MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
The
While
graduates of the program work in a variety of different settings, the
particular emphasis of the program is on the promotion of social justice. The program’s mission to promote social
justice is accomplished by training students to provide psychological services
to historically underserved and marginalized populations. This explains the programs specialty tracks
in substance abuse counseling and clinical child psychology.
It is the
consensus of psychology department faculty that these are both areas of
national concern and potential future growth for the field of clinical
psychology. The magnitude of the
national substance abuse problem, and the prevalence
of drug-related crime clearly call for a larger number of psychologists with
specialized substance abuse training.
Since 1976, the increased requirements of health insurance carriers,
licensing agencies, and accrediting organizations have intensified the need for
substance abuse specialists to hold graduate degrees with systematic training
in alcohol and drug abuse studies.
Simultaneously, the needs of children and families for mental health
services are growing at a rapid rate. The number of children cared for in settings
outside the home has risen dramatically in past decades. Child care centers, foster placements, early
childhood development programs, and parenting programs all need mental health
professionals who possess specialized training in working with children in
crisis.
The M.A.
Program in Clinical Psychology at the
In keeping
with the present climate in psychology, the program is broadly eclectic in its
philosophical orientation but gives significant weighting towards scientific
and evidence based practice. In assessment and diagnostic procedures, both
traditional and contemporary psychometric methods are utilized. In therapeutic
practices, students will receive some exposure to all of the major theoretical
perspectives including, psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive behavioral,
family systems, and humanistic.
The
program's total 45 credit hours can be completed in two years' full-time
participation, and three years' part-time participation, including summer
terms. Full-time participation means
three or four courses per term.
Part-time participation means one or two courses per term. Courses are taught in the evening to
accommodate weekday, daytime work schedules.
Classes usually begin at 4:00pm, and 6:40pm. All degree requirements must be completed in
seven years.
The
program can serve as a step toward doctoral training in psychology. Although the program's principal focus is to
prepare students for clinical practice, students wishing to pursue doctoral
training may complete an elective thesis as part of their preparation. Completing a thesis will supplement students'
clinical training with sufficient research experience to qualify for serious
consideration at psychology doctoral programs.
If the thesis is elected, it must be completed in order to graduate.
The MA in
Clinical Psychology is a terminal master's degree. It does not lead to admission into the APA
approved doctoral clinical psychology program at the
While some
of the faculty in the department teach in the M.A.
program on a more regular basis than do others, students are encouraged to
think of all department faculty as resources for their intellectual and
professional development. Graduate
students in the M.A. program are free to seek advice and engage in research
with any member of the department.
Please see Appendix A for a description of department faculty.