Clinical Psychology Degree Programs
Clinical psychology is psychology’s largest subspecialty. Clinical psychologists work in a variety of fields to treat and prevent imbalance and maladjustment in human life. These professionals work spans all age groups and all ethnic and socioeconomic levels. They work not only in private offices but also in corporations, correctional institutions, hospitals, schools, and etc. Clinical psychologists work with individuals, couples, small groups, and large organizations.
Educational Requirements
Сlinical Psychology Degree
There are several educational requirements for those individuals who want to become clinical psychologists. They must at least hold at least a masters degree. However, more often they hold a doctorate.
Each state also requires that psychologists hold a license or certificate in order to practice privately or administer psychological service though organizations. This level of education is necessary because they are required to have extensive training and education in core areas such as personality and psychopathology. Being able to assess emotional and mental health in a patient as well as identify subtle differences in behavior are key responsibilities in the clinical psychology field.
The coursework involved with obtaining Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree (Psy.D.) is extensive. The course will prepare the student for diagnosing and treating patients. The minimum admission requirements typically state that a student should have an undergraduate degree with a grade point average no less than 3.25. Students showing a background in community service are considered strong candidates for psychology programs.
Coursework for the Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree spans 4 years after a student receives their bachelor’s degree. Within these academic years the student will cover subjects that enhance the ability to accurately treat a variety of patients. Cultural and familial differences are addressed as well as parent-child relationships and pathology. A thesis is required with both a dissertation and an oral defense in the last term. The programs are rounded out by internships and practicum in the field of clinical psychology.
Degree Programs in Clinical Psychology
- Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Capella University
- M.S. in Health Psychology – Walden University
- Post-Doctoral Psychology Certificate in Clinical Child Psychology – Walden University
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Health Psychology – Northcentral University
Master’s Clinical Psychology Degree Programs
Clinical psychology master’s degree teaches students essential diagnostic, therapeutic and consultative skills necessary for working with a variety of clinical populations.
Undergraduate course requirements for a master’s degree are the following:
- Background in introductory or general psychology
- Experimental psychology with a laboratory course
- Statistics
- Undergraduate grade point average (GPA)
The most commonly required courses once you are in the master’s program are those with industrial/organizational content, statistics, and research design. Course work at the master’s level often includes study in ethics, assessment, program evaluation, as well as personality-related topics.
The popular types of online and campus-based master’s degrees in clinical psychology are the following:
- Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology
- Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology – Thesis Track
- Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology – Practitioner Track
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis
- Master of Science (MS) in Psychology
Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology – Thesis Track
The master’s-level Thesis Track in Clinical Psychology prepares students for a PhD and in some cases, PsyD programs in the field. The emphasis is placed on psychological theory, assessment and research. It’s good to note that this program usually attracts students who already work in the profession, but seek to advance their knowledge and skills in preparation for doctoral work.
Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology – Practitioner Track
The Practitioner Track in the MS clinical degree program prepares student for employment in psychology under the supervision of a doctoral-trained and licensed psychologist. This course of study provides excellent preparation for careers as psychological associates, psychologists in the school setting, or as clinicians in the hospital setting.
In addition, this practitioner-based program prepares students for entry into PsyD programs, and serves as an ideal introduction to master’s-level counselor licensure through the LCPC.
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis
The focus of this program is to provide a strong master’s-level foundation in the areas of clinical psychology and marriage and family therapy. The program is designed for individuals who wish to gain knowledge and develop skills related to providing psychotherapeutic services in a variety of settings. This program also provides an academic and practical foundation that may be helpful for students who plan to enter doctoral programs in family therapy or clinical, counseling, community or developmental psychology.
Master of Science (MS) in Psychology
This degree provides individuals with a background in the development and application of psychological theories, basic scientific methods, and principles of psychological science. The program provides pre-doctoral training and builds practitioner-oriented competencies.
Doctorate Clinical Psychology Degree Programs
Each graduate program has its own entrance requirements. Some doctoral programs require applicants to have a master’s degree in psychology. Students can enter the doctoral programs with a bachelor’s degree and work directly on a doctoral degree.
Earning a doctoral degree typically requires at least 4 years, with the average time to degree being closer to 7 years of study after the bachelor’s degree.
When you complete all course work, you should pass a comprehensive exam and write and defend a dissertation or other scholarly product. If you plan to become a professional clinical psychologist, you will have to complete a 1-year internship as part of your doctoral study in your area of practice.
Most popular types of online and campus-based doctorate degrees in clinical psychology are the following:
- Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
- Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) – Emphasis in Family Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (PhD)
Leading schools offering programs in Clinical Psychology
Nowadays dozens of schools across the USA offer high-quality graduate training in clinical psychology. One of the most reputable US schools is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). UIUC features a clinical/community psychology program. This program combines more traditional clinical work with proactive, preventive work with communities.
Rutgers is another leading school in this field. Programs offered by this school are primarily focused on cognitive-behavioral therapies.
Featured Online Programs
- MS - Clinical Psychology - Capella University
- MS Clinical Psychology - General - Walden University
- PhD Psychology - Clinical Psychology - Walden University
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