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Program Description
The M.A. in Psychology degree consists of two concentrations, Clinical Psychology and School Psychology. The M.A. School Psychology concentration will be available only to students accepted into the Specialist in School Psychology degree program and completed en route to the Specialist in School Psychology degree. There is no direct application to the M.A School Psychology concentration.
Program Admission Requirements for Clinical Concentration
In addition to the Graduate School Admission Requirements, a B average calculated for the last two years of the applicant’s most recent program is required. An undergraduate psychology degree is not required. However, applicants should have at least 18 hours of undergraduate credit in psychology which must include general psychology, 6 hours of statistics and/or research methods, and abnormal psychology. Three letters of recommendation from academic and relevant professional sources are required; personal references and professional references from unrelated fields will not be accepted. A curriculum vita should also be provided. An official GRE General score report from within the past five years must be provided. Applicants must also submit a personal statement written in three (3) double-spaced pages or less describing the candidate’s background and experiences in psychology, specific reasons for interest in WCU’s M.A. Program, research interests, and career goals. Finally, a personal interview may be requested.
Program Admission Requirements for School Psychology Concentration
See the School Psychology (S.S.P.) program description for more information.
Clinical Psychology Concentration: The Clinical Psychology M.A. concentration requires the completion of 50 semester hours. Students will complete two semesters of practicum (6 hours). Students must earn a grade of “B” or better in all core courses. These are PSY 661 (Psychological Assessment I), PSY 662 (Psychological Assessment II - Adult Focus), PSY 675 (Cognitive Behavioral Interventions), and PSY 686 (Practicum). If a student earns a “C” in any of these course, the courses must be retaken. In addition, students will complete a minimum of two research projects over the course of the program (12 hours total): a faculty directed project and a more advanced and in-depth thesis project. Degree candidates in the clinical psychology concentration must complete a comprehensive requirement which consists of an approved thesis prospectus and successful performance on an oral examination given by a committee of at least three faculty members.
School Psychology Concentration: The School Psychology M.A. concentration requires the completion of 50 semester hours. Students will complete two practica (6 hours total) and a thesis or research project (6 hours total). Successful completion of the program will enable students who have completed a thesis to apply to doctoral level programs but will not lead to licensure eligibility through state educational agencies.
Statement on Course Load
Psychology students are exempt from the standard course load limit and may enroll into a maximum of sixteen hours per term.
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