MS in Clinical Psychology, Applied Research
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Applied Research specialization provides master’s learners with
the foundational clinical psychology knowledge and skills needed for
successful academic or research practice, or for doctoral-level study
in clinical psychology. The specialization curriculum is designed to
help learners further develop their understanding of the application
of research methodology, psychotherapy theories, tests and
measurement, psychopathology, human development, ethical principles,
and diversity. These specialization requirements are not designed or
intended to meet professional licensure requirements for the
counseling or psychology professions.
Personal Suitability and Fitness for the Profession
Capella embraces the principles and guidelines set forth by the
Council of Chairs of Training Councils (CCTC) related to professional
psychology programs in that the faculty, training staff, supervisors,
and administrators in the MS in Clinical Psychology degree program
have a professional, ethical, and potentially legal obligation to
ensure, insofar as possible, that all learners have the competence to
manage professional relationships in an effective and appropriate
manner and that they possess the emotional maturity, interpersonal
stability, and intellectual judgment required to work with vulnerable
populations. Personal suitability and fitness for the profession
includes but is not limited to demonstration of sufficient
interpersonal and professional competence; selfawareness,
self-reflection, and self-evaluation; openness to processes of
supervision; and resolution of issues or problems that interfere with
professional development or functioning in a satisfactory manner.
Throughout the graduate training of each learner, faculty and staff
are responsible for educating and assessing learners with regard to
their personal suitability and fitness for the profession.
Core courses:
PSY5002 |
Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master’s Psychology Learners †
In this course, learners acquire the ability to navigate the Capella
courseroom and use the resources that support academic success,
including the library and writing center. Learners identify and
practice the academic requirements (including APA style and
formatting) necessary to successfully complete the Master’s degree
program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization’s
requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and
ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional
identity based on master’s-level psychology training.
For MS in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology learners
only. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be
fulfilled by transfer.
| 5 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
PSY6095 |
Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
This course provides an overview of foundational counseling and
psychotherapy theories and research-based practice. Throughout the
course, learners examine various schools of therapeutic intervention;
their underlying theoretical assumptions; and their historical,
cultural, and ethical context, with an emphasis on the application of
current theory in a variety of clinical populations. | 5 quarter credits |
PSY6210 |
Introduction to Psychopathology
In this course, learners examine the assessment, diagnosis, and
treatment of various forms of psychopathology throughout the lifespan.
Learners review the etiology of psychopathology; examine theories and
research of psychopathology; and explore current methods of
psychological interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learners also discuss the politics of mental disorders, emerging
diagnoses, and ethical and multicultural issues associated with
psychopathology. | 5 quarter credits |
PSY7610 |
Tests and Measurements
Learners investigate essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Learners gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Learners analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing, including test bias and fairness. In addition, learners assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests. | 5 quarter credits |
PSY7860 |
Survey of Research Methods
Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860. | 4 quarter credits |
Specialization courses:
PSY5410 |
History and Systems of Psychology
Learners in this course explore the historical and contemporary
schools of psychology and gain an understanding of what constitutes
the profession of psychology and their chosen specialization. Learners
critique primary source material to develop an in-depth understanding
of the evolution of various psychological theories and their
implications for professional practice. | 5 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
PSY5420 |
Multicultural Perspectives in Human Behavior
This course is an examination of substantive and theoretical issues
concerning the cultural differences of individuals and groups and
their influence on the practice of professional psychology. Learners
explore the role of culture-specific programming, the needs and values
of cultural subgroups, and approaches to providing psychological
services to culturally diverse populations. Learners also critically
analyze the interactions of multiple dimensions of diversity to better
understand the ways in which individual differences contribute to
professional psychological practice. | 5 quarter credits |
PSY5430 |
Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice
In this course, learners critically analyze the ways the psychology
profession relates to and is influenced by ethical principles and
codes of conduct and the ways psychologists deliver various aspects of
professional services, including psychotherapy, assessment,
supervision, consulting, research, and teaching, in adherence to these
principles and codes. Learners evaluate the current APA Ethical
Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, and other relevant
guidelines, policies, and laws that affect professional psychology
practice, including those impacting the provision of services to
special populations. Learners also explore current ethical issues in
professional psychology and identify effective methods for addressing
ethical dilemmas.
For PhD in Psychology, PsyD Clinical Psychology, PsyD in School
Psychology, and MS in Clinical Psychology learners only. There is
a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD
Clinical Psychology learners.
| 5 quarter credits |
PSY6015 |
Lifespan Development
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones while considering individual and cultural differences. Learners evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. | 5 quarter credits |
PSY7310 |
Biological Basis of Behavior
This course is an introduction to physiological psychology and
associated topics, including genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and
physiology. Learners develop and demonstrate an understanding of brain
functioning; sensory systems; attention, memory, perception, and
language mechanisms; and the effects of neurotransmitters on human
behavior. Learners also identify the relationship between brain
functions and behavioral disorders and analyze current physiological
psychology research, ethics, and the implications of culture and
diversity on field-related issues. | 5 quarter credits |
PSY7864 |
Quantitative Design and Analysis
In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864. | 4 quarter credits |
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.