Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

The Master of Arts degree program in clinical psychology is concerned with the application of psychological principles to individuals. Major areas of emphasis include assessment or evaluation skills, intervention or counseling and psychotherapy skills, plus an academic foundation in research methods. The program was initiated for the purpose of providing training and preparation at the master's level for individuals desiring to deliver clinical services through community agencies. Graduates have been involved in mental health service delivery through individual, marital, family, and group psychotherapy, as well as crisis intervention and other specialized therapeutic procedures.

Thesis

The Master’s program allows the students option for thesis. All Students need to complete 4 credits of Research Methodology. Comprehensive examinations and all course work must be passed before the final thesis.

A faculty research advisor and at least one other reader supervise the thesis.

Two typed copies of thesis, one original and one clear copy, approved and signed by the faculty research advisor and reader, must be submitted to the assistant Dean or Program Director Office, accompanied by the proper binding fee. The submitted thesis becomes the property of American Liberty University, but the University does not limit the author’s right to publish the result.

Admission Requirements/Application Procedure

Applicants must provide evidence of the following:

1. Complete the Application for Admission and submit it with a non-refundable check or money order for $110.00 payable to American Liberty University.
2. Graduation from a recognized college/university, or graduation with a B.S. degree (or equivalent) in psychology from an international institution with a business administration program approved by the Department of Psychology.
3. Professional and/or academic competence in psychology attested through a letter of recommendation.
4. Submit official transcripts from the previous colleges and/or universities.
5. Submit a 1-2 page statement of educational purpose addressing topics such as future career objectives, issues in education important to the applicant, experience in a business field, experience with a second language or cultural diversity, and other interests.
6. Provide two current color passport size photos.

M.A. Graduation Requirements
A student is eligible for graduation in the Master of Art in Psychology program when the following requirements are met:

1. Satisfactory completion of all requirements in the program of study developed in consultation with the faculty members
2. Satisfactory completion 48emester hours.
3. Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
4. A thesis that must be relevant to the student’s field of study (optional).
5. File a petition to graduate.
6. Fulfillment of all financial obligations to the University.

Competency/Prerequisite Requirements
Applicants must have either a baccalaureate degree with a major in psychology or a baccalaureate degree in another area and completion of undergraduate psychology courses in the following areas prior to matriculation: introductory psychology; abnormal psychology; developmental (lifespan preferred) or child psychology; personality theories; learning; physiological psychology; and one course in research methods or statistics.

Degree Requirements
The M.A. degree program consists of a minimum of 48emester hours of work as follows:

CLP 6181 Psychological Theories of

Substance Abuse Treatment 3 units

CLP 6191 Cross-Cultural Psychotherapy 3 units

PSY 6216 Advanced Research Methodology I 3units

CLP 6321 Psychotherapy in Community Settings 3 units

CLP 6459C Human Sexuality, Marriage, and Sex

Therapies 3 units

CLP 6460C Introduction to Child, Adolescent,

and Family Therapies 3 units

DEP 5057 Developmental Psychology 3 units

MHS 6020 Mental Health Care Systems 3 units

PPE 5055 Personality Theories 3 units

PSB 6446 Advanced Abnormal and Clinical

Psychopharmacology 3 units

SDS 6330 Career Development 3 units

CYP 6948 Psychology Internship 12 units

Elective 3 units

Total: 48nits

Clinical Internship Requirement
The purpose of the internship requirement is to provide the M.A. candidate in Clinical Psychology with a comprehensive, practical-based experience under direct supervision. A public agency or nonprofit institution with nondiscriminatory practices (including ability to assume financial responsibilities) that offers services to individuals is the prototype. The intern is assigned to an acceptable agency for a total of 1000 hours. A major portion of intern training is in the area of psychotherapy/counseling. The intern also engages in differential diagnosis and participates in a wide variety of psychological assessment procedures.

Interns are provided with a system for maintaining accurate accounts of their activity during the week. In addition, an Internship Evaluation form is completed by both the intern and supervisor(s) each semester.

Examination
The culminating academic experience in this program may be completed in one of the following ways:

• Research Paper. Students may write a research paper that reviews state-of-the-art theories and techniques for treatment and assessment this paper may consist of a broad overview of contemporary approaches to therapy and assessment, or it may involve a well-developed, more narrowly defined topic related to treatment or assessment.
• Case Presentation. Students may present a case from their internship experience. The presentation is to include a comprehensive description of the case that incorporates an integration of: assessment data and its interpretation, theoretical conceptualization, treatment planning, course of therapy, and available outcome data. Students are to complete a written paper on the case (ensuring ethical consideration of confidentiality issues).