Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Professional Studies in Clinical Psychological Science

The University of Maryland offers a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Clinical Psychological Science, a program designed to provide rigorous training in clinical psychology. The goal of the MPS program is to equip students with a broad understanding of psychological principles and focused training in the science of clinical psychology.

Program Overview

The MPS program in Clinical Psychological Science is the nation's first master's-level training program that adopts a clinical science perspective. This program seeks to provide high-quality graduate training that will benefit individuals in a range of professional settings where understanding the causes and treatments of psychopathology from an informed scientific perspective will be of use.

What is Clinical Psychological Science?

Clinical Psychological Science is the study of clinical psychology with an emphasis on scientific rigor and empirically supported approaches to assessment and treatment. Clinical psychological scientists play an important role in every aspect of psychology, from teaching and research to developing policy and providing therapy.

Program Goals

The goal of the program is to provide students with both a broad understanding of psychological principles and focused training in the science of clinical psychology. This program emphasizes contemporary theories of clinical disorders and empirically supported interventions for the treatment of these disorders.

Program Details

• The program is designed to be completed in 15 months over the course of 5 terms.
• Students will be expected to complete two courses per term.
• Classes are taught at the College Park campus during the evenings.
• In-class lectures are complemented by faculty office hours offered in person and remotely.
• Course material is also supplemented by the opportunity to engage in research and clinical experiences by becoming involved in faculty research labs.

Career Mentorship and Preparation

Alongside traditional course curricula, the Master's program has a special emphasis on helping students achieve their individual goals through close faculty mentoring. Whether students are interested in pursuing a career in clinical work or research, or considering applying to Ph.D. programs, our full-time faculty are committed to helping students prepare for their future endeavors.

Admissions

• The program only accepts applicants for Fall enrollment.
• International and domestic student application materials are due January 30 for enrollment in the upcoming fall class.
• From the initial applicant pool, select applicants will be invited to continue on in the admissions process, which consists of an admissions interview.
• Admissions interviews will be completed virtually, via Zoom.
• Invitations for admissions interviews are usually made in late February/early March.
• Final notification of acceptances will be sent in late April.

Application Requirements

A list of application requirements can be found in the program's documentation.

Program Outcomes

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

• Critically evaluate existing psychological research and data
• Understand how to competently design and carry out research
• Think critically about current issues in clinical psychology
• Communicate complex psychological topics to wider audiences
• Understand current causal models that seek to explain how clinical disorders develop
• Know the available empirically-supported psychological interventions used to treat clinical disorders

Career Opportunities

The MPS program at Maryland will prepare students for a variety of exciting career opportunities, including:

• Research: Students will be well-positioned to be project managers in research laboratories focusing on mental health.
• Education: Completing this degree would provide the educational background necessary to be a competitive applicant to doctoral programs in clinical and counseling psychology.
• Applied Services: Completing the program will assist individuals in preparing for, or advancing in, careers related to mental health services. The Maryland MPS in Clinical Psychological Science meets the current educational requirements to be a Psychology Associate in the state of Maryland. Please note that completion of the MPS will not lead to licensure for psychological practice.