Clinical Psychology, MA

Graduate Program Description

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program is designed to develop mastery of the scientific principles and methods of psychology as well as their application to clinical issues.  The primary education and training mission of the program is to prepare students for the practice of psychology or counseling at the master's level of licensure. Students complete a sequence of core curriculum courses that emphasizes major academic areas within the discipline of psychology before advancing to specialized coursework in the area of clinical psychology.  In addition, students complete two semesters of supervised clinical practicum experience as part of their training. 

Thesis Option

 Students may also elect to complete an empirical thesis in addition to their required coursework. This involves six additional credit hours (completed over two semesters) in which the student designs and conducts an original research study, resulting in a written thesis that is presented to the student’s thesis committee. This option may be best suited to those students who wish to pursue advanced clinical training at the doctoral level. In general, students who complete the thesis option can expect to take longer to complete the required program of coursework.

Licensure

Upon completion of the program, graduates will meet the necessary qualifications to take the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists examination for certification as a Licensed Psychological Associate. With additional coursework and experience, graduates may elect to take the Licensed Professional Counselor, or Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) examinations. Following licensure, graduates typically work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, or as independent practitioners in a variety of public agency and private settings.