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Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Requirements

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology is a non-licensable degree that a doctoral student may earn in the PsyD curriculum. This Master’s degree would require completion of the first two years of PsyD coursework, including completion of PSY 7810 Advanced Statistics and PSY 7825 Quantitative Research Methods, which includes the completion of a comprehensive examination in statistics, research methods, and psychometrics.

This Master’s degree will prepare students for teaching at the university level and obtaining certifications in other areas of psychology.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

1) Clinical Skills Training

Graduates will be able to:

  • Apply core psychotherapeutic interventions and clinical assessment methods with clients across presenting concerns.

  • Analyze clinical information (history, symptoms, context, risk factors) to formulate case conceptualizations.

  • Design and implement treatment plans that reflect client strengths, culture, and goals.

  • Evaluate treatment progress using clinical judgment and outcome data, and modify interventions accordingly.

2) Science and Evidence-Based Practices

Graduates will be able to:

  • Explain foundational and advanced theories and empirical findings in personality/social, cognitive, developmental, biological bases of behavior, and psychopathology.

  • Apply research methods and statistical reasoning to interpret psychological research.

  • Analyze and compare empirical literature to determine the strength and limits of evidence for theories and interventions.

  • Integrate research evidence into assessment and intervention decisions consistent with evidence-based practice.

3) Communication and Responsibility in a Diverse World

Graduates will be able to:

  • Administer and score cognitive/intellectual, personality, and psychodiagnostic assessments using appropriate procedures.

  • Interpret assessment results to formulate diagnostic impressions and evidence-informed recommendations.

  • Communicate assessment findings and intervention plans effectively in written and oral formats for diverse audiences (clients, families, interdisciplinary teams).

  • Adapt assessment and intervention approaches to address diversity, group dynamics, and geographic/contextual factors.

4) Professionalism and Application

Graduates will be able to:

  • Apply the APA Ethics Code and relevant professional standards to clinical decision-making, including confidentiality, boundaries, and informed consent.

  • Analyze ethical dilemmas and justify decisions using ethical principles, laws/regulations, and professional guidelines.

  • Demonstrate professional behavior and relationships with clients, colleagues, and supervisors across training and practice settings.

  • Apply supervision models by using feedback, self-reflection, and consultation to improve professional functioning.

5) Critical Thinking and Lifelong Learning

Graduates will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate theories, assessment tools, interventions, and ethical issues using scientific reasoning and professional standards.

  • Synthesize information from research, clinical data, and supervision to support sound clinical judgments.

  • Evaluate personal competencies and performance to identify areas for growth and develop a professional learning plan.

  • Engage in lifelong learning by integrating new evidence, training, and consultation into ongoing practice.