The MS in Clinical Psychology program provides a broad background in clinical psychology with the opportunity to complete an optional counseling specialization. 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 degree is not designed to prepare students to become a licensed psychology professional.
The MS in Clinical Psychology Counseling Specialization program is not approved by the Kansas Board of Regents and does not lead to master’s-level psychology license eligibility in the state of Kansas.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Describe the foundations of psychology.
- Synthesize psychological theory and research to apply in real-world situations in clinical settings.
- Interpret psychological theory and research.
- Describe psychological theory, research, and practice from a multicultural and/or global perspective.
- Apply psychological theory, research, and practice to scholarly and/or professional activities that promote positive social change.
- Use a framework of evidence-based practice to develop constructive working relationships with clients, supervisors, instructors, and colleagues.
- Demonstrate an appropriate and professional demeanor with clients, supervisors, instructors, and colleagues.
General Program
Degree Requirements
- 59–62 total quarter credits for General Program (97–105 credits with optional specialization)
- Foundation course (3 credits)
- Core courses (45 credits for General and Counseling; 68 credits for CA Track)
- Foundation Research Sequence course (5 credits for General and Counseling)
- Counseling (non-CA track) specialization curriculum (35 credits, including 10 credits electives)
- Counseling (CA track) specialization curriculum (25 credits)
- Practicum (6–9 credits)
Foundation Course (3 credits)
Core Courses (45 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.
Foundation Research Courses (5 credits)
Courses composing the core research sequence are conducted online and require weekly readings, participation in discussions, and assignment completion. Course instructors guide discussions and evaluate discussion and application assignments. RSCH 6110 must be completed during the second term and is linked to Milestone 2 of the academic residencies. RSCH 6210 and RSCH 6310 must be completed prior to registering for the dissertation.
Practicum Sequence (6–9 credits)
Course Sequence
Students undertake courses in the following sequence.
| Term | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 |
CPSY 6001 - Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology |
3 credits |
|
CPSY 6221 - Psychopathology From a Clinical Perspective |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 2 |
CPSY 6215 - Lifespan Development |
5 credits |
|
CPSY 6705 - Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 3 |
CPSY 6342 - Interventions I |
5 credits |
|
RSCH 6110Y - Research Theory, Design, and Methods |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 4 |
CPSY 6341 - Psychological Assessment |
5 credits |
|
CPSY 6343 - Interventions II |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 5 |
CPSY 6701 - Culture and Psychology |
5 credits |
|
CPSY 6250 - Group Process and Dynamics |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 6 |
CPSY 6245 - Social Psychology |
5 credits |
|
CPSY 6700 - Master’s Practicum I |
3 credits | |
| Quarter 7 |
CPSY 6810 - Master’s Internship I |
3 credits |
|
CPSY 6910 - Master’s Internship II |
3 credits |
Specialization in Counseling
In this specialization, students discover how clinical psychology training can position them to promote psychological health in individuals, families, groups, and organizations by studying current theory, research, and practices associated with major dysfunctional behavior. This specialization can lead to work in a range of settings, including healthcare and community mental health settings. The coursework offers a foundation for pursuing clinical psychology through doctoral study. Students engage in training with individuals, groups, couples, and families.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Describe the foundations of psychology.
- Synthesize psychological theory and research to apply in real-world situations in clinical settings.
- Interpret psychological theory and research.
- Describe psychological theory, research, and practice from a multicultural and/or global perspective.
- Use a framework of evidence-based practice to develop constructive working relationships with clients, supervisors, instructors, and colleagues.
- Demonstrate an appropriate and professional demeanor with clients, supervisors, instructors, and colleagues.
- Apply psychological theory, research, and practice to scholarly and/or professional activities that promote positive social change.
- Utilize critical thinking and apply relevant ethical codes (e.g., APA, ACA) to decision making with diverse populations in a variety of settings.
- Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing empirically supported models of counseling/therapy (including group; substance abuse; and couples, marriage, and family counseling as well as career counseling) with diverse populations.
Counseling Specialization Tracks
Counseling
Accreditation
The MS in Clinical Psychology program with a specialization in Counseling is designed to prepare graduates for professional counseling practice at the master’s level. Graduates completing the Counseling specialization may qualify to sit for licensing exams and meet the academic licensure requirements of some state counseling licensing boards. However, the Walden University MS in Clinical Psychology program is not accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body, which is a requirement for licensure as a counselor in many states. 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 or international location in which the student intends to work as requirements vary widely. Walden University makes no representation or guarantee that the completion of a degree or coursework for graduate credit will permit the learner to obtain licensure.
The MS in Clinical Psychology program with a specialization in Counseling is not approved by the Kansas Board of Regents and will not lead to master’s-level psychology or counseling license eligibility in the state of Kansas.
Degree Requirements
- 94–97 total quarter credits
- Foundation course (3 credits)
- Core courses (45 credits)
- Foundation Research Sequence course (5 credits)
- Specialization courses (25 credits)
- Elective courses (10 credits)
- Practicum (6–9* credits)
*You can elect to take CPSY 6900 Master’s Practicum III (3 credits) after CPSY 6800 Master’s Practicum II. CPSY 6900 is an optional course for those students whose state requirements require additional practicum hours.
Specialization Courses (25 credits)
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
- Students may take this as a non-degree course.
Electives (10 credits)
Students select any two elective courses from graduate-level courses in psychology, provided the prerequisites are met. These electives are self-registered.
Foundation Research Courses (5 credits)
Courses composing the core research sequence are conducted online and require weekly readings, participation in discussions, and assignment completion. Course instructors guide discussions and evaluate discussion and application assignments. RSCH 6110 must be completed during the second term and is linked to Milestone 2 of the academic residencies. RSCH 6210 and RSCH 6310 must be completed prior to registering for the dissertation.
Course Sequence
Students undertake courses in the following sequence.
| Term | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 |
CPSY 6001 - Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology |
3 credits |
|
CPSY 6215 - Lifespan Development |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 2 |
CPSY 6221 - Psychopathology From a Clinical Perspective |
5 credits |
|
CPSY 6705 - Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 3 |
CPSY 6342 - Interventions I |
5 credits |
|
RSCH 6110Y - Research Theory, Design, and Methods |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 4 |
CPSY 6341 - Psychological Assessment |
5 credits |
|
CPSY 6343 - Interventions II |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 5 |
CPSY 6701 - Culture and Psychology |
5 credits |
|
CPSY 6250 - Group Process and Dynamics |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 6 |
CPSY 6810 - Master’s Internship I |
3 credits |
|
CPSY 6245 - Social Psychology |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 7 |
CPSY 6910 - Master’s Internship II |
3 credits |
|
CPSY 6722 - Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 8 | CPSY 6356 - Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy | 5 credits |
|
CPSY 6728 - Substance Abuse Counseling |
5 credits | |
| Quarter 9 | CPSY 6753 - Career Counseling | 5 credits |
| CPSY 6100 - Introduction to Mental Health Counseling | 5 credits | |
| Quarter 10 |
CPSY 6900 - Master’s Practicum III (optional) |
3 credits |
Counseling (California Track)
Degree Requirements
- 105 total quarter credits
- Foundation course (3 credits)
- Core courses (68 credits)
- Specialization courses (25 credits)
- Practicum (9* credits)
Foundation Course (3 credits)
Core Courses (68 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.
Specialization Courses (25 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.