Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
OBJECTIVES
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 responsive to the unique multicultural communities in this region. Specific objectives of the program are as follows:
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To prepare master’s level clinical psychologists to provide professional services, including clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions in the multicultural communities of Guam and the Micronesian region.
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To prepare master’s level clinical psychologists to conduct research examining mental health issues relevant to Guam and the Micronesian region.
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To prepare master’s level clinical psychologists for licensure as mental health professionals in Guam and the Micronesian region.
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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:
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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 the multicultural communities of Guam, Micronesia, and the Asia Pacific region.
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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 the multicultural communities of Guam, Micronesia, and the Asia Pacific region.
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Competence in conducting psychological assessments and diagnostic interviews with a wide range of mental health problems in adults, children, and families in the multicultural communities of Guam, Micronesia, and the Asia Pacific region.
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Competence in conducting clinical research examining mental health issues in the multicultural communities of 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:
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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:
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GPA of 3.0 or higher in their major coursework.
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GPA of 3.0 or higher in their last two years of coursework.
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Completion of one year (two semesters) of post-degree full-time undergraduate or graduate coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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The following undergraduate courses (or their equivalent):
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MA-385 Applied Statistics
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PY-370 Introduction to Clinical Psychology
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PY-420 Abnormal Psychology
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PY-413 Research Methodology in the Behavioral Sciences
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PY-492a Psychology Practicum: Individual Counseling Skills
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PY-492b Psychology Practicum: Child, Family, and Group Counseling Skills
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A personal statement of no more than 1000 words addressing the following: a. An autobiographical sketch outlining the applicant’s personal, professional, and academic experiences that have prepared him/her to pursue graduate training in clinical psychology. b. 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. c. 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.
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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).
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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.
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Top candidates will be invited for an interview with at least two of the program faculty.
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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
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Students must complete a total of 52 credit hours, including 46 credits of required courses and 6 credits of thesis.
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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.
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Students must pass comprehensive written and oral examinations after completion of all required coursework (with the exception of thesis and internship).
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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 |
PROGRAM CHAIR
MEMBERS
Baquiano J. Marshaley
Office Location: