advisor than the one assigned.

MA Applied Clinical Psychology Licensure Information

Admission

Applications for the Master of Arts in Applied Clinical Psychology are considered for Fall term entry only. The deadline for application is March 1st. Applications received after the deadline are considered on a space-available basis. For admission and application details visit the MA Applied Clinical Psychology Admissions site.