Master of Science in Clinical Psychology

Prospectus

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology is based on the scientist-practitioner model and is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and skills to practice clinical psychology and conduct mental health research in Guam and the Micronesian region. The program will emphasize the social, cultural and political contexts of research, theory, and practice in clinical psychology and encourage students to develop professional skills that are uniquely responsive to the communities in this region. Specific objectives of the program are as follows:

To prepare master’s level clinical psychologists to provide professional services, including clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions in the communities of Guam and the Micronesian region.
To prepare master’s level clinical psychologists to conduct research examining mental health issues relevant to Guam and the Micronesian region.
To prepare master’s level clinical psychologists for licensure as mental health professionals in Guam and the Micronesian region.
To provide master’s level training that establishes the foundation for advanced study in clinical psychology at the doctoral level.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MSCP Program, students will demonstrate the following:

Competence in the application of a variety of clinical theories in the conceptualization of a wide range of mental health problems in adults, children, and families in Guam, Micronesia, and the Asia Pacific region.
Competence in conducting a variety of therapeutic interventions in the treatment of a wide range of mental health problems in adults, children, and families in Guam, Micronesia, and the Asia Pacific region.
Competence in conducting psychological assessments and diagnostic interviews with a wide range of mental health problems in adults, children, and families in Guam, Micronesia, and the Asia Pacific region.
Competence in conducting clinical research examining mental health issues in Guam, Micronesia, and the Asia Pacific region.

Admission Requirements

Degree students must meet the minimum admission requirements expected of all students, as outlined in the Academic Requirements section of this Bulletin. In addition, students must meet the following admission requirements of the Program:

A completed bachelor’s degree in psychology (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher education with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may petition to have the minimum GPA requirement waived if they demonstrate exemplary post-degree professional or research experience in the psychology field and meet one of the following criteria:
- GPA of 3.0 or higher in their major coursework.
- GPA of 3.0 or higher in their last two years of coursework.
- Completion of one year (two semesters) of post-degree full-time undergraduate or graduate coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The following undergraduate courses (or their equivalent):

Course	Course Title	Credits	Term Offered
MA385	APPLIED STATISTICS + This course covers: statistical inference, sampling theory, hypothesis testing, correlation, and non-parametric statistics as applied to the social, life and physical sciences and to business. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in MA151 or equivalent course.	3 credit hours	FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS
PY370	INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY + This course offers an examination of the methods and profession of clinical psychology, including history, theories, types of psychological problems, methods of assessment, forms of intervention, current development. Prerequisite: PY101.	3 credit hours	FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS
PY420	ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY + This course covers the study of historical changes in theories and methods of treatment; theory of personality development; dynamics of adjustment; the symptoms, dynamics, therapy, and prognosis of various abnormal reaction patterns, both functional and organic; and modern theories and methods of diagnosis, therapy, and prevention. Prerequisite: PY101.	3 credit hours	FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS
PY413	RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES + This course is an in-depth study of the scientific research process, and an application of its principles and techniques to proposing, designing, conducting and analyzing original research. Students demonstrate mastery of APA style and deliver research results orally and in written format. Prerequisite: PY101, PY210, and MA385 or MA-387 MA-387L. Corequisite: PY413L.	3 credit hours	FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS
PY492A	PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICUM + This practicum course in clinical psychology places students in a mental health or social service facility under the supervision of an approved practicum supervisor. Students are required to attend a weekly seminar on professional issues and ethics and minimally spend one day a week in a placement setting. This course is restricted to psychology majors. PY492a and/or PY492b may be repeated for elective credit. Prerequisites: PY101, PY370, PY420 or consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS
PY492B	PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICUM + This practicum course in clinical psychology places students in a mental health or social service facility under the supervision of an approved practicum supervisor. Students are required to attend a weekly seminar on professional issues and ethics and minimally spend one day a week in a placement setting. This course is restricted to psychology majors. PY492a and/or PY492b may be repeated for elective credit. Prerequisites: PY101, PY370, PY420 or consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS

A personal statement of no more than 1,000 words addressing the following:
1. An autobiographical sketch outlining the applicant’s personal, professional, and academic experiences that have prepared him/her to pursue graduate training in clinical psychology.
2. A discussion of why the applicant is applying specifically to UOG’s Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, highlighting aspects of the program that most attracts him/her.
3. A description of the research topic the applicant would like to explore in his/her master’s thesis and the academic and/or professional experiences that have prepared him/her to study that topic.
Special consideration will be given to applicants with experience in psychological research (e.g., senior honors thesis, research assistantships, research publications, and/or conference presentations) and clinical psychology practice (e.g., undergraduate psychology practica, professional employment, volunteer work).
Because the program focuses on training individuals to provide psychological services in Guam and the Micronesian region, special consideration will be given to applicants with a basic knowledge of Guam and/or Micronesia gained through undergraduate or graduate coursework, research, or professional work experience. Special consideration will also be given to applicants who demonstrate interest in conducting research and clinical service in the region.
Top candidates will be invited for an interview with at least two of the program faculty.
Non-degree students will be admitted into program courses only by permission of the course instructor and the Clinical Psychology Master’s Program Chair.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete a total of 52 credit hours, including 46 credits of required courses and 6 credits of thesis.
Students must complete each required course with a grade of B or higher. Students who receive a grade of C or lower in a required course must petition to be permitted to repeat the course. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all graduate coursework.
Students must pass comprehensive written and oral examinations after completion of all required coursework (with the exception of thesis and internship).
Students must maintain the ethical principles of psychologists as outlined by the American Psychological Association in the most recent version of the Ethical Principals of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS (52 credit hours minimum)

Core Courses (12 credit hours)

Course	Course Title	Credits	Term Offered
PY501	ETHICAL, LEGAL, AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN THE PRACTICE OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY + This course provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical, legal, and professional issues encountered in the practice of clinical psychology. Students study the APA Ethics Code as well as local and national laws that regulate mental health practice. Topics include professional competence, client rights, informed consent, privacy, confidentiality and privileged communication. Special attention is given to procedures for evaluating and responding to suicidality and dangerousness, for working with minors and other vulnerable populations, and for reporting suspected child or elder abuse. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS
PY502	MICRONESIA AND MENTAL HEALTH + This course offers an examination of mental health services and problems in Micronesia. Geography, political systems, health problems, peoples and cultures provide the context for a detailed examination of mental health and social change concerns within our region. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders within Micronesia, applications of psychological interventions to regional concerns, and Micronesian perspectives toward psychology are the primary focus of the course. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS
PY503	PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND PSYCHODIAGNOSIS + This course provides an intensive study of the various forms of psychopathology described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including current theory and research on their phenomenology, etiology, and treatment. Emphasis is placed on learning to formulate accurate psychiatric diagnoses with both adults and children using the DSM's multiaxial diagnostic system. Students also engage in historical and cross-cultural analysis of psychiatric discourse, and consider alternative frameworks for conceptualizing abnormal behavior. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS
PY504	TOPICS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY + This course offers in-depth study of a special topic in clinical psychology. The focus varies depending on faculty and student interests as well as needs in the community. Possible topics include: forensic psychology, substance abuse treatment, applied behavior analysis, trauma and crisis intervention, psychodynamic therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, narrative therapy, qualitative research, and psychopharmacology. With different subject matter, this course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS

Research Methods Courses (6 credit hours)

Course	Course Title	Credits	Term Offered
PY511	RESEARCH METHODS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY I: RESEARCH DESIGN + The Research Methods in Clinical Psychology series prepares students to conduct and evaluate research aimed at the investigation of clinical phenomena and the development of evidence-based clinical practices. The first course in the series focuses on research design, including experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, qualitative, single-case, and meta-analysis methodologies. Students also study historical and current trends in the literature addressing research on psychopathology, assessment, psychotherapy, and prevention. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS
PY512	RESEARCH METHODS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY II: STATISTICS + The Research Methods in Clinical Psychology series prepares students to conduct and evaluate research aimed at the investigation of clinical phenomena and the development of evidence-based clinical practices. The second course in the series focuses on statistics, including a brief review of univariate and bivariate techniques, followed by in-depth study of multivariate procedures such as multiple regression, analysis of covariance, multivariate analysis of variance and covariance, profile analysis, discriminant analysis, logistic regression, canonical correlation, and factor analysis. Prerequisites: PY511 and consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS

Clinical Assessment Courses (6 credit hours)

Course	Course Title	Credits	Term Offered
PY521	CLINICAL ASSESSMENT I: ADULT + In the Clinical Assessment series, students learn to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic interview, and to administer, score, and interpret a variety of psychological assessment instruments, including measures of cognitive functioning, personality, and psychopathology. Students also learn to formulate treatment recommendations based on assessment data, write assessment reports, and give feedback to clients. Emphasis is placed on conducting culturally responsive clinical assessments through consideration of the literature on assessment with diverse populations. The first course in the series focuses on assessment with adults. During the semester, students conduct at least one clinical assessment with an adult client, including writing the assessment report and providing feedback to the client. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS
PY522	CLINICAL ASSESSMENT II: CHILD AND ADOLESCENT + In the Clinical Assessment series, students learn to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic interview, and to administer, score, and interpret a variety of psychological assessment instruments, including measures of cognitive functioning, personality, and psychopathology. Students also learn to formulate treatment recommendations based on assessment data, write assessment reports, and give feedback to clients. Emphasis is placed on conducting culturally responsive clinical assessments through consideration of the literature on assessment with diverse populations. The second course in the series focuses on assessment with children and adolescents. During the semester, students conduct at least one clinical assessment with a child or adolescent client, including writing the assessment report and providing feedback to the parents and the client. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS

Clinical Interventions Courses (12 credit hours)

Course	Course Title	Credits	Term Offered
PY641	CLINICAL INTERVENTION I: COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY + The first Clinical Intervention course provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive and behavioral approaches to psychotherapy, including their application in the treatment of specific disorders. A multicultural emphasis is used to examine how cultural knowledge can enhance the effective and appropriate use of the different therapeutic methods. During the semester, students engage in cognitive-behavioral therapy with clients through the Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY692a.	3 credit hours	FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS
PY642	CLINICAL INTERVENTION II: CHILD AND ADOLESCENT THERAPY + The second Clinical Intervention course provides a comprehensive overview of the various approaches to conducting psychotherapy with children and adolescents, including consideration of the role of the therapist in working with parents, schools, and community agencies. A multicultural emphasis is used to examine how cultural knowledge can enhance the effective and appropriate use of the different therapeutic methods. During the semester, students engage in therapy with children and adolescents through the Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY692b.	3 credit hours	SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS
PY643	CLINICAL INTERVENTION III: FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY + The third Clinical Intervention course provides a comprehensive overview of family systems approaches to psychotherapy, including the application of systems theory across a diverse range of family structures and presenting problems. A multicultural emphasis is used to examine how cultural knowledge can enhance the effective and appropriate use of the different therapeutic methods. During the semester, students engage in family systems therapy with families through the Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY692c.	3 credit hours	FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS
PY644	CLINICAL INTERVENTION IV: EXISTENTIAL-HUMANISTIC THERAPY + The fourth Clinical Intervention course provides a comprehensive overview of existential and humanistic approaches to psychotherapy through the study of theoretical and literary works influenced by existentialist thought. A multicultural emphasis is used to examine how cultural knowledge can enhance the effective and appropriate use of the different therapeutic methods. During the semester, students engage in existential-humanistic therapy with clients through the Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY692d.	3 credit hours	SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS

Graduate Practicum Courses (4 credit hours)

Course	Course Title	Credits	Term Offered
PY692A	GRADUATE PRACTICUM IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY I + The Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology provides students with the opportunity to gain supervised experience in clinical psychology practice at Isa Psychological Services Center or through external placement in a mental health or social service agency. Students are also required to attend a weekly seminar where they receive training and supervision in a particular therapeutic modality. In the first practicum, students learn various techniques associated with cognitive-behavioral therapy and see at least one client for weekly therapy employing the cognitive-behavioral approach. Students are required to complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours over the course of the semester. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY641.	1 credit hour	FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS
PY692B	GRADUATE PRACTICUM IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY II + The Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology provides students with the opportunity to gain supervised experience in clinical psychology practice at Isa Psychological Services Center or through external placement in a mental health or social service agency. Students are also required to attend a weekly seminar where they receive training and supervision in a particular therapeutic modality. In the second practicum, students learn various techniques for working with children and adolescents and see at least one child or adolescent client for weekly therapy. Students are required to complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours over the course of the semester. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY642.	1 credit hour	SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS
PY692C	GRADUATE PRACTICUM IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY III + The Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology provides students with the opportunity to gain supervised experience in clinical psychology practice at Isa Psychological Services Center or through external placement in a mental health or social service agency. Students are also required to attend a weekly seminar where they receive training and supervision in a particular therapeutic modality. In the third practicum, students learn various techniques associated with family systems therapy and see at least one family for weekly therapy employing the family systems approach. Students are required to complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours over the course of the semester. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY643.	1 credit hour	FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS
PY692D	GRADUATE PRACTICUM IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IV + The Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology provides students with the opportunity to gain supervised experience in clinical psychology practice at Isa Psychological Services Center or through external placement in a mental health or social service agency. Students are also required to attend a weekly seminar where they receive training and supervision in a particular therapeutic modality. In the fourth practicum, students learn various techniques associated with existential-humanistic therapy and see at least one client for weekly therapy employing the existential-humanistic approach. Students are required to complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours over the course of the semester. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY644.	1 credit hour	SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS

Internship Courses (6 credit hours)

Course	Course Title	Credits	Term Offered
PY698A	INTERNSHIP IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY I + The Internship in Clinical Psychology places students in a mental health or social service agency where they receive advanced training in the duties of a master's level clinical psychologist, including psychological assessment, psychotherapy, consultation, and report writing. Students are required to complete a minimum of 300 internship hours in each of the two internship courses (PY698a and PY698b). A total of 600 internship hours is required prior to graduation. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS
PY698B	INTERNSHIP IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY II + The Internship in Clinical Psychology places students in a mental health or social service agency where they receive advanced training in the duties of a master's level clinical psychologist, including psychological assessment, psychotherapy, consultation, and report writing. Students are required to complete a minimum of 300 internship hours in each of the two internship courses (PY698a and PY698b). A total of 600 internship hours is required prior to graduation. Prerequisites: PY698a and consent of instructor.	3 credit hours	FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

Thesis Courses (6 credit hours)

Course	Course Title	Credits	Term Offered
PY695A	THESIS I + The Master's Thesis provides an opportunity for students to complete a scholarly research project under the supervision of a thesis committee, comprised of a program faculty chairperson and at least two additional members. In the first thesis course, students begin collecting and analyzing their data and present the preliminary results at a formal progress meeting with their committee. Students are required to have their thesis proposal approved by their committee prior to enrolling in PY695a. Prerequisite: Consent of advisor.	1 - 3 credit hours	FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS
PY695B	THESIS II + The Master's Thesis provides an opportunity for students to complete a scholarly research project under the supervision of a thesis committee, comprised of a program faculty chairperson and at least two additional members. In the second thesis course, students complete their data collection and analysis, prepare a written draft of the thesis, and orally present their work at a formal thesis defense with their committee. Prerequisites: PY695a and consent of advisor.	1 - 3 credit hours	FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS