Academics » M.S. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology » M.S. in Clinical Psychology
Master of Science (M.S.) Program in Clinical Psychology
The Master of Science (M.S.) Program in Clinical Psychology admits students who wish to develop fundamental knowledge and skills in the field of clinical psychology, while recognizing the demand for practitioners who are informed and skilled in the integration of the Catholic faith and psychological science.
This is a rigorous 65 graduate credit program that is designed to be completed in two years and two summers of consecutive full-time study, including a year-long externship. The program provides a broad-based clinical experience for therapeutic work and emphasizes the academic, practical and personal knowledge that will enable each graduate to become competent in diagnosis, treatment planning and psychological intervention with children, adults, couples and families while remaining consistent with a Catholic understanding of the person, marriage, and family life.
A typical schedule for full-time students who plan to complete the program in two years and two summers would be as follows:
First Year/1st Semester
| PHT 502 | Philosophical and Theological Anthropology | 4 credits |
| PSY 500 | History and Systems of Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 516 | Basic Interviewing and Clinical Skills | 3 credits |
| PSY 611 | Child Psychotherapy | 3 credits |
| PSY 597 | Psychology Overview Seminar I (if required) | 1 credit |
| LIB 500 | Library and Information Use and Research | 0 credits |
First Year/Second Semester
| PHT 614 | Practical Reasoning and Moral Character | 3 credits |
| PSY 504 | Psychological Measurement | 3 credits |
| PSY 507 | Psychopathology | 3 credits |
| PSY 609 | Adult Psychopathology | 3 credits |
| PSY 598 | Psychology Overview Seminar II (if required) | 1 credit |
Summer #1
| PSY 605 | Developmental Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 819 | Career Counseling and Development | 3 credits |
| PSY 680 | Professional Roles & Clinical Competencies in Counseling & Psychotherapy | 2 credits |
Second Year/1st Semester
| PSY 503 | Personality Theories | 3 credits |
| PSY 512 | Law, Ethics, and Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSY 608 | Cognitive/Behavioral Assessment | 3 credits |
| PSY 691 | Clinical Practicum/Externship I | 3 credits |
Summer #2
| PSY 748 | Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Abuse | 3 credits |
| PSY 820 | Group Psychotherapy | 3 credits |
JUNE GRADUATION
The advanced clinical experience in the form of a full-year externship in the second year of study provides opportunities for all M.S. students to apply and practice clinical skills under direct supervision of licensed professionals in a variety of mental health settings.
The thrust of the IPS M.S. in Clinical Psychology program, therefore, is to enhance the professional opportunities for graduates at the Master’s level. Mindful of what is relevant to actually what is happening in our world right now, students upon successful graduation may be qualified to apply for licensure at the Master’s level in a variety of mental health capacities. It is most important to note, however, that licensing laws and requirements vary depending upon specialization and state but usually the requirements include the completion of a Master’s degree and clinical experience. Thus, no guarantee for licensing is implied. Students are directed to thoroughly research licensing requirements in the state of choice to this end.
Our faculty is comprised of seasoned professionals, many of whom also teach what they do for a living. Thus, a balance between the academic and clinical leads to a more realistic training experience. A further strength of the program is that students progress through the course sequence in a cohort, thus encountering the same group of students in each class. This setting serves as both a resource and a support group making this a more robust experience.
Click here for more information about the program goals and objectives, degree requirements and admission requirements.