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Master of Arts Programs in the Psychology Department are
designed to produce competent professionals who are able
to think critically about issues, are wise consumers of
research, and are able to apply their skills in a variety
of settings.
Two tracks have been developed whose curriculum reflect
the goals outlined in the MA mission statement. These tracks
are the Clinical
Psychology (CP) Track and the Mental
Health Counselor (MHC) Track.
The CP track is based on resolutions and guidelines
from the Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology
(CAMPP) and the Interorganizational Board for Accreditation
of Masters in Psychology Programs (IBAMPP).
The MHC track curriculum is based upon CACREP (Council
for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational
Programs) guidelines and is designed to meet the requirements
for graduate study specified in Indiana State Laws regulating
licensing of Mental Health Counselors.
Although the individual courses focus on different aspects
of professional training in psychology, recurrent themes
such as integration of theory and practice, the inter-relationship
of assessment and intervention, the recognition of individual
and cultural diversity, scholarly inquiry, ethical practice,
and professional problem solving cut across coursework in
the curriculum in both tracks.
Part-time
and Full-time Study
The course sequence outlined here is designed for full-time
students. Students enrolling for the credit hours specified
in the pattern will typically work at most 20 hours per
week. Students who must work full time or who have other
significant responsibilities may enroll for fewer credit
hours. Part-time students must plan their schedule carefully,
since courses may be offered only during particular semesters.
Regardless of full-time or part-time status, students must
complete all requirements within five years.
Clinical
Case Study
Every student in the M.A. programs in psychology must complete
an approved Clinical Case Study project. The Clinical Case
Study is designed to emphasize students' careers as practicing
clinicians rather than academic researchers. It serves as
a work sample that allows the faculty to evaluate students'
abilities to critically evaluate and synthesize knowledge
gained from theory, research, and clinical practice. Students
focus on a client who exhibits difficulties in some clinical
area, conduct a literature review over the disorder, complete
an assessment of the client, provide appropriate interventions,
evaluate outcomes, and produce a scholarly written product
(case study) that is academically sound. A primary goal
of the Clinical Case Study is for the student to demonstrate
in-depth mastery of a specific clinical area or issue.
Clinical
Practicum/Internship for M.A.
Practicum experiences are an essential part of master's-level
clinical training. A minimum of 225/1000 hours (CP/MHC track)
of practicum is required of all students. Normally, practicum
training involves a minimum of six to eight hours per week
at training sites, although other arrangements are possible
depending on agency and student needs.
Graduation Requirements
To receive the M.A. degree in psychology at the University
of Indianapolis, students must complete the following requirements
within five (5) years of being admitted to the program:
- Successful completion of 48/60 (CP/MHC track)
credit hours. The total credit hours must include all
required courses specified in the curriculum.
- Successful completion of a Clinical Case Study.
- Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 225/1000
(CP/MHC track) practicum/internship hours at an approved
health service training program site.
- A final cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B)
- Compliance with all University and Departmental
policies and procedures.
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