Program Overview

Clinical Psychology Program

The MA in Clinical Psychology offers a foundation in the theory, research, and practice of clinical psychology. Grounded in the scientistpractitioner model, our STEM designated degree program emphasizes how evidence-based practice and cutting-edge research come together to make a real-world impact on mental health. Students benefit from small cohorts, close mentorship, opportunities to join active research labs, and hands-on training that bridges theory to practice.

Program Format

• In-person

College or School

• College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Area of Study

• Health, Medicine and the Sciences; Public Service and the Humanities

Concentrations Offered

• Child/Adolescent Psychology
• Forensic Psychology

Concentration Options

The MA in Clinical Psychology requires students to select a concentration in either Child/Adolescent Psychology or Forensic Psychology. Each concentration provides focused training that builds on core clinical coursework and prepares students for applied roles, research positions, or further doctoral study.

Child/Adolescent Psychology Concentration

The Child/Adolescent Psychology concentration within the MA in Clinical Psychology offers foundational training in clinical psychology with a focus on child and adolescent mental health. Students gain knowledge of developmental considerations in psychopathology, assessment, and evidence-based treatment, while also examining the role of families, schools, and social contexts. This concentration prepares graduates for supervised, MA-level positions in mental health settings that do not require licensure and serve children and families such as community agencies or care management organizations. Alumni may pursue roles as clinical research assistants or coordinators, or use this concentration as preparation for doctoral-level training.

Forensic Psychology Concentration

The Forensic Psychology concentration within the MA in Clinical Psychology prepares students to deliver supervised masters level clinical services to legal system-involved populations in settings that do not require licensure. These include drug and mental health courts, offender rehabilitation programs, child and family advocacy organizations, and other bona fide public service agencies. In keeping with the programs overall child/adolescent emphasis, students also gain specialized training in areas such as domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and juvenile offender assessment and rehabilitation.

Featured Faculty

• Jessica Spat-Lemus, Assistant Teaching
• Tina Zottoli, Associate
• Jeremy K Fox, Associate
• Erin Kang, Assistant
• Mawia Khogali, Assistant
• Jazmin Reyes-Portillo, Associate
• Pevitr Bansal, Assistant
• Elizabeth Chan, Assistant

Related Programs

The Department of Psychology offers two doctoral programs, three masters degree programs with concentration options, one combined bachelors/masters program, and one certification program.

• Clinical Psychology, PhD
• Psychological Sciences, MA
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology, MA
• School Psychologist Certification, Certificate
• Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology, Certificate

Admission Requirements

• Equivalent of a U.S. bachelors degree.
• Applicants must have a bachelors degree in psychology OR a minimum of 12 undergraduate credits in psychology, including a course in statistics and an experimental/research methodology course.
• Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please review U.S. degree equivalency information.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Applicants with a GPA between 2.7 and 3.0 will be considered for admission if other aspects of their application indicate strong potential for success in the program. However, a GPA of 3.0 or above is recommended. Applicants with a GPA below 2.7 will not be considered for admission.

Application Checklist

• Application Deadline: For Fall semester admission only. Priority deadline: March 15.
  • Applications completed by March 15, including all required supplemental materials, will receive priority review and an admission decision by April 30th.
  • Applications received after March 15th will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the program is full.
• Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
• Transcript: One from each college attended.
• Essays/Personal Statement: Articulate clearly, concisely, and in specific terms your relevant academic, research, and psychology-related experiences and interests.
  • Please describe the way you foresee the child/adolescent or forensic psychology concentration aiding your future educational and/or career goals.
  • Finally, you may also highlight any additional strengths that will make you an excellent candidate for our program, as well as explain any areas of relative weakness in your application.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters, preferably from faculty familiar with your work.
• Sample of written work related to the field(s) of psychology, particularly in your desired area of concentration.
• Resume/CV: Required
• Standardized Test Scores: GRE General Test; optional if your overall undergraduate GPA is at least a 3.3 or have completed a masters level degree
• Interview: All applicants who are selected to proceed to the next stage of the admissions process following review of their applications, must complete an admissions interview with program faculty.
  • The Psychology Department will hold pre-selected interview days for this program.
  • Interviews are conducted virtually via Zoom with two faculty members and/or the Director of the Clinical MA Program.
  • After selecting an interview date, candidates receive a confirmation email from the Psychology Department with additional details and program materials. Interviews allow the admissions committee to learn about each candidates background, interests, and goals, and to assess readiness for graduate study, clinical placement, and written communication.