Master of Arts in Psychology - Clinical Psychology

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology program is comprised of specializations in Clinical Psychology, Experimental Research, Industrial-Organizational Research, Diversity Management and School Psychology. The program in Clinical Psychology is designed primarily for students interested in the field of psychological service, broadly conceived to embrace community, clinical, and educational settings. The Experimental Research program emphasizes basic and applied research skills, to be developed through an individually tailored program of study that includes both core (required) and elective courses and culminates in the successful completion of a thesis. Graduates obtain positions in various research settings as research coordinators or data analysts and managers, or pursue advanced educational programs. The program in Industrial-Organizational Research prepares students to apply psychological research techniques and concepts in business and institutional settings. Graduates are qualified for positions in public opinion polling, market research, program evaluation, personnel, human resources, and other applied research and data analysis contexts. The program in Diversity Management provides students with a solid foundation in psychological theory, research, and applied skills necessary for effective understanding and management of human diversity in organizations. The Clinical specialization at Cleveland State is a terminal master's degree program because the department does not currently offer a doctoral degree program in Clinical Psychology. Upon receipt of the Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, graduates often apply to doctoral programs at other institutions. Graduates may also elect to work as a psychology assistant under the supervision of a doctoral-level, licensed psychologist. Psychology assistants work in hospital, forensic, or clinical settings and engage in assessment, treatment and research activities. The Clinical specialization offers two tracks of study to accommodate the interests of students: Doctoral preparation track, which requires the completion of a research (typically, data-based) thesis; and Practitioner track, which allows students more flexibility in elective coursework. CAREER INFORMATION Graduates of the Clinical Psychology specialization typically are employed as psychology assistants in such work settings as hospitals, mental health centers or clinics, private practice, human service agencies, industrial settings, and geriatric facilities. Primary functions include assessment, consultation, and administration. Approximately half of the graduates of this specialization continue on to pursue doctoral degrees in clinical psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), counseling psychology, or related fields.