Psychology, MA - Clinical Psychology

Psychology, MA

Clinical Psychology Track

Program Delivery

On Campus

Total Credits

47 Credits

About the Program

The clinical track of the Master of Arts in Psychology is an adult-focused program that follows the Boulder scientist/practitioner training model which emphasizes the integrated roles of science and practice. Training in the applied skills of clinical assessment and intervention requires a thorough understanding of the range of human functioning. The database of the psychological literature is our groundwork and the scientific method guides our work. We require students to develop an understanding of how this database is generated, how to evaluate its utility, and how to apply it. Thus, all students are required to take the core of methodology and basic psychology courses in addition to the clinical core and a practicum experience in the community. Because a two-year curriculum can provide only the basics, it is expected that we are preparing students to proceed with training at the doctoral level. 

The terminal MA program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs is designed to prepare students for further training at the doctoral level. The goal is that the students are eventually eligible to become licensed as a Psychologist once they have completed the PhD degree or PsyD degree at another institution. As such, our program is not designed to meet the masters level licensure requirements as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado.


Focus of Study

  • Coursework in research and the scientific method
  • Coursework in the knowledge base of psychology: the core courses series
  • Research thesis
  • Didactic coursework in assessment, intervention, and applied skills
  • Practicum experience in which students learn and apply clinical skills under the supervision of experienced clinicians
     

Program Requirements

Required Credit Hours: 47


M.A. Sub-Plan Options

M.A. Clinical Psychology students also have the option to gain experience within a specialized sub-field, formally called a "sub-plan." These more narrowly-focused programs specify required courses within the M.A. program, completion of a research thesis under the direction of a faculty mentor with expertise in that particular sub-discipline of psychology, and for students in the Clinical Psychology track, a practicum at a setting in that domain.

  • Sub-Plan in Geropsychology
  • Sub-Plan in Trauma Psychology

Program Coursework

Program Coursework
SAMPLE:

 

Year 1

Fall:

PSY 5710 - Clinical Skills Laboratory 
PSY 5810 - Research Statistics and Methodology I 
PSY 6780 - Advanced Psychopathology
 

Spring:

PSY 5820 - Research Statistics and Methodology II 
PSY 6850 - Clinical Interviewing and Personality Assessment 
PSY 6920 - Seminar: Psychotherapy
PSY 6xxx - a Core Content Course
 

Year 2

Fall:

PSY 6030 - Research Practicum
PSY 6740 - Clinical Practicum 
PSY 6720 - Professional Development I - Ethics & Standards of Practice 
PSY 6860 - Cognitive  Assessment or PSY 6870 - Clinical Neuropsychology*
PSY 7000 - Masters Thesis

You may take a core content course in the fall or spring of your second year based on course preference.

* Note:  We advise students to take PSY 6860 - Cognitive  Assessment unless there is a specific reason to take PSY 6870 - Clinical Neuropsychology.  Please consult with the Director of Clinical Training.

Spring:

PSY 6730 - Professional Development II - Cultural and Family Diversity
PSY 6740 - Clinical Practicum
PSY 7000 - Masters Thesis 
PSY 6000 - a Core Content Course
 

Total Credit Hours: 47


Faculty

Geropsychology:

Kyrsten C. Hill, Assistant Professor
Daniel L. Segal, Ph.D., Professor
Leilani Feliciano, Ph.D., Professor
Rachel Weiskittle, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Trauma:

Charles C. Benight, Ph.D., Professor, Executive Director of the Lyda Hill Institute of Human Resilience
Steven L. Bistricky, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Heather Littleton, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director of Research Operations of the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience
Colin T. Mahoney, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Trauma Psychology

Neuropsychology:

Rachel E. Thayer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor


Accreditation & Awards

  • 2021 - UCCS Graduate School programs in latest U.S. News & World Report Rankings
  • #120 in the nation for best graduate Clinical Psychology program
  • #148 in the nation for best graduate Psychology program

How to Apply

Graduate students are those who have already completed a Bachelor's Degree and are pursuing a Master's, Doctoral, Graduate Certificate, or Graduate Non-Degree program. We also accept applications for non-degree seeking graduate students who wish to take courses but aren't planning on completing a degree or certificate program at UCCS. International students interested in UCCS Graduate School programs should also use this application.


Graduate Program FAQs

Graduate study has been a part of the UCCS Psychology Department since 1977.  You'll learn from our faculty in an environment designed for learning, research and student success – smaller class sizes than our peer institutions and the ability to connect one-on-one with your professors and supervisors.