M.S. in Clinical Psychology - Thesis Track

The Master's level thesis track in Clinical Psychology prepares students for Ph.D. and in some cases, Psy.D. programs in the field. With its emphasis on psychological theory, assessment and research, this program often attracts students who already work in the profession, but seek to advance their knowledge and skills in preparation for doctoral work. The quality of preparation and training provided to students in the clinical thesis track significantly enhances their eligibility for doctoral level programs, and provides excellent direction for publishing their master's theses and networking within the professional community. Career opportunities for graduates include research jobs in academia, hospitals and clinics, as well as positions as licensed clinical psychologists.

M.S. in Clinical Psychology - Practitioner Track

The Practitioner Track in the M.S. Clinical degree program prepares student to begin employment in psychology under the supervision of a doctoral-trained and licensed psychologist. This course of study provides excellent preparation for careers as psychological associates, psychologists in the school setting, or as clinicians in the hospital setting. This practitioner-based program also prepares students for entry into Psy.D. programs, and serves as an ideal introduction to master's-level counselor licensure through the LCPC.

M.S. in Counseling Psychology - Thesis Track

The M.S. Counseling Research track gives students the experience, knowledge and skills required for successful Ph.D. program admission. Students in this track receive intensive research training and mentorship in preparation for careers as licensed counseling psychologists, with a heavy emphasis on client-centered theories and practices such as career and vocational assessment and human diversity. Numerous career opportunities are available in counseling, particularly at universities, hospitals, counseling centers, and other human service settings.

M.S. in Counseling Psychology - Practitioner Track

Students in the practitioner track of the M.S. Counseling degree are trained as counselors and therapists at the master's level for positions in public or private settings. The degree prepares students for certification or licensure as mental health counselors. Graduates may choose to continue their professional education in a Psy.D. program or pursue licensure through the LCPC pathway, which allows them to practice independently.

Certificate of Advanced Study

The Certificate of Advanced Study is open to all students who have completed a Masters degree in Psychology or an allied field and wish to supplement their studies with additional Masters-level courses in clinical or counseling psychology. A total of thirty credit hours is required for awarding of the C.A.S.

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

The Psy.D. program at Loyola College (APA approved) bases its philosophy on the "scholar-professional" model. This model, endorsed by the Vail Conference of Graduate Educators in Psychology in 1973, has as its main purpose to train autonomous practitioners of applied psychology. The curriculum is consistent with APA guidelines and the competency model developed by the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology.

The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is a full-time five-year program of study. Students take four/five courses per semester and devote approximately twenty hours per week to clinical training. Classes begin the first week of September and end by the middle of May. There are no courses during the summer; however, other program requirements such as comprehensive examinations and dissertation preparation are required during the summer.

Applicants with a Master's Degree and appropriate course work will be considered for admission to the second year of the curriculum. The first through fourth years of course work and clinical experience are completed at Loyola's campus in Baltimore and at area field placement sites. The fifth year is a full-time clinical internship, which may or may not be located in the Baltimore area.