Master of Arts in Psychology - Clinical Research Track California State University - Northridge, USA

Learn the tools and theories you need to enter a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program. Our combination of research and clinical experience will prepare you for your future in this field.

Why Earn a Master's in Psychology?

Earn a master's in psychology to prepare you for Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs. You'll be prepared to assess and treat mental illness and behavioral health issues.

In your classes, you'll learn research methodology and statistics. You'll study core clinical areas including psychological assessment and psychotherapy theories. You'll be a competitive candidate for Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs in clinical psychology, counseling and other related fields.

Why Study Psychology at CSUN?

CSUN's Psychology curriculum trains graduate students using the "scientist-practitioner" model. That means you will be knowledgeable in both research and clinical practice.

Program Options

The Psychology program has two options that allow you to delve even deeper into research or fieldwork.

• In the Clinical Research option, you will take part in research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
• In the Clinical Fieldwork option, you will interact with patients in clinical settings under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

"Mentor-match" Model

You will be matched with a faculty mentor based on mutual research or clinical interests. In the clinical research option, you will work in your mentor’s research lab and receive guidance on your own research projects. In the clinical fieldwork option, your mentor will supervise your fieldwork. This mentor model will help you succeed in your projects and prepare you for future endeavors.

Clinical Fieldwork Experience

Clinical fieldwork is rarely available at the master's level. But at CSUN, you will receive invaluable experience in our on-campus clinics. You will be able to interact with patients under faculty supervision in our Community Services Center.

Teaching Intern Program

Psychology students can apply to join the Teacher Intern Program (TIPs). You'll gain valuable experience as you create your own syllabus, lectures and classroom exercises. You'll receive training and find support from the TIPs coordinator. You'll receive a monthly stipend as well as other benefits.

What You'll Learn

In the master's of psychology program, you will receive extensive training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. You will also be well-versed in quantitative research methods and statistics.

In your core classes, you will learn:

• Fundamentals of psychotherapy
• Research methodology
• Advanced psychopathology
• Advanced psychological assessment
• Advanced research and analysis methods

You will also perform fieldwork or clinical research in a supervised environment.

Clinical Research Track

In this option, you will focus on research and gain experience in running and analyzing experiments.

In your classes, you will learn:

• Multivariate analysis on computer programs
• Latent variable analysis

For your culminating experience, you are also required to complete a master’s-level thesis or project. If you choose to complete a master’s thesis, you will perform an oral defense of your thesis.