Psychology: Clinical/Community

Degree: M.A.
Coordinator: James R. Cook

MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY

The objective of the master's degree program in Clinical/Community Psychology is to train psychologists in the knowledge and skills necessary to address problems encountered in modern living. The program provides a foundation in the research methods and content of basic psychology as well as training in the applied skills of professional practice. The relatively small, competitively selected student body receives individual attention from faculty members who maintain rigorous standards of academic excellence.

Students develop knowledge and skills in psychological assessment, learn various treatment and intervention strategies, and work with a variety of populations in consultation, evaluation and research. An extensive practicum component utilizes the Charlotte area as a setting for applied experience.

The program prepares students for the North Carolina psychology licensure exam and for positions in diverse settings such as community mental health centers, correctional facilities, and other human service programs. A number of graduates have gone on to pursue a doctoral degree.

Additional Admission Requirements. To be considered for admission to graduate study in psychology, a student must present the following requirements in addition to those required by the Graduate School:

1. Completed application by March 15

2. 18 hours of undergraduate psychology including Introductory Psychology & Research Methods

3. An undergraduate course in Statistics

4. Acceptable scores on the Verbal and Quantitative GRE

5. Acceptable scores on the advanced GRE test in psychology

Admission to the program is very competitive for the 10 students entering the program each year. Most students who are admitted have much better records than the

minimum required. The primary application deadline is March 15 for admission in the fall semester, but if space is still available, late applications will be considered until July 1. Students may not begin the program during the spring semester.

Degree Requirements: The Clinical/Community Psychology program requires at least 48 semester hours of graduate coursework. Full-time students should be able to complete the program in two calendar years. A thesis and comprehensive examination are required.

Basic Knowledge and Methods in Psychology (14 hours)
PSYC	6102	Research Design and Quantitative Methods in Psychology (3G)
PSYC	6107	Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology (2G)
PSYC	6999	Thesis (3G)
and two courses (6 hours) selected from the following:
PSYC	6010	Topics in Learning and Cognition (3G)
PSYC	6015	Topics in Perception and Physiological Psychology (3G)
PSYC	6020	Topics in Development Psychology (3G)
PSYC	6030	Topics in Social Psychology and Personality (3G)
Clinical/Community Coursework (34 hours)
PSYC	6050	Topics in Psychological Treatment (3G)
PSYC	6141	Intellectual Assessment (4G)
PSYC	6142	Personality Assessment (4G)
PSYC	6145	Applied Research Design and Program Evaluation (3G)
PSYC	6150	Psychological Treatment (4G)
PSYC	6151	Behavior Disorders (4G)
PSYC	6155	Community Psychology (3G)
PSYC	6450	Practicum in Clinical Psychology (3G)
PSYC	6455	Practicum in Community Psychology (3G) OR
PSYC	6450	Practicum in Clinical Psychology (3G)
Elective		(Selected in consultation with adviser.) (3G)

Hours beyond the 48 hours may be required by the academic adviser and the Clinical/Community Program Committee. The faculty conduct a thorough review of student performance on a regular basis. Continuation in the program is contingent upon a favorable review during these evaluations. Students who consistently show borderline course performance, who are not developing good applied skills in the practice of psychology, who fail to complete coursework on a timely basis, or who otherwise perform unprofessionally or unsatisfactorily, may be required to complete additional courses or practicum work, or may be removed from the program.

Comprehensive Examinations. All students are required to complete successfully comprehensive examinations covering research design, ethics and knowledge of clinical/community psychology. Students who fail the comprehensive exam twice are removed from the program.

Assistantships. A variety of resources are available for financial assistance. These include teaching assistantships for general psychology laboratory, research assistantships for faculty grants, and graduate assistantships in other campus units such as the Learning Assistance Center and Disabled Student Services. These range in pay from $5400 to $8750 per academic year.

Research Experiences. Students are encouraged to become involved in ongoing research in the department, and they are required to complete a thesis.

Practica. Practica, involving practical experience working with human service agencies in the region, are a required part of the program.

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