Clinical Psychology M.S.

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

Knowledge

1. (Core Knowledge of Psychotherapy) Apply fundamental knowledge within the field of clinical psychology and psychotherapy to the treatment of individuals, families and groups.

2. (Diversity) Demonstrate and apply cultural competency and sensitivity in the psychotherapeutic process.

3. (Integration of Faith) Demonstrate and apply the integration of faith in the psychotherapeutic process.

Skills

4. (Clinical Skills) Demonstrate effective clinical techniques within a therapeutic relationship.

5. (Communication) Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills as it specifically pertains to the field of psychotherapy.

Attitudes

6. (Professional/Personal Qualities) Develop the professional and personal qualities that are intimately related to effective psychotherapy. Including competence, acceptance, curiosity, caring, integrity, sensitivity, flexibility, insight, compassion, and personal presence.

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Graduation Requirements

Students pursuing the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University are required to apply for graduation by the timelines noted by the Registrar's Office and satisfy the following requirements:

  1. Successful completion of the course requirements below (61 semester units) with a minimum cumulative grade point average of “B” (3.0), and with no course grades of “C-” or below counting toward the degree.
  2. A minimum residence of five academic semesters.
  3. Successful completion of a minimum of 225 clinical hours at approved practicum placements with a minimum of 150 face-to-face client contact hours.
  4. Advanced to Candidacy.
  5. Completion of Exit Project.
  6. Completion of personal therapy requirement.
  7. The filing of all necessary forms in accordance with the timetable provided by the Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology.
  8. Successful completion within the maximum allowed time limit of five (5) years of all degree requirements that were in effect at the time of student’s entrance into the program.
  9. Settlement of all financial obligations to Vanguard University.

If all coursework has been completed and graduation is pending completion of other graduation requirements, the student may be required to register for PSYG-799 Continuing Registration until all graduation requirements have been met.

LPCC Option

While not degree requirements, students interested in pursuing licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) must also complete:

  1. Successful completion of an additional 5 semester units with course grades of “C” or higher.
  2. Successful completion of a minimum of 280 face-to-face hours at approved practicum placements (practicum hours can be used to meet both degree/MFT and LPCC requirements).

Course Requirements

Course Requirements 1,2,3
PSYG-601Clinical Foundations I3
PSYG-603Advanced Psychopathology3
PSYG-604Ethical and Legal Issues3
PSYG-605Family Psychotherapy3
PSYG-611Clinical Foundations II1
PSYG-613Research Methodology1
PSYG-614Advanced Developmental Psychology3
PSYG-615Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy3
PSYG-616Psychodynamic Theory and Treatment3
PSYG-617Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Treatment3
PSYG-618Current Psychotherapy Topics1
PSYG-626Professional Skills in Clinical Practice3
PSYG-704Addictive Behaviors3
PSYG-710Psychotherapy and Diversity3
PSYG-711Violence, Abuse, and Trauma2
PSYG-712Psychology, Theology and Spirituality3
PSYG-716Couples Psychotherapy3
PSYG-717Group Psychotherapy3
PSYG-720Clinical Psychopharmacology2
PSYG-724Psychosocial Stressors and Ment Health3
PSYG-725Psychological Testing3
PSYG-726Case Conceptualization 33
PSYG-765Comprehensive Project3
Total Units61
1

Concurrent enrollment in a practicum course (PSYG-626 Professional Skills in Clinical Practice, PSYG-726 Case Conceptualization or PSYG-727 Practicum) is required while gaining clinical hours, which may require additional units.

2

If all coursework has been completed and graduation is pending completion of other degree requirements, the student may be required to register for PSYG-799 Continuing Registration until all graduation requirements have been met.

3

Course offered for 1.5 units, must be taken twice.

LPCC Option Course Requirements (5 units)

While not degree requirements, students interested in pursuing licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) must also complete 5 semester units in addition to degree course requirements.

Course Requirements

  • PSYG-660 Career Development (3 units)
  • PSYG-711 Violence, Abuse, and Trauma (for 1 additional unit)
  • PSYG-720 Clinical Psychopharmacology (for 1 additional unit)

Disclaimer: This sample Multi-Year Plan is provided as a guide for the recommended sequencing of courses. It is the student's responsibility to confirm with the department the course rotation before enrolling in courses. If applicable, please note the footnotes at the bottom of the page for additional information related to courses listed in a particular year and term. Questions, contact the Graduate Program for Clinical Psychology.

Sample Curriculum Schedules

Three Year Track 

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallUnits
PSYG-601 Clinical Foundations I 3
PSYG-603 Advanced Psychopathology 3
PSYG-604 Ethical and Legal Issues 3
 Units9
Spring
PSYG-605 Family Psychotherapy 3
PSYG-615 Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy 3
PSYG-704 Addictive Behaviors 3
 Units9
Summer
PSYG-710 Psychotherapy and Diversity 3
PSYG-720 Clinical Psychopharmacology (optional 3rd unit for LPCC) 2-3
PSYG-618 Current Psychotherapy Topics 1
 Units6-7
Second Year
Fall
PSYG-614 Advanced Developmental Psychology 3
PSYG-712 Psychology, Theology and Spirituality 3
PSYG-716 Couples Psychotherapy 3
 Units9
Spring
PSYG-611 Clinical Foundations II 1
PSYG-616 Psychodynamic Theory and Treatment 3
PSYG-626 Professional Skills in Clinical Practice 3
PSYG-724 Psychosocial Stressors and Ment Health 3
 Units10
Summer
PSYG-613 Research Methodology 1
PSYG-711 Violence, Abuse, and Trauma (optional 3rd unit for LPCC) 2-3
PSYG-660 Career Development (optional for LPCC) 3
 Units3-7
Third Year
Fall
PSYG-617 Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Treatment 3
PSYG-725 Psychological Testing 3
PSYG-726 Case Conceptualization 1.5
 Units7.5
Spring
PSYG-717 Group Psychotherapy 3
PSYG-726 Case Conceptualization 1.5
PSYG-765 Comprehensive Project 3
 Units7.5
 Total Units61-66

 Two Year Track

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallUnits
PSYG-601 Clinical Foundations I 3
PSYG-603 Advanced Psychopathology 3
PSYG-604 Ethical and Legal Issues 3
PSYG-614 Advanced Developmental Psychology 3
PSYG-618 Current Psychotherapy Topics 1
 Units13
Spring
PSYG-605 Family Psychotherapy 3
PSYG-611 Clinical Foundations II 1
PSYG-615 Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy 3
PSYG-616 Psychodynamic Theory and Treatment 3
PSYG-626 Professional Skills in Clinical Practice 3
PSYG-613 Research Methodology 1
 Units14
Summer
PSYG-710 Psychotherapy and Diversity 3
PSYG-711 Violence, Abuse, and Trauma (optional 3rd unit for LPCC) 2-3
PSYG-720 Clinical Psychopharmacology (optional 3rd unit for LPCC) 2-3
PSYG-660 Career Development (optional for LPCC) 3
 Units7-12
Second Year
Fall
PSYG-617 Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Treatment 3
PSYG-712 Psychology, Theology and Spirituality 3
PSYG-716 Couples Psychotherapy 3
PSYG-725 Psychological Testing 3
PSYG-726 Case Conceptualization 1.5
 Units13.5
Spring
PSYG-704 Addictive Behaviors 3
PSYG-724 Psychosocial Stressors and Ment Health 3
PSYG-717 Group Psychotherapy 3
PSYG-726 Case Conceptualization 1.5
PSYG-765 Comprehensive Project 3
 Units13.5
 Total Units61-66