GRADUATE PROGRAMS:
Overview of the Master's Program 2008-2009

Program Director: Allison Bashe, Ph.D.

The Psychology department at UC Denver offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology.

The information on our web page is here to help you make the best decisions possible regarding pusuit of an advanced degree in psychology, both as you consider applying to our program and other types of programs that interest you.

We have organized this information in the form of answers to frequently asked questions, from the general to the specific. Please be aware that this information is as up-to-date as possible, but it is not a contract; we reserve the right to make changes. Due to the addition of our new Ph.D. program in Clinical Health Psychology, changes may be made to the M.A. program. To ensure that you have accurate information regarding program requirements and application procedures, please check this website frequently for updates.

If you do not find an answer to your question in these pages, please send an email message to the department program assistant, Gay Freebern, for further assistance.

What are the objectives of this program?

We have two major objectives: to prepare graduates for doctoral-level work in both Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs, and to train graduates to provide direct service, under supervision, in mental health agencies. Such services include psychological assessments, psychotherapy, and research.

Assessment training includes theory, diagnostic interviewing, intelligence testing, and some personality testing with both children and adults. We introduce students to the theory and application of major models of psychotherapy, and to psychopathology theory and research. We also emphasize the ethical principles that permeate clinical psychology and the application of these principles to problems in mental health practice, teaching, and research. Finally, students become well versed in statistical methods.

Students take eight courses during their first year in the program. During the second year they choose to specialize by opting for a research-based thesis and/or an applied internship at a mental health agency.

In general, our program strives to train students within the context of the Scientist-Practitioner Model. That is, we value an integrated approach to both the science and practice of clinical psychology. Our training emphasizes the contribution of research to the understanding, treatment, and prevention of human problems, and the application of knowledge that is grounded in scientific evidence.

Are there advantages to getting a master's degree instead of (or before) a doctoral degree?

If you are sure you want to earn a doctoral degree and you have the qualifications, you should apply directly to doctoral programs. However, there are several reasons to consider a master's degree.

First, you can apply to master's programs as a "backup." Doctoral programs are more competitive than master's programs, and even qualified people do not get in. If you are not immediately successful in gaining entrance to doctoral programs, getting a master's degree can improve your chances. Indeed, some doctoral programs prefer applicants who have already earned a master's degree. Our graduates have been very successful in gaining entrance to doctoral programs, and many of these programs have accepted all of the courses taken in our program.

Second, a master's degree can be a good stepping-stone if you are not sure you want to make the commitment to a doctoral program. (Doctoral students take five to eight years to get their degree.) Master's students make a smaller time commitment (although they expend much energy during that time!) and can then work in the field before they decide either to continue their studies or pursue career options with a master's.

Third, a master's degree may be the degree of choice in the mental health field of the 21st century. In an effort to cut costs, many agencies are cutting back on doctoral level therapists and employing more master's level therapists. Thus, if you are primarily interested in doing counseling and psychotherapy, a master's degree may be a good option.

What is the job market for master's level psychotherapists?

The job market fluctuates with such factors as the economy, new methods of health care delivery and payment, and political trends. Thus, master's graduates may not find jobs right away, or may find jobs that are not perfect for them. However, mental health services will always be in demand, and our graduates have a combination of psychotherapy, assessment, and research skills that make them very competitive in the job market. Graduates of our program work under supervision, performing such activities as testing, psychotherapy, and other services in community mental health centers, social service agencies, hospitals, adolescent treatment centers, inpatient and residential treatment facilities, probation and diversion programs, and other community agencies. Some examples of graduates' positions: custody evaluator for a county social services agency, psychotherapist in a school for adolescent parents, counselor in a university women's center, neuropsychological technician in a private treatment agency, counselor in an AIDS treatment agency, and psychotherapist in a group private practice.

Colorado law provides for licensure of "professional counselors." However, our M.A. program is not designed to prepare students for such licensure. Our program does not require enough credits, and does not include courses in such areas as group counseling and career counseling. Most states require that applicants for licensure have 48 credits from their M.A. degree program. Although some of our students have completed additional coursework through our School of Education's M.A. in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education program, applicants who are exlusively seeking master's-level licensure should apply directly to that program.

What other degrees can I get that will prepare me for mental health jobs?

The information that follows about other degrees is very general. It is important to get information about specific programs to help you decide which will meet your needs.

M.S.W.: An M.S.W. (Master of Social Work) is a licensable degree. Like our graduates, M.S.W.s do a variety of mental-health-related jobs in many settings, especially mental health centers. Our program provides training in psychological testing-- whereas M.S.W. programs do not. M.S.W.s, on the other hand, are trained to perform services valued by many agencies (such as case management and social policy advocacy). For more on the M.S.W., contact a university that grants the degree.

M.A. in Counseling: Counseling degrees are frequently offered through schools of education. Our School of Education offers counseling programs through their Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education program. Counseling and clinical psychology overlap to some extent; clinical psychologists focus a bit more on serious psychopathology, while counseling psychologists focus a bit more on life transitions-- including career counseling and school counseling. Also, clinical psychology training typically emphasizes assessment and research to a greater degree.

Ph.D.: The Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in clinical psychology follows the traditional "scientist-practitioner" model. This means that roughly half of your time is involved with research, half with clinical training. It takes 5 - 8 years to complete and requires a dissertation, an original empirical research study. The Ph.D. also requires a year of pre-doctoral internship. This training equips graduates with skills to compete for academic jobs in college and universities, to work in private practice, and to work in business, organizations, social/community agencies, etc. Our department offers a Ph.D. program in Clinical Health Psychology.

Psy.D.: The Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) is a degree designed for those who want to focus their studies more intensely on clinical services such as therapy, assessment, and consultation. A Psy.D. program places much greater emphasis on clinical training than on research training. It takes 4 - 5 years to complete and usually requires a substantial research paper. Like the Ph.D., it requires a year of pre-doctoral internship.

Most graduate programs in mental health fields are very competitive. You may want to apply to several types of degree programs and to consider schools in a wide range of geographical areas in order to maximize your chances of admission.

Are there books about how to get into graduate school?

Yes. The best ones we've seen are:

Insider's Guide to Graduate Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology
by Tracy Mayne, John Norcross, and Michael Sayette
Publisher: Guilford Press - 800-365-7006 - http://www.guilford.com/

Getting In: A Step-by-Step Plan for Gaining Admission to Graduate School in Psychology
Publisher: The American Psychological Association - 800-374-2721 - www.apa.org

The Complete Guide to Graduate School Admission: Psychology and Related Fields
by Patricia Keith-Speigel
Publisher: Lawrence Erlbaum - 800-926-6579 - www.earlbaum.com