Master of Applied Clinical Psychology at Pennsylvania State University

The Master of Arts in Applied Clinical Psychology program helps students prepare to work as mental health professionals in a variety of settings and is intended to provide a broad training program in empirically validated clinical psychology which, when accompanied by an additional 12 credits in advanced graduate studies in psychology and/or counseling, can provide the academic training necessary for graduates to apply for master's level licensing as a professional counselor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The M.A. program requires 48 credits of course work.

The overall model emphasizes the scientific bases of behavior, including biological, social, and individual difference factors. The training model is health-oriented rather than pathology-oriented and emphasizes the development of helping skills, including both assessment and intervention.

The degree program is intended for both part- and full-time students. Students are admitted fall semester only. The deadline for applications is April 30.

1. KNOW. Graduates will be able to demonstrate conceptual understanding and proficiency in clinical psychology and counseling at the level required to contribute to the discipline.

2. RESEARCH/THINK. Graduates will be able to develop and use appropriate research methods and techniques to apply knowledge or create new knowledge aimed at significant questions in clinical psychology and counseling.

3. COMMUNICATE. Graduates will be able to effectively communicate research and practice applicable to the field in formal presentations and in written works.

4. CRITICAL THINKING. Graduates will be able to conceptualize therapeutic cases in a theoretical framework.

5. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to work effectively and ethically in a clinical/counseling setting with actual clients.