M.A. in Clinical Psychology

Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

INTAKE: August

Program Overview

The University of Tulsa offers a distinguished M.A. in Clinical Psychology program, pioneering at the postgraduate level to train aspiring psychologists in the ethical application of psychological theory, assessment, research methodology, and clinical skills to address complex clinical problems. This 1.5 to 2-year full-time program is rooted in the scientist-practitioner model, which emphasizes that effective psychological practice is fundamentally an application of scientific principles. With a strong commitment to producing well-rounded and ethically grounded clinicians, the program prepares graduates for entry-level clinical positions in various healthcare and organizational settings, as well as providing a solid foundation for further doctoral studies. The program's mission focuses on providing quality training in a small, private university setting, fostering a collegial atmosphere, and encouraging students to engage in research and community service.

Curriculum: The M.A. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Tulsa is a 45-credit-hour program designed to equip students with core competencies in intervention, evaluation, and consultation. The curriculum encompasses formal coursework in the foundational areas of psychology, including research methods, personality, and psychopathology, principles of psychological assessment and intervention, and professional issues in clinical psychology. Key courses include Psychopathology, Clinical Assessment (Intellectual and Personality), Theory and Practice of Clinical Psychology, Diversity, Ethics, Law, & Clinical Practice, and Introduction to Scientist-Practitioner-Based Psychotherapy. While much of the program is prescribed, it allows for some flexibility in elective choices and practicum placements. Students are also required to complete seven hours of supervised practicum training, providing crucial hands-on experience in real-world clinical settings.

Research Focus: The Department of Psychology at the University of Tulsa maintains a vibrant research environment, supported by dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. Faculty research in clinical psychology often focuses on areas such as traumatic stress studies, including randomized control trials of exposure treatments, pain modulation, neuropsychological assessment of health and mental health, psychological assessment, psychometrics, and the longitudinal assessment of child development. The department also has an Institute of Trauma, Adversity and Injustice (TITAN), which serves as an interdisciplinary hub for research into individual and institutional responses to historical trauma and their outcomes. Students are encouraged to engage in research projects, with opportunities to collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking studies, fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practice.

Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Clinical Psychology program at the University of Tulsa is highly career-oriented, preparing graduates for direct entry into professional roles. The program boasts a high graduate placement rate, with alumni finding success in diverse settings such as agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting roles. Practical experience is a cornerstone of the curriculum, with required practicum placements providing supervised clinical training. These placements often occur in various community settings, including the university's own True Blue Neighbors Program, which offers free therapy and psychological assessment services to underserved populations. This hands-on training and exposure to real-world clinical problems, combined with a strong network of faculty and alumni connections, ensure graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the clinical psychology profession.

Global Perspective: While primarily focused on training clinicians for practice within the United States, the M.A. in Clinical Psychology program at the University of Tulsa inherently incorporates a global perspective through its emphasis on diversity, ethics, and multicultural competence. The curriculum includes coursework that addresses individual and cultural diversity, preparing students to adapt their supervised clinical activities to serve diverse populations. The university's overall commitment to a diverse student body, attracting individuals from around the world, also enriches the learning environment, exposing students to various cultural backgrounds and perspectives. This broad understanding of human behavior across different contexts is crucial for effective and ethical psychological practice in an increasingly interconnected world.

Pollster Education

Location

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS 6.5

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

USD 27858

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

  • IELTS: Overall band score of  6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
  • TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
  • PTE: Overall score of 56 or higher.
  • DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.

The University of Tulsa (TU) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their academic journey. Attracting talented students from around the world, TU provides both merit-based and need-based scholarships to help reduce the financial burden of higher education.

Merit-Based Scholarships: International students admitted to TU are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs, with awards ranging from partial tuition waivers to full scholarships. The university looks for outstanding academic records, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement when awarding these scholarships.

International Student Scholarships: TU offers specific scholarships aimed at international students, including renewable awards that encourage academic excellence throughout the duration of the degree program. Some scholarships are designated for particular fields of study or for students demonstrating strong community involvement.

Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students may apply for assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research responsibilities. These positions not only offer financial support but also valuable professional experience within the university environment.

An M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Tulsa equips graduates with a comprehensive skillset in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention, preparing them for a diverse array of impactful careers in mental healthcare and related fields. The program's commitment to the scientist-practitioner model ensures that graduates are not only skilled clinicians but also critical consumers and producers of psychological research, highly valued in various settings.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) / Mental Health Therapist: Many graduates pursue state licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors, enabling them to provide individual, group, and family therapy to clients addressing a wide range of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. They often work in private practice, community mental health centers, or hospitals.

Behavioral Health Specialist: In this role, graduates assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with behavioral health conditions. They may work in integrated healthcare settings, primary care clinics, or specialized behavioral health facilities, often focusing on areas like addiction, chronic illness management, or stress reduction.

Substance Abuse Counselor / Addiction Therapist: With the prevalence of substance use disorders, graduates can specialize in helping individuals overcome addiction. They provide counseling, develop treatment plans, and facilitate group therapy sessions in rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, or private practice.

Case Manager (Mental Health): Graduates can work as case managers, coordinating care for individuals with mental health needs. This involves connecting clients with appropriate resources, advocating for their well-being, and ensuring access to comprehensive services within the healthcare and social service systems.

Program Coordinator (Mental Health/Social Services): In non-profit organizations or government agencies, M.A. graduates can manage and coordinate mental health programs. This may involve developing and implementing new initiatives, overseeing budgets, and ensuring the delivery of effective services to specific populations.

Psychological Assessment Specialist: Leveraging their training in psychological assessment, graduates can administer and interpret psychological tests (e.g., intellectual, personality, neuropsychological) under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. They contribute to comprehensive evaluations that inform diagnosis and treatment planning.

Research Assistant/Associate (Clinical Psychology): Graduates with a strong interest in research can work in academic settings, research institutes (like the University of Tulsa's Institute of Trauma, Adversity and Injustice), or pharmaceutical companies. They assist with data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and preparation of research findings.

Crisis Intervention Specialist: Working in emergency settings, crisis hotlines, or mobile crisis units, these professionals provide immediate support and intervention to individuals experiencing acute psychological distress, suicidal ideation, or other mental health crises.

Counselor in Educational Settings (e.g., College Counseling Centers): Many colleges and universities employ master's-level clinicians to provide counseling services to students, addressing academic stress, adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges common among young adults.

Consultant (Organizational/Wellness): With their understanding of human behavior and group dynamics, some graduates apply their skills in organizational settings, consulting on employee well-being, stress management programs, or developing mental health initiatives within companies.


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