Location:

Aiken, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Clinical Psychology

Program Overview

Program Description:

The USC Aiken Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program is fully Accredited by the Master’s in Psychology Accreditation Council (MPAC) and is a member of the Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology (CAMPP). The Master of Science Degree in Applied Clinical Psychology provides graduate study and clinical experience in preparation for careers in applied clinical and counseling settings and as a foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced doctoral studies. The psychology faculty come from all parts of the country and bring a broad array of expertise to the program. They are not only respected scholars in their field but also excellent communicators who bring a sense of adventure to the classroom. They actively involve students in their quest for answers to psychology’s frontier issues. Among the topics which are currently being studied by faculty and students are the nature of fear, artificial intelligence, mental retardation, parenting and attachment, stress and alcohol, assessment and treatment of childhood affective disorders, and explorations of the nature of self-esteem. Students enrolled in this program are expected to pursue a plan of study to assure increased professional competence and breadth of knowledge in the field of clinical and counseling psychology. The degree objectives are designed to enable the student to: 1. Understand principles of psychology and how they are applied. 2. Understand a diversity of theoretical perspectives. 3. Interpret and apply statistical and research techniques 4. Understand professional, legal and ethical principles as they pertain to professional conduct and responsibility. 5. Understand and develop skills in assessment procedures and intervention strategies. Eligible students may receive a graduate assistantship, which includes monetary support in addition to reduced tuition for both resident and non-resident students. Assistantship experiences are generally available in applied clinical/community settings. Degree Requirements: I. Core Course Requirements (All Required) 18 Hours APSY 610 Developmental Psychology (3 Hours) APSY 620 Psychopathology (3 Hours) APSY 625 Statistics and Research Methods (3 Hours) APSY 640 Social Psychology (3 Hours) APSY 650 Learning, Cognition, and Behavior (3 Hours) APSY 760 Cognitive Neuroscience (3 Hours) II. Applied Core Course Requirements (All Required) 24 Hours APSY 600 Ethical and Professional Issues in the (3 Hours) Practice of Psychology APSY 680 Assessment I (3 Hours) APSY 701 Theories and Techniques of Counseling (3 Hours) and Psychotherapy APSY 702 Theories and Techniques of Counseling (3 Hours) and Psychotherapy II APSY 725 Group Therapy and Counseling (3 Hours) APSY 780 Assessment II (3 Hours) APSY 790 Practicum in Applied Clinical/Counseling (6 Hours; 2 Semesters) Psychology III. Advanced Topics 3 Hours APSY 700 Advanced Topics in Applied Psychology (3 Hours) IV. Thesis (Two semester minimum required) 6 Hours APSY 798 Thesis Preparation (2 Hour) APSY 799 Thesis (4 Hours) V. Professional Electives (Optional) 3 Hours APSY 630 Career and Lifestyle Development (3 Hours) APSY 791 Advanced Psychotherapy Practicum (1-3 Hours) APSY 699 Independent Research (1-3 Hours) 51 Hours Required for Degree Department Faculty: Professors Edward J. Callen (Psychology), Department Chair, Ph.D., Northern Illinois University, 1986, Strom Thurmond Endowed Chair in Social and Behavioral Sciences Maureen H. Carrigan (Psychology), Ph.D., State University of New York -Binghamton, 1998 Keri A. Weed (Psychology), Ph.D., Notre Dame, 1984, Carolina Trustee Professor Associate Professors Laura N. May (Psychology), Ph.D., University of Tennessee, 2002 Jane A. Stafford (Psychology), Ph.D., State University of New York -Binghamton, 2002 Assistant Professors Chad E. Drake (Psychology), Ph.D., University of Mississippi, 2008 Echo E. Leaver (Psychology), Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2008 Dawn A. Morales (Psychology), Ph.D., University of California - San Diego, 2003 Sarah B. Stevens (Psychology), Ph.D., West Virginia University, 2008

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Fully Accredited by the Master’s in Psychology Accreditation Council (MPAC)

Requirements:

Acceptance by the Department of Psychology will be done on the basis of the applicant's total academic profile. This profile includes: 1. A completed application to the Graduate Office, University of South Carolina Aiken. 2. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least 15 hours in psychology. 3. Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work (minimum of 3.00 overall undergraduate GPA and Psychology GPA preferred). 4. Three letters of recommendation, two of which must be from faculty in an academic setting. 5. A written personal statement of intent. 6. Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination.