Master of Professional Studies in Clinical Psychological Science

The MPS - Clinical Psychological Science is offered through the Department of Psychology in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. The program provides the highest level of rigorous academic training and mentorship while meeting the needs of working professionals and students who are interested in complementing their course work with clinical or research experiences.

Mentoring and advising are an essential part of the program. Students meet with faculty and the academic program director to ensure that educational goals and career learning and development goals are met. Students should contact the academic program director, Dr. Christina Danko, via e-mail: psycmasters@umd.edu.

Overview

The Master of Professional Studies in Clinical Psychological Science (MPPS) is a 30-credit, 10-course graduate program designed to improve your marketable expertise, professional flexibility and mobility, career advancement readiness, and preparation for Ph.D. training. 

• Designed for working professionals who desire advanced knowledge in clinical science to enter, advance, or expand their career options in the mental health field. 
• Provides rigorous training in clinical psychology, including coursework in evidence-based psychological assessment and interventions, as well as state-of-the-art research methods and critical thinking skills.
• Students receive advanced training in research methods, the ethics involved in conducting clinical research and practice, clinical measurement and assessment, and the impact of culture on mental health.
• Can be completed in fifteen months of continuous full-time enrollment. See Designation of Full-time/Part-time Status. Full-time students enroll in two 3-credit courses (6 credits) over the course of five 12-week terms (15 months).

Courses

Below is a listing of all program courses. For a detailed course description that includes pre-requisites or co-requisites, see The Graduate School Catalog, Course Listing as follows: PSYC Course Descriptions. 

Registration Overview

• See the sample plan of study, below. Students should use this as a guide to develop a plan with the academic program director.  
• Actual course offerings are determined by the program and may vary semester to semester. Students should note if a course has a pre-requisite or co-requisite. 
• Specific class meeting information (days and time) is posted on UMD’s interactive web service services, Testudo. Once on that site, select “Schedule of Classes,” then the term/year. Courses are listed by academic unit.  
• The program uses specific section codes for registration, which are listed on the sample plan of study.

Sample Plan

Overall

• Uses the term academic calendar with classes held each 12-week term: I (fall), II (winter), III (spring), IV (summer).
• Instruction provided by University of Maryland faculty and professionals in the field.
• Instructors present dynamic and interactive seminar-style instruction.

In-Person Learning 

• Classes meet in UMD College Park campus classrooms, offering a focused, distraction-free learning environment. 
• Classes are held weekday evenings (e.g., after 5:00 p.m.) to accommodate the working professional’s schedule
• Students enrolled in a program that features in-person instruction are required to submit the University’s Immunization Record Form prior to the first day of their first semester/term. See Health Requirements. 

Upon successful completion, graduates will have mastered the following competencies:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and research trends in Clinical Psychological Science.
• Use the concepts, language and major theories of Clinical Psychological Science to discuss and evaluate approaches in clinical psychology and psychological research.
• Understand methodology that is used for research in psychopathology and clinical outcome studies.
• Critically examine published research to determine the strengths and weakness of this research and appreciate the limitations of published findings.
• Understand ethical issues in clinical practice and research and the ethical standards to protect humans subject research participants and clients.
• Summarize contemporary theories concerning the causes of mental disorders in children and adults.
• Understand the general goals of clinical assessment and the characteristics of valid and reliable assessment instruments.
• Summarize empirically supported approaches to the treatment of mental disorders.
• Understand how culture and diversity are related to issues of mental health.
• Understand various career trajectories within clinical psychology including issues in selecting and applying to doctoral programs.
• Integrate published research literature on clinical psychology in a written paper.