Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
College of Sciences
Dr. Karen Kettler, Ph.D., Dean
Program Advisor: Tammy McClain, Ph.D., Program Director, tmcclain@westliberty.edu
The MA in Clinical Psychology is a 54 credit hour degree program which consists of 30 credit hours of coursework, 6 credit hours of practicum and 18 credit hours of professional internship. This program will qualify graduates to pursue licensure in the state of West Virginia or to pursue further graduate education in psychology.
Mission
To provide opportunities for three distinct groups:
- traditional and non-traditional students seeking to professionally practice as licensed psychologists in the state of West Virginia
- those wishing to pursue a doctorate in psychology or related fields
- mental health practitioners already working in the field who have previously completed their bachelor’s degree and are seeking advancement in their respective occupations.
Program Objectives
Knowledge Base in Psychology – Graduates will demonstrate a broad knowledge of psychology’s core domains, knowledge of psychology as a science, and advanced knowledge in the clinical domain.
Scientific Mindedness – Graduates will apply appropriate techniques to identify and answer research questions and to make informed decisions as knowledgeable consumers of the research literature and ensure that they solve problems and employ interventions that have been tested with scientific rigor
Ethical & Social Responsibility in a Diverse World - Graduates will behave in accordance with the ethical standards of the American Psychological Association.
Communication - Graduates will demonstrate competence in written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills in multiple formats and contexts.
Professional Development - Graduates apply their knowledge and skills to achieve professional success, monitor their own performance, and can articulate and behave in a manner consistent with a clear professional identity.
Admission Requirements
Applications to the program are due by May 1st for the following fall semester. Priority is given to applications received by March 1st. Applicants are urged to apply early.
- Admission is granted on a competitive basis and does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Applicants may meet the minimum requirements but may be denied admission based on such factors as program capacity or academic discretion. Preferred maximum class size =12
- Application Requirements:
- Complete the online application
- Official transcripts of any bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Up to 9 credit hours can be transferred from a qualifying graduate program, and applicants will be required to demonstrate mastery of course content.
- Three letters of recommendation. Letters should be from professional references who can attest to the applicant’s work ethic, interpersonal skills, and ability to succeed in graduate coursework
- Personal Statement. A statement of the applicant’s career goals indicating how earning this degree will enhance the applicant’s career goals. Please describe your research and/or professional experience specific to this program and how these experiences influenced your decision to achieve a graduate education. This statement should be approximately one to two pages in length.
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae.
- Standardized Test Scores. Applicants should submit one of the following:
- Graduate Records Examination (GRE) Subject Test in Psychology completed in the last two years. Minimum score: 60th percentile
- Major Field Test in Psychology completed in the last two years. Minimum score: 60th percentile
- For applicants from a country where English is not the only official language, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) completed in the last two years is required. Minimum score: 550
Graduation Requirements
The MA in Clinical Psychology is a 54 credit hour degree program which consists of 30 credit hours of coursework, 6 credit hours of practicum and 18 credit hours of professional internship.
Fall Term
Spring Term
Fall Term
Spring Term
Summer Term
Fall Term
Spring Term
Summer Term
Total Credit Hours: 54
Performance Standards
- Continued participation in the program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and consistent coursework progress.
- All classes, including practicum and internship, must be completed within five (5) academic years.
- Students who take a leave of absence will join the next available cohort. Reapplication may be necessary if the total leave extends beyond two (2) academic years. A grade of “C” in one course will require remediation. A grade of “C” in two courses will result in dismissal from the program.
- Students must successfully complete an oral clinical defense prior to internship, which will consist of work samples in the area of therapy and assessment. A dispositional appraisal will also be completed.