Master of Arts - Psychology - Health Psychology

This program provides students with a solid academic background by giving them an opportunity to complete advanced coursework and further develop their research skills by working closely with a faculty mentor on a research project or thesis. A wide variety of practicum sites are available for students to learn about direct service provision to clients, employees, and patients. The MA Psychology program is designed for students who want to strengthen their academic record in preparation for applying to doctoral programs. Others choose to begin careers in industry, mental health, community agency and education settings.

The Clinical Psychology option is designed to meet the professional needs of college graduates who plan careers in community mental health or who are already employed as paraprofessionals and desire to further their education and opportunities for advancement. The student is offered a unique opportunity to obtain solid academic knowledge of clinical psychology coupled with extensive research and supervised experience in the application of such knowledge. Students who are interested in pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) may opt to take additional approved coursework beyond that required for the MA. Specific coursework and requirements will be provided by the Psychology Department and must be completed prior to graduating from the program.

In the Psychology M.A. (clinical) the student is required to complete 33 units of credit, plus 550 hours of supervised practicum in a clinical setting within the community. In addition, the student must successfully complete a written comprehensive examination or a thesis. Students seeking the LPCC are required to complete 63 units of specified coursework in our program and a minimum of 280 hours of face-to-face clinical work supervised by a licensed therapist. These 280 hours are included in the 550 practicum hour requirement not in addition to it.