Clinical Psychology Concentration

The Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology provides students the knowledge, tools and skills to become competent, self-reflective counselors and psychotherapists. Designed on the scientist-practitioner model of training, the program combines course work, research and robust clinical training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, involving 600 hours of supervised clinical and counseling work.

Students acquire an in-depth understanding of human psychological processes and psychopathology. They develop skills in using psychometric and clinical assessment tools, and conducting career, couples and family counseling. At the same time, they cultivate a sense of themselves as future professionals, as they become aware of the ethical, legal and professional issues in clinical practice.

The program is suitable for graduates who want to pursue a career in the fields of mental health, community and therapy services.

Strengths of the Master of Science in Psychology, Clinical Psychology Concentration

The Master of Science in Psychology – ClPsych program is designed to keep current with emerging empirically validated developments in the field. Strengths of the program include the following:

• Robust training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy theory and techniques, in addition to therapy modalities such as Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Couples and Family Therapy;
• 600 hours of clinical practice with weekly one-to-one supervision by experienced members of the faculty. The internships may take place at the University Counseling Center or other mental health settings in the community. Special arrangements are in place to accommodate the needs of trainees who wish to continue offering voluntary clinical work after they complete the internship requirements;
• A series of Masterclasses, and clinical and research seminars on specialized topics such as clinical assessment skills, trauma, case formulation, child and adolescent mental health and other;
• Faculty members who are scholars with a strong research record and are also experienced clinicians. Trainees are offered mentoring, supervision sessions and support by staff throughout their studies;
• The schedule of the program is flexible in order to accommodate the needs of students who work or have other responsibilities. The program also offers online courses.

To earn a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology, students complete a total of 20 courses (60 credits), including a practicum, thesis research project and internship.

The academic year consists of two semesters of 15 weeks in length, with classes meeting once a week for 3 hours each. Courses are offered in the evenings. The Clinical Psychology program requires a minimum of two and a half years of study if students meet all program requirements as outlined in the curriculum. Students may extend the duration of their studies for clinical voluntary work to fulfil degree requirements or gain extra experience.

Comprehensive Examination

Upon successful completion of the first year of the MSPsy – ClPsych Program (approximately 10 courses), students are required to pass a comprehensive examination, which provides evidence of skills acquired and competence in the field. Additional details regarding the structure and the date and time of the exam will be provided by the Program Director. Students passing the examination earn the Certificate in Psychology.

For a detailed view of the program and course descriptions, see the course catalog for the MSPsy. 

Students are required to complete 60 sessions of individual, couples, family and/or group therapy while completing their Master of Science in Psychology degree, Clinical Psychology Concentration. This valuable learning experience helps trainees engage in a therapeutic process, deal with personal matters and thus, as evidence shows, become robust therapists capable of forming effective therapeutic relationships.

It is highly recommended that MSPsy - ClPsych candidates begin sessions within their first semester of the program; however, some flexibility is allowed since the Department recognizes that trainees may be ready for therapy at different times.

Adhering to the scholar-practitioner orientation, students are expected to develop both their clinical skills and their ability to collect, analyze and present research data. The empirical literature informs their practice but the clinical experience also advises research activities. Students are encouraged to integrate science into their practice as they develop this philosophy and identity as practitioners even after their training. Trainees thus take part in faculty research projects, develop their individual research interests and ideas, and receive training in research methodology and assessment throughout the program.

Graduates of the program are well prepared for studies at a doctoral level and membership for professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association.