Institute for the Psychological Sciences

M.S. in Clinical Psychology Curriculum

The Master of Science (M.S.) Program in Clinical Psychology 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:

ACADEMIC YEAR 1
LIB 500      Library and Information Use and Research
PHT 502     Philosophical and Theological Anthropology
PHT 614     Practical Reasoning and Moral Character
PSY  500     History and Systems of Psychology
PSY  504     Psychological Measurement
PSY  507     Psychopathology
PSY  516     Basic Interviewing and Clinical Skills
PSY  597     Psychology Overview Seminar I (if required)
PSY 598      Psychology Overview Seminar II (if required)
PSY  609     Adult Psychotherapy
PSY  610     Child Psychotherapy

Summer #1
PSY  605     Developmental Psychology
PSY  819     Career Counseling and Development
PSY  680     Professional Roles & Clinical Competencies
in Counseling & Psychotherapy

ACADEMIC YEAR 2
PHT  535    The Catholic Vision of Spiritual Maturity
PHT  635    Theology of Marriage and Family
PSY  503     Personality Theories
PSY  512     Law, Ethics, and Psychology
PSY  608     Cognitive/Behavioral Assessment
PSY  611     Marital Psychotherapy
PSY  691     Clinical Practicum/Externship I
PSY  692     Clinical Practicum/ Externship II
PSY  827     Cultural, Religious, & Individual Diversity
in Clinical Practice

Summer #2
PSY  748     Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Abuse
PSY  820     Group Psychotherapy

JUNE DEGREE CONFERRAL

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 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. Those interested in this program should be aware that licensing laws and requirements vary depending upon specialization and state, and should thoroughly research licensing requirements in their state(s) of choice.

Our faculty is comprised of seasoned professionals, many of whom also teach what they do for a living. This 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.