Master of Science in Experimental Psychology: Clinical Psychology Option

With proper advisement this degree can meet the requirements in most states to make application to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Students should verify with the state in which they plan to practice the license requirements. This degree can also meet the requirements for certification through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). This is not a CACREP Accredited program. As such additional requirements and verification of course content may be required when applying for the above license or certification. Out-of-State students should check carefully to verify the license requirements for the state in which they may plan to apply for licensure.

To be admitted to this program, the prospective student must meet all requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies and the Master of Science in Experimental Psychology program.

Minimum Admission Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3.0 grade point average (four-point scale) or graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree or higher with a minimum of 3.0 grade point average (four-point scale) is required, and at least nine hours of undergraduate psychology courses with a 3.0 grade point average.
A minimum score of 280 combined on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (Verbal and Quantitative), and a minimum score of 3.0 on the writing portion.
On-time application packet that contains the application form, all student transcripts, GRE scores, a Statement of Purpose (including whether the student plans to take the comprehensive exam or write a thesis, the type of research the student is interested in, and a list of 2-3 faculty members the student would be interested in working with), a 3-5 page writing sample, and a list of three academic references with full names, titles/positions, school names, current telephone numbers and email addresses.
Entering international students must have a minimum TOEFL score requirement of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 79 on the iBT, 6.5 on the IELTS, or 1200 on the GTEC CBT, or the equivalent.

Thesis Option

The Thesis track of the Master of Science in Experimental Clinical Psychology option is designed to provide a preparation for students who wish to pursue masters-level study, are interested in engaging in research, and wish to pursue a doctoral degree after completion.

Achievement of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the degree program. The Experimental Psychology Admission Committee will review the application packets based on minimum requirements and capacity of the faculty members in the program. Students will be made aware of committee decisions within 30 days of the application deadline. No exceptions to this policy will be granted. Completed applications received after the due date will be reviewed for admission in the next full term.

All students will begin the program at the beginning of either the Fall or Spring semester.

I. Core Curriculum: 18 hours

A. Statistics and Research Methods Courses: 9 hours

PY 501. Advanced Data Analysis I Credits: 3
PY 502. Advanced Data Analysis II Credits: 3
PY 503. Advanced Research Methods and Evaluation Credits: 3

B. Theory Courses: 9 hours

PY 510. Advanced Developmental Psychology Credits: 3
PY 520. The Diagnostic Process for Mental Disorders Credits: 3
PY 550. Theories of Personality Credits: 3

II. Clinical Courses: 12-24 hours

Select four - eight courses from the following:

PY 525. Personality Assessment Credits: 3
PY 526. Marriage and Family Therapy Credits: 3
PY 527. The Therapeutic Relationship Credits: 3
PY 528. Health Psychology Credits: 3
PY 529. Psychopharmacology Credits: 3
PY 560. Psychological Tests and Measurements Credits: 3
PY 570. Systems of Psychotherapy Credits: 3
PY 595. Professional Orientation and Ethics Credits: 3
PY 597. Selected Topics in Psychology Credits: 1-3 (Advisor approval required.)

III. Practicum and Internship: 9 hours

PY 598. Psychology Practicum Credits: 3
PY 599. Internship in Counseling Psychology Credits: 3

IV. Thesis: 6 hours

PY 500. Master's Thesis Research Credits: 3
PY 590. Master's Thesis Credits: 1-3

Total Minimum Required: 45 - 57 hours

Note(s):

This program is also offered online.

Program Completion Requirements:

Completion of all courses required in the curriculum with a 3.0 quality point average (overall and in each requirement area).
At least 45 semester hours within the required areas. Credit hours beyond 57 will require special permission from the Department of Behavioral Sciences Chairperson and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
Completion of a Master's thesis.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis track of the Master of Science in Experimental Psychology: Clinical Psychology (or Health and Sports) provides an option for students who do not intend to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology.

Achievement of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the degree program, but the minimum requirements must be met. Students will be made aware of committee decisions within 30 days of the application deadline. No exceptions to this policy will be granted. Completed applications received after the due date will be reviewed for admission in the next full term.