Graduate Programs
Master of Arts
in Clinical Psychology
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
The M. A. 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. The total number of credit hours is necessary to meet the licensure requirements set for by the WV Board of Examiners of Psychology. The MA in Clinical Psychology will qualify graduates to pursue licensure as a psychologist in the state of West Virginia with a terminal Masters degree. The program provides opportunities for three distinct groups: (1) traditional and non-traditional students seeking to practice professionally as licensed psychologists in the state of West Virginia; (2) those wishing to pursue a doctorate in psychology or related fields; and (3) mental health practitioners already working in the field who have previously completed their bachelor’s degree and are seeking advancement in their respective occupations.
Application Deadline
March 1 - Priority Deadline
“My experience in the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program thus far has been both interactive and educational. I feel that the learning material in this program is going to provide me with all of the skills and knowledge needed to be a practicing clinical psychologist after graduation.”
– Susie Smith, Current MA in Clinical Psychology Student
Admissions Requirements
- Online Application (no fee to apply)
- 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.
- 3 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
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.
Coursework
Fall Year 1
PSYC 541 Psychopathology & Diagnosis
PSYC 540 Clinical Assessment I
PSYC 520 Developmental Psychology
Fall Year 2
PSYC 535 Biological Bases of Behavior
PSYC 550 Substance Abuse Treatment
PSYC 560 Clinical Practicum I
Year 3
PSYC 562 Clinical Internship I (Fall)
PSYC 563 Clinical Internship II (Spring)
PSYC 564 Clinical Internship III (Summer)
Spring Year 1
PSYC 543 Individual Psychotherapy & Treatment Planning
PSYC 542 Clinical Assessment II
PSYC 530 Research Methods
Spring Year 2
PSYC 555 Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Psychology
PSYC 525 Multicultural & Rural Psychology
PSYC 561 Clinical Practicum II
Summer Year 2
PSYC 565 Clinical Practicum III
Practicum/Internship Placement Sites
- West Liberty University Counseling Office
- Healthways Main Office (Weirton)
- Healthways Miracles Happen (Wheeling)
- Healthways Women’s Residential Treatment (Weirton)
- Northwood (Wheeling, New Martinsville, Weirton)
- Lee Day Treatment Center (Weirton, Wheeling, Moundsville, New Martinsville)
- Brooke Hancock Youth Report Center (Weirton)
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.
Behavioral Health Clinic on Campus
Graduate students in the WLU Clinical Psychology program and provide services under the supervision of licensed clinical faculty in the program.
Your Future as a Psychologist
Percent Change in Employment 2028
source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-6
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