The M.A. in Clinical Psychology is a 60-credit program that meets Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor educational requirements. In addition to course work, you will complete 100 hours of clinical practicum, 600 hours of supervised internship experience, and a master's research paper.
The program can be pursued full time or part time; new students can begin the program only in a fall semester. The Fox Graduate School of Penn State University allows eight years to complete a graduate degree.
Psychology Core Courses
Psychology Core course work (24 credits) offers a foundation in professional ethics, individual differences and cultural diversity, the scientific bases of behavior, and scientific research skills.
- PSYC 500 Ethics and Professional Practice in Psychology and Counseling (3)
The standards of ethical conduct related to research and practice in psychology and counseling. - PSYC 501 Cultural Competency in Psychology (3)
Familiarize students with the need for sensitivity to individual and group differences associated with culture and ethnicity. - PSYC 502 Applied Social Psychology (3)
An examination of social psychological applications to areas such as health, law, interpersonal relations, politics, and other social issues. - PSYC 520 Research Methods (3)
Review experimental and quasi-experimental designs, program evaluation, between-subject designs, and intra-subject designs. - PSYC 521 Statistics (3)
Discusses the nature, computation, computer analysis, interpretation, and APA-style communication of statistical tests. Prerequisites: PSYC 520 and satisfactory performance on a statistics proficiency exam. - PSYC 524 Biological Basis of Behavior (3)
The biological determinants of behavior, including evolution, hormones, sensory systems, internal states, reproduction, emotions, learning, and memory. - PSYC 530 Research Paper (3)
Supervised research in psychology for students nearing completion of their degree. - PSYC 873 Career Counseling (3)
Knowledge of career counseling theories and methods, the use of empirically supported career assessment instruments, the knowledge to work with clients with diverse backgrounds, and the current issues, trends, and ethics in the field.
Clinical Core Courses
Clinical Core course work (27 credits) provides a general background in clinical diagnosis, assessment, and interventions. Supervised experience allows you to develop the clinical skills appropriate for a master’s-level practitioner.
- PSYC 510 Human Growth and Development (3)
Human development across the life span. - PSYC 517 Psychopathology (3)
A broad look at psychopathology using an applied emphasis. Includes biological, social, cognitive, psychological, and neuropsychological approaches. - PSYC 519 Theories and Models of Psychotherapy (3)
Advanced psychotherapies and applications in diverse settings. Prerequisite: PSYC 818 - PSYC 571 Tests and Measurements (3)
Administration, analysis, and interpretation of psychological evaluation methods. - PSYC 818 Interviewing and Counseling (3)
Basic clinical interviewing and counseling techniques from both the didactic and experiential perspectives. - PSYC 840 Group Interventions (3)
Application of psychotherapeutic techniques in a group setting. Prerequisite: PSYC 818 - PSYC 895A Clinical Practicum (3)
An interviewing and counseling practicum experience. Prerequisites: PSYC 500, 517, 519, and 818, and purchase of professional liability insurance. - PSYC 895B Clinical Internship (6)
A supervised clinical experience in a community setting. Prerequisites: PSYC 895A and purchase of professional liability insurance.
Clinical Psychology students also complete 3 elective courses for a total of 9 elective credits.
Additional program-specific information can be found in Penn State’s University Bulletin.