Clinical Psychology (MA)

Description

University of Detroit Mercy’s Master of Arts with a major in clinical psychology has been preparing students to function as masters-level psychologists for more than 20 years. The program is designed to academically prepare students to apply for the State of Michigan’s Limited License in Psychology (LLP). Note: Additional requirements for the LLP are completed by students after graduation from the program and do not fall under the purview of the program.

The Master of Arts with a major in clinical psychology is a 45-credit-hour program that offers training in basic theory and research, diagnostic techniques, therapeutic practices and professional ethics. Students receive foundational training in child and adult clinical psychology. The program is designed to be completed on a part-time basis (6 credit hours per semester) for eight semesters year-round. Thus, students graduate approximately two years and nine months after beginning the program.

The overarching goal of the program is to prepare students to become competent practicing master’s-level psychologists who are also prepared to pursue additional graduate study in psychology. Students receive training in the foundations of psychology and develop specialized skill in assessment and therapeutic techniques of clinical psychology. Training in research methods and statistics enables students to become discriminating consumers of the professional literature, which in turn, enables them to keep abreast of developments in their field after graduation. Ethical decision-making is emphasized throughout the curriculum.

Students in this program take nearly all courses with other graduate students—students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy with a major in clinical psychology and with students enrolled in the Specialist - School Psychology program. This combined course format enhances class discussions and provides opportunities for master’s students to gain knowledge of options for more advanced graduate study in psychology. In addition to coursework, students complete a 500-hour practicum where they gain experience performing psychological assessment and intervention. At the end of the program, students complete a comprehensive examination on which they demonstrate their knowledge of psychology. Students also have the option of completing a second-year empirical research project.

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    Admission Process

    Admission Requirements

    The minimum requirements for program admission are as follows:
    • Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.).
    • Undergraduate or graduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). An exception may be made to this requirement if applicants can demonstrate exceptional academic promise in some other way.
    • Non-psychology majors are welcome to apply to the program, but are expected to have completed the following undergraduate courses:
      1. Introductory Psychology
      2. Statistics
      3. Abnormal Psychology
    • Completion of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical subtests.

    Application Procedure

    Applicants who wish to be considered for admission to the program should submit the following materials:

    1. Complete official transcripts mailed directly from the registrar of all colleges attended. If you were previously a University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) student, please request your UDM transcripts be sent to the admissions office early as this may take some time.
    2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) official scores for Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical subtests.
    3. Three letters of recommendation from professors, supervisors or others who can speak to your professional (e.g., clinical, research) or academic abilities.
    4. A brief personal statement in which you describe your background, career goals, and your interest in applying to the Master of Arts with a major in Clinical Psychology program at University of Detroit Mercy.

    The application deadline is March 15 for admission to the Fall semester.

    All materials must be sent to:

    Theresa Carson, Graduate Admissions Counselor
    University of Detroit Mercy
    Admissions Office
    4001 W. McNichols Rd.
    Detroit, MI 48221

    Please note: After faculty members review applications, selected applicants will be invited for an interview. Applicants who are invited for interviews will be notified via phone or email.

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    Financial Aid

    Graduate students are eligible for several financial aid programs funded by the Federal government and the State of Michigan. For more information, please contact the University of Detroit Mercy Financial Aid Office at 313-993-3350.

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    Degree Requirements

    Coursework

    All required coursework is listed below. Courses are listed in the standard program sequence.

    Year 1

    • PYC 5000* Social Psychology (3 credits)
    • PYC 5040 Advanced Research (3 credits)
    • PYC 5420 Principles and Issues: Child and Adolescent Development (3 credits)
    • PYC 6030 Child Psychopathology (3 credits)
    • PYC 6700 Psychological Assessment I (3 credits)
    • PYC 6850 Psychopathology I (3 credits)

    Year 2

    • PYC 5320* Psychotherapy with Children (3 credits) OR PYC 7650* Cognitive Therapy (3 credits)
    • PYC 5890 Practicum Experience (3 credits)
    • PYC 6200 School Psychology Assessment and Interventions I (3 credits)
    • PYC 6155 School Psychology Assessment and Interventions 1B (3 credits)
    • PYC 6890 Theories of Psychotherapy (3 credits)
    • PYC 6930 Ethics and Professional Issues (3 credits)
    • PYC 5030 Statistics (3 credits)
    • PYC 5890 Practicum Experience (3 credits)
    • PYC 6400 Applied Behavior Analysis (3 credits)

    Optional: Second-Year Research Project

    Total Credits Required: 45

    *Depending on course offerings, students may take Child Therapy or Cognitive Therapy during Year 1 and Social Psychology during Year 2 with instructor and program director permission.

    Practicum

    An important feature of the program is the 500-hour practicum placement where students perform psychological assessment and intervention. Over the past several years, students have completed placements in a broad array of settings including hospital-based clinics, child and adolescent treatment programs, community mental health centers, university counseling centers and correctional facilities. Students are encouraged to seek out placements at existing sites and are also permitted to explore placement opportunities with new sites throughout Michigan. Specific requirements for practicum sites are provided in the Program Manual for admitted students.

    Comprehensive Examination

    The required Comprehensive Examination is provided for students to demonstrate their knowledge of theory, research, assessment, and intervention. The Comprehensive Exam is completed by students during their third year. It is designed to assess students’ learning and to familiarize them with the format of the national licensure exam, the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP).

Program Contact Information

Program Director: Kristen Abraham, Ph.D.
Reno Hall, Room 210
McNichols Campus

Email: abrahakm@udmercy.edu
Telephone: 313-578-0445

Department Website


Application/Process Materials Contact

Graduate Admissions Counselor: Theresa Carson,
University of Detroit Mercy
Admissions Office
4001 W. McNichols Rd.
Detroit, MI 48221

Email: carsonta@udmercy.edu
Telephone: 313-993-3309