Saint Michael's College

Additional Program Information

School Psychology
Many applicants and graduates of our Clinical Psychology Program are interested in pursuing licensure as school psychologists by the Vermont Board of Education. The Board of Education could provide guidance on how this can be accomplished. Generally, students will find it necessary to take several graduate education courses in addition to the 60 credit clinical psychology program (e.g. school law, curriculum development, learning disabilities, etc.) Often these can be taken at Saint Michael's College through our Graduate Education Program. Also, the student should select a school psychology placement for an internship in the clinical psychology program and register for the school psychology (GPS 614) elective.

Course Sequencing and Scheduling
All classes are held in the evening, thus permitting either full- or part-time study towards the master's degree. Many of the students accepted by the M.A. program in Clinical Psychology are returning to school after spending a number of years working in a variety of settings; however, the program also welcomes recent graduates interested in pursuing a master's degree immediately after college. Courses are offered in the fall, spring and summer terms. However, those wishing to pursue graduate work on a full-time basis will find it necessary to begin their studies in the fall, since most of the clinical core courses are two semesters and begin in the fall term.

The following guidelines should be followed in designing a personally satisfactory course sequence:

• The clinical core courses (Psychological Assessment I & II, Advanced Abnormal Psychology I & II, Introduction to Clinical Intervention I & II) should be completed prior to doing the internship.
• Of the three year-long clinical core courses, Psychological Assessment I & II demand the greatest background understanding of personality and psychopathology, so this component of the clinical core should probably be taken last, unless the student has a very strong prior preparation in these areas.
• Electives cannot be taken without permission of the instructor until after completion of the relevant clinical core courses.
• The major paper, case study or thesis should not be undertaken until Research Methods I and II have been completed, and the student has enrolled in GPS 689 Research Seminar.
   

The following schedules are offered for possible configurations to assist in planning the completion of the degree. As long as the above guidelines are met and the Seven Year Statute of Limitation is observed, students may sequence their courses to suit their individual educational needs and objectives.

PART TIME SAMPLE SCHEDULE (3-7 YRS.)
One Possible Five Year Program
 
First Year
 
Fall
Advanced Abnormal Psychology I

Spring
Advanced Abnormal Psychology II

Summer
Advanced Developmental Psychology
 

Second Year
 
Fall
Introduction to Clinical Intervention I

Spring
Introduction to Clinical Intervention II

Summer
Elective*
 

Third Year

Fall
Research Methods I
Practicum I

Spring
Research Methods II
Practicum II

Summer
Elective*
 

Fourth Year

Fall
Psychological Assessment I
Physiological Basis of Behavior

Spring
Psychological Assessment II
Advanced Social Psychology

Summer
Elective*
 

Fifth Year
 
Fall
Internship I
Research Seminar (year-long)

Spring
Internship II
Thesis/Case Study*
 
*Only 2 electives are needed if you choose to do a Thesis or a Case Study. Electives are offered fall and summer semesters. Please note prerequisites for specific course when planning schedule. 
 
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For more information about this program, contact: 

Tara Arcury
Program Assistant
Founders Hall 105
Phone: 802.654.2206
Box 105
E-mail: tarcury@smcvt.edu

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