Psychology (Clinical Community Concentration), Master of Arts
The Clinical-Community Psychology concentration is designed for students interested in studying the empirical and theoretical foundations of psychology, with applications in various urban settings, including community, clinical, and educational institutions. Through a combination of coursework and field experiences, students will be prepared for positions in mental health and social service agencies, colleges and universities, or business and industry. With additional post-graduate clinical supervision, graduates may qualify for independent practice.
To complete the Clinical-Community Psychology concentration, students must earn 60 semester credit hours. The first year focuses on foundational areas such as ethics and counseling theory, as well as hands-on training in assessment methods and counseling techniques. In the second year, the program combines academic coursework with supervised practice, requiring a minimum of 450 clock hours in an approved agency or institution.
Upon completion of the concentration and achieving acceptable scores on the necessary licensure exams, students can apply for licensure as either a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) from the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) or from licensing boards in other states with 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 |
| PSYC 6337 | Atypical Growth and Behavior | 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 | |