加州州立大学北岭分校

Program Description

The M.A. in Psychology (with options in Clinical Research or Clinical Fieldwork) emphasizes research and practicum training, along with theory and practice in psychological assessment and psychological interventions. Students in the Clinical Research option engage in independent research projects, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, leading to graduate theses. Students in the Clinical Fieldwork option participate in fieldwork placements in clinical practicum settings under the guidance of a faculty mentor leading to the completion of comprehensive examinations. Clinic practicum options include our Child and Adolescent Diagnostic Assessment Clinic and the Anxiety and Mood Disorders Clinic. This program is designed for students aspiring to enter doctoral programs in Clinical Psychology and for those seeking master’s-level clinical and research skills. Taken alone, it is not intended as preparation for the independent, unrestricted private practice of clinical psychology, which requires a doctoral-level license in California and in most other states.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students should demonstrate broad knowledge of psychology’s core domains, knowledge of psychology as a science and advanced knowledge in clinical psychology. Students should be able to articulate historical and contemporary issues and apply scientific principles in Psychology. Students should demonstrate the ability to analyze and integrate information across the major domains of psychology.

Students should apply appropriate techniques to identify and answer research questions and make informed decisions as knowledgeable consumers of the research literature. Students should be able to evaluate literature sources with informed skepticism; integrate concepts, principles and theories to formulate plausible explanations for behavior; engage in problem-solving; and carry out their roles in science and practice with appropriate attention to cultural diversity and intersecting identities.

Students recognize that serving in the psychological profession involves recognizing and embracing the ethical standards of the discipline and requires managing complex ethical circumstances in both research and practice contexts. Students strive to respond to ethical challenges by actively considering how characteristics, dimensions, identities, worldviews and traditions influence successful outcomes by considering factors such as culture, race, ethnicity, social class, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation and others. Students exhibit cultural humility about potential limitations that may transpire from their own background and worldview. Students are prepared to be effective change-agents who can successfully strategize and seek consultation when necessary.

Students should demonstrate competence in written oral and interpersonal communication skills in multiple formats and contexts. They express psychological concepts clearly and with appropriate adaptations for different audiences. Students interact effectively and collaborate collegially with professional peers. Students use technology ethically and effectively in professional and personal communication.