The M.A. in Clinical Psychology is a 48-credit program with optional graduate-level course work for Licensed Professional Counselor preparation. Starting in Fall 2024, the program will shift to a 60-credit program, integrating additional courses needed for licensure.
The program can be pursued full time or part time; new students can begin the program only in a fall semester. The Graduate School of Penn State University allows eight years to complete a graduate degree.
Psychology Core Courses
Psychology Core course work (21 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 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 573 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 518 Interviewing and Counseling (3)
Basic clinical interviewing and counseling techniques from both the didactic and experiential perspectives. - PSYC 519 Theories and Models of Psychotherapy (3)
Advanced psychotherapies and applications in diverse settings. Prerequisite: PSYC 518 - PSYC 540 Group Interventions (3)
Application of psychotherapeutic techniques in a group setting. Prerequisite: PSYC 518 - PSYC 571 Tests and Measurements (3)
Administration, analysis, and interpretation of psychological evaluation methods. - PSYC 595A Clinical Practicum (3)
An interviewing and counseling practicum experience. Prerequisites: PSYC 500, 517, 518, and 519, and purchase of professional liability insurance. - PSYC 595B Clinical Internship (6)
A supervised clinical experience in a community setting. Prerequisites: PSYC 595A and purchase of professional liability insurance.
Additional program-specific information can be found in Penn State’s University Bulletin.