Connect with Behrend ACPSY alumni
Trying to decide if a master's in Applied Clinical Psychology from Penn State Behrend is right for you? Talk to an ACPSY Ambassador. As a recent graduate of the program, the ambassador can answer your questions about what to expect as an ACPSY student—the student experience, outcomes you can expect, and the most beneficial courses.
Katie Simon '21, Career Counselor, Penn State Behrend
Contact Information | Testimonial
Theresa Buczek '20, Doctoral student, Point Park University
Contact Information | Testimonial
Behrend ACPSY Testimonials
I am glad I chose to pursue my master’s degree at the Behrend campus, which offers a very inclusive and engaging environment. You will get the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty members daily, whether that be through additional help in courses, research, or other learning opportunities. The faculty is always willing to meet with you and provide that additional support. ... Behrend also offers traditional in-class learning of course materials as well as opportunities to experience what is being taught in a practical sense through internships and research.
What made me choose Behrend’s program over the other graduate programs I had been accepted to was that it offered something the other programs did not: the opportunity to get an amazing experience in both the research and clinical worlds. Other programs usually push for one or the other, whereas Behrend integrates both. ... You will graduate from Behrend with a wealth of knowledge in how to engage with future clients, have an excellent understanding of ethics in the field of clinical psychology, feel like you can work with diverse populations, and have the tools to conduct research on your own.
I joined Behrend's VAR Lab very reluctantly, having absolutely no idea what I could do with virtual and augmented reality technology that would be related to my field. Very soon, an opportunity presented itself and I took a research assistantship to work toward the development of a mental health application for smart phones. I was specifically responsible for the application’s content. I spent a summer working on psychology and mental health issues I was interested in, getting experience in working within an interdisciplinary team, and creating the base of future research that could help my fellow students. More impressive? Our team has submitted an article for review about our application, where I am presented as the lead author!
Although the Penn State community is large, I felt like I was much more than a number on Behrend's campus. The element that really sets Behrend's program apart from other programs in the area was its attention to both research and clinical work. After graduation, I began working in a psychiatric hospital, and my research background and clinical skills have more than equipped me for working with individuals who struggle with severe mental illnesses. ... Along with all the other reasons to choose Behrend, I enjoy living in the Erie area. There are a wealth of mental health resources, and this comes in handy when choosing your practicum and internship sites. I had the opportunity to work in both the college counseling and psychiatric hospital settings, with awesome supervision and guidance from my supervisors.