The MS in Clinical Psychology program provides a broad background in clinical psychology. It prepares students to work ethically and effectively at the master’s level with diverse individuals in a variety of settings. In addition, this program offers students an opportunity to complete a graduate degree that is more practitioner-focused and less research-focused and includes a broader survey of the topics in clinical psychology compared to many other degree programs.
Note on Licensure
The MS in Clinical Psychology, State Education Specialization program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify for a variety of mental health professional licenses in some states that require additional course work and/or field experience beyond what is provided in the program’s general program of study. The specific licensing credential varies by state. This program is designed to meet the academic licensure requirements of some state boards that license mental health professionals at the Masters level.
Please note the MS Clinical Psychology, General program does not meet state licensure requirements in most states. However, the general program of study does meet state licensure eligibility requirements in the following states: District of Columbia, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
Walden enrollment specialists can provide guidance on licensure issues, state-by-state educational requirements, and internship and practicum requirements; however, it remains the student’s responsibility to evaluate and understand the licensure requirements for the state in which he or she resides, as requirements vary widely. Walden University enrollment specialists can provide general guidance on licensure requirements; however, it is the responsibility of each student to understand and comply with the most current mental health professional licensure information for his or her individual state. Walden makes no guarantee that its MS in Clinical Psychology program will meet the licensure requirements in any state.
Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Synthesize psychological perspectives reflecting the relevant influences of the social determinants of health.
- Synthesize psychological theory and research in real-world clinical mental health settings.
- Analyze psychological theory and research regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Apply psychological theory, research, and practice to scholarly professional activities that promote positive social change.
- Use a framework of evidence-based practice when delivering psychotherapeutic interventions and psychological assessments.
- Demonstrate APA clinical competency benchmarks using clinical and assessment skills in a variety of mental health settings.
- Demonstrate professional dispositions and skills in mental health settings and in interactions with others.
General Program
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62 total quarter credits for General Program (63–90 credits with optional State Education specialization – only for students with specific state requirements)
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Foundation course (1 credits)
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Core courses (50 credits)
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Foundation Research Sequence course (5 credits)
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Professional Development Series (0 credits; must be taken each quarter term prior to practicum course)
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Field Experience Sequence courses (6 credits)
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Field Experience Preparation (0 credits)
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Practicum (3 credits)
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Internship (3 credits)
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Foundation Course (1 credits)
Core Courses (50 credits)
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
Foundation Research Courses (5 credits)
Field Experience Sequence (6 credits)
Specialization (Optional)
Course Sequence
Students undertake courses in the following sequence.
Quarter | Course | Credits |
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Quarter 1 | CPSY 6002 - Foundations of Graduate Study in Clinical Psychology | 1 credits |
CPSY 6110 – Professional Development Series | 0 credits | |
CPSY 6215 – Lifespan Development | 5 credits | |
Quarter 2 | CPSY 6245 – Social Psychology | 5 credits |
CPSY 6110 – Professional Development Series | 0 credits | |
CPSY 6205 – Introduction to Psychotherapy | 4 credits | |
Quarter 3 | CPSY 6110 – Professional Development Series | 0 credits |
RSCH 6110L - Research Theory, Design, and Methods | 5 credits | |
Quarter 4 | CPSY 6781 – Psychopathology from a Clinical Perspective | 6 credits |
CPSY 6110 - Professional Development Series | 0 credits | |
Quarter 5 | CPSY 6316 – Tests and Measurements | 5 credits |
CPSY 6110 – Professional Development Series | 0 credits | |
Quarter 6 | FEAH 6700 – Field Experience Preparation | 0 credits |
CPSY 6421 – Multicultural Psychology | 5 credits | |
CPSY 6110 – Professional Development Series | 0 credits | |
Quarter 7 | CPSY 6705 – Ethics and Standards of Psychological Practice | 5 credits |
CPSY 6343 – Psychotherapy Interventions II | 5 credits | |
CPSY 6110 – Professional Development Series | 0 credits | |
Quarter 8 | CPSY 6341 – Psychological Assessment | 5 credits |
CPSY 6700 – Master’s Practicum I | 3 credits | |
Quarter 9 | CPSY 6910 - Master’s Internship II | 3 credits |
CPSY 6226 - Biopsychology | 5 credits | |
Quarter 10+ | Optional State Education specialization course(s) | |
Field Experience Preparation
Walden is committed to providing students with resources and support in preparation of field experience(s). To help ease anxiety in the field experience process, Walden offers a 0-credit Field Experience Preparation course, a structured experience that guides students through the application process and currently available readiness resources. The course is designed to
complement other pre-requisite courses needed in preparation for field experience(s). The goal is that students submit their field experience application by the end of the course. Of course, there may be reasons why a field experience needs to be postponed, or the readiness course may not be needed if a field experience opportunity has already been secured. In this instance, students may opt-out of the course. By opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course without having submitted a complete field experience application you are notifying Walden that you have chosen to delay the beginning of your field experience indefinitely, it is your responsibility to notify Walden when you plan to begin the field experience component of your program. In some instances, opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course indicates the foundational components of the field experience process have been satisfied and submission of the field experience application is pending. While the course is not yet available for Tempo students, the same readiness resources are available to Tempo students seeking field experience.