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Masters of Science (MS) in Psychology

Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Psychology

Clinical Psychology specialization

Explore the foundational theories and practices of clinical psychology in assessing and treating dysfunctional behavior, including clinical interviewing and interventions, testing and assessment, research methods, psychopathology, and diagnosis. This Clinical Psychology master's specialization includes a rigorous combination of online course work, residency, and field training experiences. People who choose this specialization are often planning to pursue a doctoral degree in with a specialization Clinical Psychology, but may also pursue counseling, research or administrative positions in social service, health care, business, or educational settings.

This specialization is not designed to meet licensure requirements for the counseling professions. If you are seeking information on professional licensure, please visit our Licensure Resource site.

Note: This specialization may be a good first step for those who wish to pursue a PsyD or PhD, which is generally required for licensure as a counseling psychologist.

Clinical Training Requirements: 600 practicum hours and accompanying course work.

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Total Program: 70 quarter credits
Up to 15 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
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Next Start Date: June 4, 2012
Credit: $430 §

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§ New prices may apply July 9, 2012. Icon indicating PDF

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Residency requirements: Three 6-day residential colloquia

Learn about the residential colloquia experience.
In addition to your online courses, you will attend three 6-day residential colloquia at specific stages in your program. These energizing residencies provide you with insights and knowledge that will be valuable during your MS studies and beyond.

What is the cost to attend?

The price for each colloquium is $1,495 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment), but doesn't include costs for evening meals and travel. You'll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.
  • Learn more about residency requirements.
  • Get more detailed information and learn how the residency experiences will enrich your learning at Capella University. Speak with an enrollment counselor at 1.877.269.7780.

Gain more value from your degree

Expand your educational and career opportunities by choosing one of Capella's degree enrichment options.

  • Expand your career options with additional specializations

    Increase your knowledge and career options by earning multiple specializations as part of your bachelor's or master's degree program at Capella. If you have elective courses in your program, you may be able to use them toward earning another specialization. Completing additional specializations may extend your total credits beyond the requirements of your degree. The specializations in School Psychology and General Psychology cannot be included as additional specializations.

Core Courses (each course 5 quarter credits unless noted)

  • PSY5002 - Orientation to Graduate Learning in Psychology
  • PSY7210 - Lifespan Development
  • PSY7543 - Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology*
  • PSY7610 - Tests and Measurements
  • PSY7620 - Inferential Statistics
  • PSY7650 - Research Methods
  • PSY6210 - Introduction to Psychopathology
  • PSY6230 - Introduction to Psychological Testing*

Specialization Courses (each course 5 quarter credits unless noted)

  • PSY7310 - Biological Basis of Behavior
  • PSY6310 - Introduction to Theories of Psychotherapy
  • PSY6312 - Clinical Interventions*
  • PSY6391 - Master's Practicum 1*
  • PSY6393 - Master's Practicum 2*
  • PSY5201 - Integrative Project for Master's Degree in Psychology*
New York residents are currently not eligible to enroll in this specialization.
Check state licensure requirements. The license to practice as a professional psychologist or counselor is regulated independently in each state or province. Learners who intend to seek licensure or certification should check the program requirements in the state or province in which they hope to practice. This specialization is not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

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My time at Capella

November 18, 2010Samuel I began my academic career quite some time ago. I received my BA in Psychology in 1996 and wanted to take a year off. It turned out to be nearly a decade before I actually got back. I began to look at different colleges and realized I no longer had the time to sit in a class room and listen to a lecture and hope the professor would have time to answer a question or two I had. I began looking at on line colleges and came across Capella's site and decided to take a closer look. I liked what I saw when I began reading what was offered. I spoke to a counselor on the phone for about 45 minutes and then decided, Capella was for me. I liked knowing that I could get up at 2AM and do my homework if that is the time I had to do it. In a classical class room setting, you cannot do that. I found that I fit college around my schedule and not my schedule around college. I am completing my MS in Clinical Psychology in a few weeks and have enjoyed my time at Capella.

Capella as a gateway

November 23, 2010Robert I found out about Capella while working as a supervisor at an RTF, following graduation from undergrad. I hoped to use the MS clinical psychology program to gain some practicum experience and needed coursework to then apply to a doctoral program: Capella facilitated just that. After finishing a wonderful practicum in the summer of 2008, I began my doctorate (Psy.D. clinical psychology) at an APA-accredited university program. Moreover, I was able to enter my doctoral program with advanced standing and waive 5 courses and a practicum. There have been times that the quality of my Capella degree has been questioned, but my work has been able to usher in more acceptance of the Capella name and the education it provides. All in all, my Capella education experience was rewarding and quite valuable.

MS in Clinical Psychology program rocks!!

November 25, 2010Charlene I just started my Masters program on November 8th, 2010. I love my class and the virtual classroom is awesome. My virtual Instructor, Theresa Crawford is very helpful and knowledgeable. I am enjoying my pursuit for higher learning, you should too. You won't be disappointed at all. Capella and its staff rocks!!

Capella is The Program for the compassionate learner without compromising your priority

November 22, 2010Tracey Capella allowed me the opportunity to perform the impossible. While homeschooling my 10 year old and working part time I would not have imagined that I would be pursuing a master's in clinical psychology at the same time. This would be unheard of years ago. The support of the advisors and professional staff makes the high expectations obtainable. Sincerely, Tracey Ellis

disingenuous statement

September 20, 2011Ken Your information regarding a MS degree in "clinical psychology"is likely disingenuous. I do not know the laws well in Minnesota, but in most states this might be considered as unethical.

Capella University

June 14, 2011Stephen Is challenging and diverse. It is the perfect venue for me and allows me to attend graduate school at my leisure. I never thought I would be here accomplishing the things that I had set before myself.

NY Residents

April 27, 2012Allison Why are NY residents not eligible to enroll in the Clinical Psychology Masters program?
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