Program Overview

Program: Psychology, M.A.

Overview

The M.A. in Psychology (with options in Clinical Research or Clinical Fieldwork) emphasizes research and practicum training, along with theory and practice in psychological assessment and psychological interventions. Students in the Clinical Research option engage in independent research projects, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, leading to graduate theses. Students in the Clinical Fieldwork option participate in fieldwork placements in clinical practicum settings under the guidance of a faculty mentor leading to the completion of comprehensive examinations.

Program Description

This program is designed for students aspiring to enter doctoral programs in Clinical Psychology and for those seeking master's-level clinical and research skills. Taken alone, it is not intended as preparation for the independent, unrestricted private practice of clinical psychology, which requires a doctoral-level license in California and in most other states.

Program Requirements

A. Procedures and Requirements for Admission

• Submission of a Psychology Department Graduate Program Application to the Psychology Graduate Office by the deadline.
• Transcripts.
• Letters of recommendation. Note: The M.A in Psychology program requires personal interviews for admission.

B. Classified Admission and Conditionally Classified Admission

Participation in any of the graduate programs offered by the Department of Psychology is limited to classified and conditionally classified graduate students. Conditionally classified admission is for students who have met all requirements for admission to the graduate program except for completion of a course or examination.

C. For Admission to Classified Graduate Status

1. Admission to any Psychology department graduate program generally requires an undergraduate degree in Psychology.
2. A GPA of 3.0 is required except on approval by the graduate committee of the program option to which admission is sought.
3. A personal interview, prior experience in research and/or applied work, and satisfactory letters of recommendation are required.
4. General University requirements also must be met.

D. Program Requirements

1. Required Courses (21 units)

• PSY 485US/S Univariate Statistics and Lab (3/2)
• PSY 620 Advanced Psychopathology (3)
• PSY 624/L Advanced Psychological Assessment and Lab (3/1)
• PSY 628 Fundamentals of Psychotherapy (3)
• PSY 655BC/CC Fieldwork in Psychological Services (3)
• PSY 692A Seminar in Research Methodology (3)

2. Clinical Fieldwork Option Courses (12 units)

• PSY 655BC/CC Fieldwork in Psychological Services (3,3,3,3) Students in the Clinical Fieldwork option must enroll in a minimum of 12 units of PSY 655BC/CC.

3. Culminating Experience (3 units)

• PSY 697C Directed Comprehensive Studies (3) Students in the Clinical Fieldwork option complete 3 units of PSY 697C. The comprehensive examination will be completed at the end of their second year of study as their culminating experience.

4. First-Year Evaluation

An evaluation will be made at the conclusion of the first year encompassing all aspects of a student's work to determine eligibility to proceed into the second year of the program.

E. Deadlines and Grade Requirements

Total time allowed for completion of the program is seven years from the date of acceptance. Students who intend to interrupt their program are expected to notify the department in writing to request prior approval. Those who fail to meet these requirements, who fail to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or greater or who receive lower than a "C-" in any given course are subject to being dropped from the program.

Total Units Required for the M.A. Degree: 36

Program Learning Outcomes

Students receiving a Master of Arts in Psychology will be able to:

1. Demonstrate broad knowledge of psychology's core domains, knowledge of psychology as a science and advanced knowledge in clinical psychology.
2. Articulate historical and contemporary issues and apply scientific principles in Psychology.
3. Demonstrate the ability to analyze and integrate information across the major domains of psychology.
4. Apply appropriate techniques to identify and answer research questions and make informed decisions as knowledgeable consumers of the research literature.
5. Evaluate literature sources with informed skepticism; integrate concepts, principles and theories to formulate plausible explanations for behavior; engage in problem-solving; and carry out their roles in science and practice with appropriate attention to cultural diversity and intersecting identities.
6. Recognize that serving in the psychological profession involves recognizing and embracing the ethical standards of the discipline and requires managing complex ethical circumstances in both research and practice contexts.
7. Strive to respond to ethical challenges by actively considering how characteristics, dimensions, identities, worldviews and traditions influence successful outcomes by considering factors such as culture, race, ethnicity, social class, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and others.
8. Exhibit cultural humility about potential limitations that may transpire from their own background and worldview.
9. Be prepared to be effective change-agents who can successfully strategize and seek consultation when necessary.
10. Demonstrate competence in written oral and interpersonal communication skills in multiple formats and contexts.
11. Interact effectively and collaborate collegially with professional peers.
12. Use technology ethically and effectively in professional and personal communication.
13. Show a level of professional performance that is distinct in level of independence for the baccalaureate level.
14. Establish and communicate a clear professional identity and demonstrate a level of sophistication in adhering to professional standards.