Degree Requirements
The Clinical Program offers both an MS and an MA degree. The primary difference
between these degrees is that the MA requires a six semester-hour thesis while
the MS does not. Both degrees consist of a minimum of 36 semester hours in
Psychology at the graduate level. Both degrees also require students to pass a
final comprehensive oral exam. This examination is intended to examine the
student’s comprehensive grasp of the field. For students earning the MA degree,
a separate defense of their thesis will be scheduled. The final oral
comprehensive examination committee must include two faculty members from the
Clinical option, and one additional member from the Psychology Department.
Required courses for the MS and MA Degrees are as follows:
Required
Courses for the Master of Science Degree (36 hours)
Psyc 610 Analysis of
Behavioral Data (3)
Psyc 611 Methodology and Program Evaluation in Psychology
(3)
Psyc 631 Cognitive Intellectual Assessment Techniques (3)
Psyc 637 Personality Assessment OR
Psyc 636 Child
Personality Assessment (3) (Psyc 685 Clinical Psychopathology
prerequisite).
Psyc 640 Professional Orientation and Function in Mental Health Counseling (3)
Psyc 641 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
Psyc 642 Techniques in Counseling and Psychotherapy OR
Psyc 685 Clinical
Psychopathology (3)
Psyc 643 Mental Health Practicum (3)
Psyc 798 Professional Internship (3)
Psyc 660 Human Growth and Development OR
Psyc 663 Child Psychopathology
OR
Psyc 686 Child and Adult Sexual
Assault (3)
Psyc 628 Biological Foundations of Behavior OR
Psyc 774
Introduction to Psychopharmocological Medications
Required Courses for the
Master of Arts Degree (36 hours)
Psyc 610 Analysis of
Behavioral Data (3)
Psyc 611 Methodology and Program Evaluation in
Psychology(3)
Psyc 631 Cognitive Intellectual Assessment Techniques (3)
Psyc 637 Personality Assessment OR
Psyc 636 Child
Personality Assessment (3) (Psyc 685 Clinical Psychopathology
prerequisite).
Psyc 640 Professional Orientation and Function in Mental Health Counseling (3)
Psyc 641 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
Psyc 642 Techniques in Counseling and Psychotherapy OR
Psyc 685 Clinical
Psychopathology (3)
Psyc 699 Research and Thesis (6 hrs) **
Psyc 798 Professional Internship (3)
Psyc 660 Human Growth and Development OR
Psyc 663 Child
Psychopathology OR
Psyc 686 Child and Adult
Sexual Assault OR
Psyc 628
Biological Foundations of Behavior OR
Psyc 774 Intro to
Psychopharm. Medications
**The thesis is taken for
credit and the thesis defense represents one part of the grading process. The
thesis defense does NOT fulfill the Comprehensive Oral Exam Requirement, but
rather is in addition to it.
Typical Sequence of Courses
Listed below is the typical sequence of courses
taken by students in the Clinical Psychology Program. A total of 36 hours of
coursework is required for both the M.A. (thesis) and M.S. (non-thesis) degrees.
These hours include required courses as well as forced-choice electives. Refer
to “Program of Study” forms to determine which electives are required for the MA
& MS degrees.
First Year
During your first year, 7 of your 8 courses are preset (and identical for the MA & MS
degree). If you decide to take only 3 courses during the Fall (9 hrs), take Psyc
610, 631, 641. However, taking only 3 courses is not recommended and should
first be discussed with your advisor. You will be able to take 1 elective during
the Spring semester of your first year.
| Fall |
Spring |
| 610 Analysis of
Behavioral Data |
611 Methods |
| 631 Cognitive
Intellectual Assessment |
637 Personality Assess
|
| 641 Theories of
Counseling |
642 Techniques in
Counseling |
| 685 Clinical Psychopathology |
Elective |
| 12 hours |
12 hours |
Summer between first
and second year
While some students go home over the summer, others stay to begin working on
their thesis or to take some elective courses.
Second year
Typically, students take 1-2 courses, and spend the rest of their time on Thesis
and or Internship. The courses taken are different for those pursuing the MA or
the degree.
Typical courses taken by students pursuing the MA
(thesis) option
| Fall |
Spring |
| 640 Professional Orientation |
798 Professional
Internship |
| 699 Research and Thesis |
699 Research and Thesis |
| Additional electives optional |
Additional electives
optional |
Typical
courses taken by students pursuing the MS (non-thesis) option
| Fall |
Spring |
| 640 Professional Orientation |
798 Internship |
| 643 Practicum |
Elective (see Program of
Study form) |
| Additional electives optional |
Additional electives optional |
**The thesis is taken for credit and the thesis defense represents one
part of the NOT fulfill the Comprehensive Oral Exam in addition to it.