Psychology, MS

About the Program

The PNW MS in Psychology program is an applied master’s degree program intended for those who seek advanced education and training in psychology for a variety of reasons, including pursing doctoral-level training in clinical psychology and/or work in applied settings in various roles (psychometrist, behavioral health technician, research lab coordinator, advanced high school psychology teacher, etc.). The master’s degree program is intended both for students en route to a doctoral degree, as well as students interested in completing a terminal master’s degree in psychology. Accordingly, students can choose from two tracks: clinical and non-clinical.

Graduates of the M.S. program (non-clinical track) will successfully demonstrate competence in each of the following areas:

• Advance knowledge of key concepts, theories, and research in foundational and specialized areas of psychology
• Apply scientific inquiry and methodology to evaluate the nature and quality of psychological research and practice
• Identify applicable professional and ethical standards, laws, and regulations applicable to psychology
• Demonstrate effective scientific communication

Graduates of the M.S. program (clinical track) will successfully demonstrate competence in each of the following areas:

• Conduct a comprehensive psychological assessment and use the results to provide diagnosis or contextual rationale for presenting issues
• Integrate assessment results, current best practices, and empirical support to develop and effective, evidence-based intervention plan
• Use appropriate scientific inquiry and methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions
• Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to implement evidence-based interventions across the lifespan.
• Consult with other mental health, healthcare, and education professionals
• Participate effectively in clinical supervision
• Practice in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards
• Understand and apply psychological research to clinical practice
• Evaluate appropriateness of and adapt assessment and intervention approaches for specific clinical populations

Degree Requirements

The MS in Psychology program will offer two tracks for Master’s degree students, or for PsyD students

who do not complete the entire doctoral program.

• The clinical track requires a minimum of 45 credit hours.
  • Core Courses = 31 credits
  • Elective Courses = 6 credits
  • Experiential/Clinical Training = 9 credits (1 full year of clinical training)
  • Professional Development Courses = 4 credits
• The non-clinical track requires a minimum of 30 credit hours.
  • Core Courses = 12 credits
  • Elective Courses = 15 credits
  • Professional Development Courses = 3 credits