The Master of Arts in Applied Clinical Psychology is a research-based degree with practical applications—and employment flexibility. A Penn State graduate degree in clinical psychology is attractive to employers and doctoral programs alike, and offers you more opportunity than a degree solely focused on counseling. Preparation for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) designation is an option for our M.A. graduates, and so are doctoral study, teaching, research, and mental-health administration.

An M.A. in Applied Clinical Psychology makes it possible for you to work in outpatient settings, inpatient settings, partial hospitalization programs, clinics, mental health agencies, human service agencies, community service agencies, colleges and universities, schools, prisons, consultancies, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, and research laboratories.

For additional information about academic requirements, contact:

Dr. Melanie Hetzel-Riggin
Interim Program Coordinator and Professor of Psychology
814-898-6949
[email protected]

For admissions information, contact: 

Ann Burbules
Associate Director, Graduate Admissions
814-898-7255
866-374-3378 (toll free)
[email protected]

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.