Program Overview

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program is offered by the Department of Clinical Psychology in Al Ain city (Maqam Campus). This program was established to address the need for qualified clinicians and mental health professionals to serve the community. It is the first and only master's program in clinical psychology in the country.

Program Overview

The Master of Science program is designed to provide proper training for master's level psychologists to work in various clinical settings, including hospitals, schools, public agencies, and private practice. It also provides a foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced doctoral studies. The program focuses on the field of clinical psychology and has steadily thrived, attracting more national and international students.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to enable students to pursue a plan of study that assures increased professional competence and breadth of knowledge in the field of clinical psychology. This program requires 39 semester hours of study, including two internship courses (600 clock hours) of supervised practicum experience in an approved mental health or rehabilitation setting. Students also have the opportunity to carry out research in clinical psychology and write a thesis and defend it. All degree courses and the thesis are in English.

Program Objectives

• To provide students with advanced knowledge of current developments in clinical psychology.
• To train students on the application of clinical knowledge to solve psychological problems.
• To train students to act independently in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.
• To enable students to communicate clinical issues and conclusions clearly to all parties involved.
• To provide students with knowledge that enables them to conduct clinical research under minimal supervision.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate clinical knowledge that is culturally sound and relevant to professional and ethical practices in the field of mental health.
• Conduct proper psychological assessment.
• Diagnose successfully clients' clinical problems using DSM/ICD.
• Create suitable treatment plans for diverse psychological disorders.
• Apply therapeutic skills to help clients (individuals and groups) overcome their psychological disorders.
• Communicate comprehensive and understandable psychological reports to all parties involved.
• Apply appropriate methodology to conduct research in clinical psychology.

Degree Requirements

Required Credit Hours: minimum 39 hours

Clinical Psychology

• Required Courses (33 hours)
  • PSY521: Advanced Clinical Psychology (3 credits)
  • PSY523: Advanced Psychopathology (3 credits)
  • PSY524: Adult Assessment (4 credits)
  • PSY526: Child & Family Therapy (3 credits)
  • PSY527: Child Assessment (4 credits)
  • PSY528: Psychotherapy: Theories & Techniques (3 credits)
  • PSY529: Advanced Behavioral Statistics (3 credits)
  • PSY627: Advanced Psychotherapy (2 credits)
  • PSY631: Internship I (2 credits)
  • PSY632: Health Psychology (2 credits)
  • PSY633: Scientific and Professional Ethics (2 credits)
  • PSY634: Internship II (2 credits)

Elective Courses (6 credits)

• Students should select two courses from the list below (6 hours)
  • PSY522: Cross Cultural Issues (3 credits)
  • PSY628: Master's Thesis (3 credits)
  • PSY621: Research Design and Methods (3 credits)
  • PSY622: Seminar in Mental Health (3 credits)
  • PSY623: Neuropsychology (3 credits)
  • PSY624: Personality Performance-based Measures (3 credits)
  • PSY626: Psychopharmacology (3 credits)

Bridge Courses

• These two courses will be limited to students with insufficient background in mental health and psychological assessment. And should be taken with the approval of the program coordinator. (6 hours)
  • PSY509: Introduction to Mental Health (3 credits)
  • PSY510: Foundation of Psychological Assessment (3 credits)