Clinical Psychology

The M.A in Clinical Psychology program has two options: a) clinical research and b) clinical fieldwork. Students in the clinical research option engage in independent research projects, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, leading to graduate thesis projects. Students in the clinical fieldwork option participate in fieldwork placements, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, in clinical practicum settings leading to the completion of comprehensive examinations.

Similar to many doctoral programs, our program matches each admitted student with a faculty mentor based on mutual research or clinical interests. Applicants rank up to 3 potential faculty mentors in their applications to the program. Students in the clinical research option work in their mentor’s research lab and/or receive guidance on their thesis project. Students in the clinical fieldwork option participate in fieldwork placements and receive mentorship on practicum placements and the successful completion of comprehensive examinations Since admission to the program depends in part on fit with a faculty mentor, students are strongly encouraged to review program faculty bios (see “Program Faculty” below) for more information on their areas of expertise and interest. Potential applicants may also wish to contact program faculty mentors prior to applying if they have questions about their work, interests, or available opportunities.

All students receive hands-on clinical fieldwork experience through one of our in-house clinics; our Assessment Clinic or our Mood & Anxiety Disorders Clinic, both supervised by full-time clinical faculty who are licensed Clinical Psychologists. Fieldwork is rarely available at the MA level, and provides invaluable experience in clinical-service delivery.

We offer several opportunities for students to gain valuable, hands-on teaching experience, ranging from assisting a faculty member in their course instruction to obtaining a paid position as an independent instructor for an introductory psychology course.

Prior to enrollment in the program, students must have obtained an undergraduate degree and have completed at least 18 units in undergraduate psychology courses, including the following specific prerequisite courses or equivalents, which are required by the Clinical Psychology program:

• Introductory Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Statistics and Lab
• Research Methods and Lab

Please note that the Psychological Science and Clinical MA programs have a shared application. For additional information and to access the application please visit our Application Page.

We encourage applicants to contact potential mentors prior to applying! See program faculty below.

For More Information:
Contact the program co-directors: Dr. Arentoft and Dr. Martinez 
If you have further questions, contact the Psychology Department.