Psychology (Clinical Community Concentration), Master of Arts
The Clinical-Community Psychology concentration is designed for the development of students who wish to study the empirical and theoretical foundations of psychology with application to a variety of urban settings broadly conceived to include community, clinical, and educational institutions. Through a combination of coursework and field experiences, the student is prepared to qualify for positions in mental health and social services agencies, junior and community colleges, or similar functions in business and industry. Alternately, the student may pursue a plan designed to develop research competencies which can be applied toward the investigation of problems of a psychological nature, especially those related to the improvement of life in the urban community.
The Clinical-Community Psychology concentration requires 60 semester credit hours in addition to any undergraduate prerequisites needed. The first year is devoted mainly to preparation in basic foundation areas such as ethics and counseling theory, as well as laboratory work in assessment methods and counseling techniques. During the second year, the concentration includes a combination of academic work and supervised practice (a minimum of 450 clock hours) in an approved agency or institution. Upon completion of the concentration and an acceptable score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, students are eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) from the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) or from boards in other states which have similar requirements.
Admission to the graduate program in the Department of Psychology is competitive. A student may be admitted to the graduate program if, in the judgment of the faculty, his or her qualifications indicate a strong likelihood of successful completion of the graduate program. It should be noted that not all qualified students can be admitted. Non-psychology majors or minors may be required to take undergraduate prerequisites before being considered for admission to the program. The department considers the entire packet of information in the application for admission. Students are selected on the basis of their total record of academic achievement, letters of recommendation, and relevant experience.
Specific requirements are:
- A minimum overall GPA of 2.75
- A minimum GPA of 2.75 in psychology coursework
- Application, vitae/resume, all college transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation (3)
- Application processing fee $50.00 Resident $75.00 International
- A minimum of twelve (12) semester credit hours of undergraduate psychology.
8. If international, a TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper based test or 213 on the computer based test or 79 on the internet based test is required, an official IELTS score can be submitted in lieu of TOEFL in which case a minimum overall band score of 6.0 is required.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 45 | |
| Concentration Requirements | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
CORE Courses1
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 533 | Survey Psy Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 539 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| PSY 540 | Consultation | 3 |
| PSY 541 | Psychological Assessment I | 3 |
| PSY 542 | Learning and Behavior Management | 3 |
| PSY 631 | Research Design | 3 |
| PSY 632 | Theories of Counseling and Psychological Inerventions | 3 |
| PSY 635 | Psychological Counseling, Interviewing, and Report Writing | 3 |
| PSY 640 | Professional Orientation in the Field of Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 641 | Social, Cultural, and Systemic Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 643 | Psychological Assessment II | 3 |
| PSY 730 | Eth & Legal Issues in Men Hlth | 3 |
| PSY 733 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 735 | Practicum | 3 |
| PSY 739 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
Concentration Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 538 | Group Therapy | 3 |
| PSY 636 | Cognitive Behavior Therapy | 3 |
| PSY 736 | Practicum | 3 |
| PSY 737 | Practicum | 3 |
| Select one of the following | 3 | |
| Career Development | ||
| African American Psychology | ||
| Family Counseling | ||
| Addictions Counseling | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- 1
Please note that ENG 501 is required if the GRE Analytical Writing score is less than 3.5
The Comprehensive Exam is taken in the 3rd year.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| PSY 539 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| PSY 632 | Theories of Counseling and Psychological Inerventions | 3 |
| PSY 730 | Eth & Legal Issues in Men Hlth | 3 |
| PSY 739 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| PSY 533 | Survey Psy Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 540 | Consultation | 3 |
| PSY 541 | Psychological Assessment I | 3 |
| PSY 635 | Psychological Counseling, Interviewing, and Report Writing | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| PSY 542 | Learning and Behavior Management | 3 |
| PSY 641 | Social, Cultural, and Systemic Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 643 | Psychological Assessment II | 3 |
| PSY 735 | Practicum | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| PSY 631 | Research Design | 3 |
| PSY 636 | Cognitive Behavior Therapy | 3 |
| PSY 736 | Practicum | 3 |
| Select one of the following | 3 | |
| Career Development | ||
| African American Psychology | ||
| Family Counseling | ||
| Addictions Counseling | ||
| Hours | 12 | |
| Third Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| PSY 538 | Group Therapy | 3 |
| PSY 640 | Professional Orientation in the Field of Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 733 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 737 | Practicum | 3 |
| *Comprehensive Exam is taken in 3rd year | ||
| Hours | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 60 | |