Program Requirements

The MA in Clinical Psychology degree program requires the successful completion of 48 semester credit hours distributed as follows: core course requirements, 42 credit hours; and practicum and practicum seminar requirements, 6 credit hours. In addition to these credit hour requirements, students must successfully complete the Comprehensive Examination.

Professionalization Group Requirements

These discussion groups for first-year students are led by a core faculty member and meet once a week for one hour. Students discuss topics related to professional psychology and the development of a professional identity. The core faculty member leading the group will
help students with academic and field training planning, general consultation on problems or difficulties in the program, and questions emerging during the student’s first-year academic experience.

Practicum Requirements

The master’s practicum is the primary mechanism of applied training and evaluation in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program. Practicum training consists of supervised outof- class contact with a clinical population that takes place within a healthcare delivery system. The purpose of practicum training is to provide the environment and opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge, to implement and develop clinical techniques based on this knowledge, and to foster the professional and personal attitudes important to the identity of a professional psychologist. Evaluation of student progress in practicum training focuses on three areas: theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional attitudes.

The faculty closely monitors academic and clinical development during all stages of progress throughout a student’s graduate career. This monitoring, by both academic and clinical field training faculty, addresses the issue of clinical suitability as well as academic achievement. Thus, aspects of student’s personal adjustment, interpersonal relationships, and behavior in all settings are relevant to their progress at the institution. Our aim is to assure that students are well qualified and have the potential to become competent and ethical professionals.

A primary goal of the master’s in clinical psychology degree program practicum training is the development, by means of supervised direct client contact, of competent clinicians who are able to deliver basic and effective assessment and therapeutic intervention skills. The refinement of criteria for clinical competency and assessment of competency are ongoing institutional concerns.

The master’s practicum is a required 600-hour (minimum) training experience in the second year of the program. Practicum placement usually lasts nine months (September to June). Students spend 20 hours per week in an agency/program that is formally affiliated with the school. Of the 20 practicum hours per week, six to ten hours are spent in “direct service” as defined below. The remainder of the students’ time is spent in “indirect service,” supervision,and “training activities.”Argosy University Atlanta places students in a wide variety of clinical field sites. All students enrolled in practicum are concurrently enrolled in a weekly practicum seminar led by a faculty member. The training site and seminar leaders evaluate students in writing once each semester, and the seminar leader assigns credit as “Credit” or “No Credit” basis.

Definitions

“Direct service” includes face-to-face provision of psychological services to individuals designated as clients by the agency/program.

“Indirect service” may include community outreach, consultation and/or education, program development and/or evaluation, and support services (e.g., report writing, record maintenance).

“Training activities” include formal supervision, case conferences, case management/utilization review meetings, rounds, administrative/planning meetings, inservice training/seminars, and co-therapy with senior mental health staff.

Restrictions

Students may not train in settings in which they are employed. Argosy University, Atlanta cannot provide compensation to the agency for the supervision and/or training of students. Each practicum takes place in a single agency.

Professional Liability Insurance

All students enrolled in practicum at Argosy University, Atlanta must be covered by professional liability insurance. Students purchase this insurance through the school. This is mandatory even if the student is otherwise insured. Payment for insurance is made through the Student Services Department at the time of practicum registration.

Practicum Prerequisites and Qualifications

In order for students to apply for practicum, they must be in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0) and have a plan to complete the practicum prerequisite courses prior to the beginning of the practicum. Students must not be on probation at the time of application to practicum or at the time the practicum begins. Students must remain off probation while on practicum. Students must also have been in attendance at Argosy University for a minimum of two semesters (may include summer with the approval of the program chair) before beginning practicum. Any exception to this rule must be approved by the program chair.

Students in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program must have successfully completed or transferred the following courses in order to apply for a clinical practicum:

Master’s Practicum Seminar Requirements

All master’s degree program practicum students are required to attend a weekly practicum seminar throughout the academic year. The seminar leader typically conducts this seminar based upon one or more particular theoretical orientations and provides consultation to a group of six to eight students. Students must audiotape or videotape some or all of their sessions with clients. Students present audiotapes or videotapes of their work, and the group analyzes and critiques the therapy hour presented. The goal of the master’s degree program practicum seminar is the application of treatment models to specific cases. Emphasis is placed on teaching basic therapy and counseling skills. For each semester, students in the master’s therapy degree program practicum are asked to submit to their practicum seminar leaders a tape of a therapy session, a typewritten transcript of the tape, a self-critique of the session, a treatment plan, and a description of the course of treatment.

Please refer to the ASPP at Argosy University, Atlanta Clinical Psychology Training Manual for a more detailed description of practicum requirements and guidelines. All students are responsible for being familiar with the information contained in the training manual.

Comprehensive Examination Requirements

Students in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program are required to successfully complete a Comprehensive Examination. Students must take the Comprehensive Examination no later than the end of the fourth year after entering the program.

The material covered by the Comprehensive Examination reflects all coursework and material required of students in the program. The examination requires students to integrate the material into a form that demonstrates both mastery of the material and ability to organize what has been learned in a coherent and logical manner.

Comprehensive Examination Prerequisites

To sit for the Comprehensive Examination, students must have successfully completed all required courses and be concurrently enrolled in Master’s Practicum II (PP6202 ). Courses that are transferred are considered successfully completed.

Students taking the Comprehensive Examination must be in good standing and have a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0).

Please refer to the ASPP at Argosy University, Atlanta Clinical Psychology Training Manual for a more detailed description of the Comprehensive Examination requirements and guidelines. All students are responsible for being familiar with the information contained in the training manual.

Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program

Student progress through the program is intended to be sequential. Certain courses are offered to first-year students that provide a theoretical and practical foundation for courses that will follow in subsequent years. Certain advanced courses also require the student to have the background of more basic courses in order to benefit fully from the course experience. Students must satisfy all stated prerequisites for a course before registration for that course can be considered official.

Program Requirements

The MA in Clinical Psychology degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 50 semester credit hours distributed as follows: core course requirements,  26 credit hours; assessment I  and assessment II elective requriements, 6 credit hours; intervention I and intervention II elective requirements, 6 credit hours; general elective requirements, 3 credit hours;  professionalization group requirements, 2 credit hours;  practicum and practicum seminar requirements, 6 credit hours; portfolio requirement, 1 credit hour.

Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program at Argosy University, Chicago

Student progress through the program is intended to be sequential. Certain courses are offered to first-year students that are designed to provide a theoretical and practical foundation for courses that will follow in subsequent years. In addition, certain advanced courses require the student to have the background of more basic courses in order to benefit fully from the course experience. Students must satisfy all stated prerequisites for a course before a registration for that course can be considered official. A listing of the prerequisites for courses in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program is printed in each Registration Bulletin.

Program Requirements

The MA in Clinical Psychology degree program requires the successful completion of 50 semester credit hours distributed as follows: assessment requirements, 9 credit hours; clinical intervention and psychotherapy requirements, 15 credit hours; diversity requirement, 3 credit hours; ethics and professional conduct requirements, 5 credit hours; human development requirement, 3 credit hours; psychopathology requirements, 6 credit hours; statistics and research methods requirement, 3 credit hours; and practicum and practicum seminar requirements, 6 credit hours.

Professionalization Group Requirements

During the first year, students participate in weekly Professionalization Groups that focus on topics related to professional psychology. Through readings and discussions led by a faculty member, students can begin to develop a professional identity and become familiar with current issues in clinical psychology. The groups are designed to provide a comfortable environment in which students can freely exchange concerns, questions, and issues relevant to their studies and their future careers.

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements

The practicum is an opportunity for Argosy University, Dallas students to work under supervision with a clinical population in a mental health delivery system. The practicum requires the student to adjust to and work in an established program in a way that is  mutually beneficial to the training site and to the student’s professional growth. The learning that takes place in such an environment will transfer to other clinical situations, and becomes an integral part of the foundation for sound clinical practice in the future.

Each practicum requires a minimum of 250 hours (500 over two sites—approximately 20 hours per week) of clinical training. Some practicum sites may require additional hours beyond this minimum requirement. It is expected that at least 75 hours of the practicum hours should involve direct service, including diagnostic or intervention sessions with clients, psychological evaluations, and preventive or outreach services. The practicum/ seminar carries 3 credit hours per semester, or 6 credit hours per academic year. Some practicum sites require placement for 12 months per calendar year. All Argosy University, Dallas students enrolled in practicum attend a weekly one-hour practicum seminar led by a faculty member. A practicum may not be done in a student’s place of employment, nor are practicum requirements waived.

Practicum Eligibility

All students who enter the practicum application process must be in good academic standing, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0), and have completed the academic planning which will allow for the following practicum prerequisite courses to be successfully completed prior to the beginning  f the practicum (see following). Students must demonstrate the readiness to assume a professional role and interact appropriately with clients. Personal adjustment issues, interpersonal difficulties, poor communication skills, or other behavioral problems may reflect on a student’s ability to interact with clients in a competent and ethical manner. Students on probation are not eligible to make application to practicum or to begin practicum. Students placed on probation during practicum must petition the director of Clinical Training regarding their eligibility to continue practicum.

Practicum Prerequisites

All students enrolled in a practicum also must attend a practicum seminar. The seminar meets weekly throughout the academic year and allows the student to reflect on practicum experiences and to acquire additional skills and attitudes useful in field training. The specific content and emphasis of the seminar series varies according to the practicum setting and focus of the enrolled students.

To be eligible for practicum, a student must have successfully completed (or transferred, if applicable) the following courses:

• PP 7010 -  Lifespan Development (3)
• PP 7110 - Professionalization Group I (1)
• PP 7100 - Professional Issues: Ethics, Conduct, and Law (3)
• PP 7111 - Professionalization Group II (1)
• PP 7330 - Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3)
• PP 7370 - Cognitive Assessment (3)
• PP 7365 - Clinical Interviewing (3)
• PP 7371 - Objective Personality Assessment (3)
• PP 7501 - Adult Psychopathology (3)

•  

• PP 8010 - Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Therapy (3)

• — or —

• PP 8020 - Person-Centered and Experiential Theory and Therapy (3)

Course/Credit Transfer

Transfer of Courses/Credit to the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program From Other Institutions 

Students who have completed graduate coursework at another institution may petition for transfer of courses into the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program up to a maximum of 15  credit hours (five courses). For a course to be considered eligible for transfer, the following conditions must be met:

• Course descriptions and syllabi must demonstrate that the course taken by the student is identical to the Argosy University, Dallas course in content, skill areas, and rigor.
• The course must be from a regionally accredited institution and must have been taken within five years of the date applied for transfer credit (unless using them as part of employment and can verify competence in some objective way).
• The student must meet a grade requirement of “B” or better for all courses, with a grade requirement of “A” for skills courses (see courses that may transfer after additional review).
• Syllabi must accompany course descriptions to assist faculty in evaluating the courses.
• Assessment courses will only be considered for transfer credit under unique circumstances and evidence indicating a student has an expert level of proficiency in test administration and interpretation. A sample protocol and report must accompany an application to transfer assessment credit.
• All transfer credit decisions are final. The following is a list of courses that may transfer upon demonstration that the student learned the identified skill in addition to learning about the topic. These courses must have either a skills component noted in the syllabus and/or a sample report attached. The student also must have earned a grade of “A” in the skills course.

All course transfer requests must be submitted to the Student Services Department before or during the first semester of enrollment in the program. Transfer Request Forms are available from the Student Services Department. A separate form must be submitted for each course request. The transfer request must be accompanied by a transcript reflecting completion of the course and the grade received, along with other supporting documentation, such as course description, syllabus, and work samples.

The request will be reviewed and a decision rendered within four weeks of the request. If approved, the transferred course and credits will appear on the student’s transcript as a “transfer course” under the corresponding course number and title.

Non-Transferable Courses

Following is a list of courses that will not be reviewed for transfer.

• PP 8201 - Practicum I (3)
• PP 8202 - Practicum II (3)
• PP 7100 - Professional Issues: Ethics, Conduct, and Law (3)
• PP 7200 - Statistics and Research I (3)
• PP 7365 - Clinical Interviewing (3)
• PP 8022 - Exploring Diversity I (3)
• PP 7371 - Objective Personality Assessment (3)

Transfer of Courses/Credit from Another Argosy University Campus

Students who transfer from one Argosy University campus to another may receive credit for a course taken at the original campus, if the course is substantially similar (80 percent or more) to the one offered at the transfer campus. In cases where the course is similar but not identical, the campus has the option to review for approval or denial. Students at Argosy University, Dallas who wish to submit course transfer requests for courses taken at another Argosy University campus must do so before or during the first semester of enrollment at Argosy University, Dallas.

Transfer of Courses/Credit to the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Degree Program from the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program

All courses successfully completed in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program that are also required in the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program curriculum will be applied toward that degree program. Other coursework completed in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program will be considered for transfer to the doctoral program on a case-by-case basis.

Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program at Argosy University, Dallas

Student progress through the clinical psychology program at Argosy University, Dallas is intended to be sequential and cumulative. Certain courses are offered to first-year students that provide a theoretical and practical foundation for courses that will follow in subsequent years. In addition, certain advanced courses require the student to have the background of more basic courses in order to benefit fully from the course experience. Students must satisfy all stated prerequisites for a course before a registration for that course can be considered official. This catalog and registration material contains the prerequisites for any given course.

Assessment Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7365 - Clinical Interviewing (3)
• PP 7370 - Cognitive Assessment (4)
• PP 7520 - Personality Assessment (4)

Bases Course Requirements — Students Are Required to Take One of the Following

• PP 7000 - History and Systems (3)
• PP 7040 - Cognition and Affective Processes (3)
• PP 7050 - Physiological Psychology (3)
• PP 7060 - Social Psychology (3)

Individual Differences Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7010 -  Lifespan Development (3)
• PP 7330 - Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3)
• PP 7501 - Adult Psychopathology (3)

Intervention Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6450 -  Foundations of Clinical Interventions (3)
• PP 7340 - Issues in the Assessment and Treatment of Diverse Populations (3)
• PP 8010 - Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Therapy (3)

Methodology Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7200 - Statistics and Research I (3)

Professional Issues Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6400 - Professionalization Group (1) [taken for two semesters]

Practicum Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6201 - Master’s Practicum I (3) *
• PP 6202 - Master’s Practicum II (3) *

Integrative Paper Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6011 -  Integrative Paper (1)

Optional Courses (Year Two)

• PC 6600 - Career and Lifestyle Development **

• (3)

• PC 6000 - Counseling Theory (3) **
• PP 7373 - Integrative Assessment (3)
• PP 7100 - Professional Issues: Ethics, Conduct, and Law (3) **†
• PP 8050 - Family and Couples Therapy (3) **†

• [If not taken to meet Intervention Requirement]

• PP 8060 - Group Psychotherapy (3) **†

• [If not taken to meet Intervention Requirement]

Notes:

* Practicum and corresponding seminar require concurrent enrollment.

** These courses not all required for the completion of the degree, but are suggested for students who are interested in pursuing licensure in Professional Counseling.

† These courses not required for the completion of the degree, but are suggested courses for students who plan to move from the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree program to the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degree program.

Professionalization Group Requirements

The Professionalization Group, which meets on a weekly basis during the first and second semester, will provide first-year students with important direction and assistance as they begin their education and training. This group assists students with an orientation to the field as well as an introduction to key issues in the training and development.

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements

The practicum is the first opportunity provided to Argosy University, Denver students for clinical field training. The student will have the opportunity of working under supervision with a clinical population within a mental health delivery system. The practicum is an essential part of clinical training and all students are required to participate in the practicum experience. Liability insurance is an additional fee added to each practicum.

The practicum is a required 600-hour training experience that takes place during an academic year, beginning in September and concluding in June. The practicum is treated as a course and with the practicum seminar carries 3 credit hours per semester or 6 credit hours for the academic year. A practicum may not be done in a student’s place of employment, nor is any student excused from the practicum requirements. Students who come to Argosy University, Denver with extensive clinical backgrounds may be placed in practicum sites in areas where they do not have previous experience and where they have an interest.

All students enrolled in a practicum must also concurrently enroll in a practicum seminar. The seminar meets weekly through the fall and spring semester and allows the student to reflect on various practicum experiences and to acquire additional skills and attitudes useful in field training. The specific content and emphasis of the seminar varies according to the practicum setting and focus of the enrolled students and the professional expertise of the faculty member. All students who enter the practicum application process must be in good academic standing, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on scale of 4.0 and have completed the academic planning which will allow for all the practicum prerequisite courses to be completed prior to the beginning of the practicum.

No student may begin a practicum without being in attendance at Argosy University, Denver for a minimum of two semesters. To be eligible to begin the practicum, the student must have successfully completed the following:

Practicum Prerequisites

• PP 6450 -  Foundations of Clinical Interventions
• PP 7330 - Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
• PP 7365 - Clinical Interviewing
• PP 7370 - Cognitive Assessment
• PP 7501 - Adult Psychopathology
• PP 7520 - Personality Assessment
• PP 8010 - Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Therapy

Practicum and Probation

Students must not be on probation at the time of application to practicum, and at the time practicum begins. Students must remain off probation while completing practicum. Students placed on probation or who become eligible for probation during practicum will be withdrawn from practicum for that year.

Permission to apply for practicum at times other than the normal times may be approved by the program chair upon recommendation from the director of Clinical Training. Such application is on a space available basis and must meet all other practicum and curricular requirements.

In cases when the director of Clinical Training or program faculty has reservations about a student’s readiness for practicum, the director of Clinical Training will discuss the situation with the student and the student’s advisor. In those cases where there is a shared concern among the student’s mentors, a plan of remediation, to be implemented prior to the clinical training in question, will be designed by the Clinical Training Committee and forwarded to the SPDC.

Procedures for Practicum Remediation

Requests for remediation within the ordinary time frame of the practicum can be handled informally under the coordination of the director of Clinical Training. Such a request might come from any relevant practicum personnel such as site supervisors and/or seminar leaders of Argosy University, Denver. The Clinical Training Committee reviews practicum students who need remediation in clinical training. The director of Clinical Training institutes meetings to clarify whether the problem areas exist and to specify the nature of the problems. When the review is complete and specific problems have been identified, the director of Clinical Training formulates a written plan describing specific problem areas and the recommended remediation strategies. The plan is presented to the Clinical Training Committee for its approval and then forwarded to the SPDC for approval and implementation.

At any point in this process, the student may request to meet with the Clinical Training Committee. The student may submit written materials and/or bring a support person. The Clinical Training Committee may also require that a student in need of remediation meet with the committee so that the committee has all pertinent information.

If the remediation includes additional training, a remedial practicum may be required. In such cases, the director of Clinical Training will amend the previously approved remediation plan with a learning contract. The contract will address how the training site will afford opportunities to deal with the identified problem areas. The contract will be developed when a site is determined and in consultation with the Clinical Training Committee, the student and relevant site personnel. Once approved by the Clinical Training Committee, the contract will be forwarded to the Student Professional Development Committee.

 Based on a thorough assessment of problem areas and on the advisement of the director of Clinical Training, the Clinical Training Committee may recommend that a student be dismissed from the school. The Clinical Training Committee will formulate a written summary of problem areas and a detailed rationale for the dismissal recommendation. The dismissal recommendation is forwarded to the SCC for final review and action.

Practicum Description

The goal of the practicum is to correlate students’ field experience with attained levels of academic experience. The practicum is focused on assessment, diagnosis, and intervention in keeping with the overall emphases of the Argosy University, Denver master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program.

Relationship of Master’s- and Doctoral-Level Practicum

The master’s practicum is not equivalent to the practicum in the doctoral degree program. Students who enroll subsequently in the doctoral degree program will have to take both the doctoral Practicum I and II sequence.

Evaluation of Student Progress

Evaluation of student progress in clinical field training focuses on three areas: theoretical knowledge base, clinical skills, and professional attitudes. A thorough review of site and seminar evaluations is conducted by the Clinical Training Department, and an overall grade of “Credit” or “No Credit” is included in the student’s academic record.

Student Evaluation

Students must meet the same standards of conduct as outlined for the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degree program. Master’s in clinical psychology students are evaluated by the same Student Professional Development Committee and in the same manner as the doctoral degree program students.

Clinical Presentation Evaluation Requirements

For the master’s degree program student, the Clinical Presentation Evaluation (CPE) is a competency- based examination designed to evaluate the student’s mastery of basic clinical skills. The master’s CPE assesses competencies in assessment, case formulation, psychotherapy planning, and implementation.

Students should be capable of demonstrating clinical competence both conceptually and in application. Students can prepare to demonstrate their competency by integrating classroom theoretical work, practice gained in class, clinical field training at their practicum and the practicum seminars. Therefore, passing the seminar and site evaluation do not guarantee a passing grade on the CPE.

To be eligible to take the CPE, a student must be in good standing, have a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, not be on probation, and must be enrolled in the master’s practicum sequence. The master’s degree program CPE is composed of the formulation of a psychotherapy case and analysis of an associated session. The student should use a theoretical orientation represented by one of the intervention courses in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program or a treatment framework used by the practicum agency.

This competency is demonstrated during the spring semester of the master’s practicum. The student demonstrates this competency by successfully completing three related tasks:

• Observational Component The practicum seminar leader observes the student performing a psychotherapy session and judges whether the student is demonstrating competency in maintaining a therapeutic relationship and in carrying out interventions appropriate to the treatment framework and the issues presented in the session. The seminar leader may directly observe the student interview a client or the student may submit a video or audiotape of an interview with a verbatim transcript. With approval of the director of Clinical Training, a role-played interview with a faculty member may be substituted for a client interview.
• Written Component The seminar leader reviews the student’s written report of the observed case as well as the student’s self-critique of the interview with the client and judges whether the report demonstrates competency in understanding the client’s presenting problem, case formulation, and analysis of the therapeutic process.
• Oral Presentation The student presents the case in the practicum seminar and fields questions from seminar members. The seminar leader judges whether the student can present a case in a cogent, organized manner, integrate essential information, and provide thoughtful answers to questions in the seminar. While the student may be supervised on the case presented, she or he must not be supervised on the particular interview presented for the CPE. The interview, case formulation, and analysis of thesession should offer a view of the student’s  independent clinical work. The interview should last no more than 60 minutes.

In the event that the student fails the CPE, feedback will be provided and the student will be given a second opportunity to demonstrate competence using a different case. Failure to demonstrate competency on the second case is grounds for dismissal from the program and the student will be referred to the SPDC.

Integrative Paper Requirements

As part of the requirements for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree program, each student is required to complete the Integrative Paper (IP). The IP is designed to evaluate the student’s ability to independently present and integrate psychological literature. The paper consists of an in-depth review, summary, and integration of the current literature on an approved topic. Each student must register for the 1-credit hour course Integrative Paper (PP6011 ). This course is graded on a “Credit” or “No Credit” basis, credit being granted upon approval of the paper.

Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program at Argosy University, Denver

Student progress through the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree program at Argosy University, Denver is intended to be sequential. Certain courses are offered to first-year students that provide a theoretical and practical foundation for courses that will follow. In addition, certain advanced courses require the student to have the background of more basic courses in order to benefit fully from the course experience. Students must satisfy all stated prerequisites for a course before a registration for that course can be considered official. This catalog and registration materials contain the prerequisites for any given course.

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Embedded into the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Degree Program

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree program students interested in applying for the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program should follow the following course sequence:

Course/Credit Transfer

Course/Credit Transfer from Another Argosy University Campus

In addition to the institutional requirements, Argosy University, Denver requires that all graduate work submitted for transfer be completed within the last five years. If coursework was completed more than five years prior to admission, then the student must provide evidence that he or she has remained current with the course’s subject area (e.g., attendance of continuing education workshops, supervision). Students may only transfer a total of 15 semester credit hours.

Two or more courses may be combined to transfer to one Argosy University, Denver course, if all other conditions are met. The total number of credit hours of the courses submitted for transfer must meet or exceed the total number of hours for the courses being transferred. Students requesting to transfer Cognitive Assessment (PP7370 ) or Personality Assessment (PP7520 ) must have both an approved course that meets the course transfer requirements and must pass a competency examination.

Students wanting to transfer credit, should complete a Course Transfer Form for each course and submit to the Office of the Registrar. The Office of the Registrar will do an initial review and forward to appropriate faculty for decision. Students will be notified of faculty decision and approvals will be recorded on transcript. If the request is denied, all material will be returned to student. Students may resubmit with additional information.

The following is a list of other courses that may not be transferred to Argosy University, Denver, unless the courses were taken within the Argosy University system and the course numbers are identical:

Clinical Knowledge Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7045 -  Psychopathology (3)
• PP 7342 - Evaluation and Treatment of Diverse and Marginalized Populations (3)

Professional Issues and Roles Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7100 - Professional Issues: Ethics, Conduct, and Law (3)
• PP 7110 - Professionalization Group I (1)
• PP 7111 - Professionalization Group II (1)

Psychological Assessment Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7370 - Cognitive Assessment (3)
• PP 7371 - Objective Personality Assessment (3)

Psychological Intervention Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7365 - Clinical Interviewing (3)

Psychology Foundation Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7010 -  Lifespan Development (3)
• PP 7040 - Cognition and Affective Processes (3)
• PP 7051 - Biological Bases of Behavior (3)

Science and Scholarship Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6011 -  Integrative Paper (2)
• PP 7041 - Quantitative Inquiry (3)
• PP 7042 -  Statistics Laboratory (1)

Clinical Practicum Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6204 - Master’s Intervention Practicum and Seminar I (3)
• PP 6205 - Master’s Intervention Practicum and Seminar II (3)
• PP 6206 - Master’s Intervention Practicum and Seminar II—Extended (0)

Professionalization Group Requirements

During the first year, students participate in Professionalization Groups that focus on topics related to professional psychology. Through readings and discussions led by a faculty member, students can begin to develop a professional identity and become familiar with current issues in clinical psychology. The groups are designed to provide a comfortable environment in which students can freely exchange concerns, questions, and issues relevant to their studies and their future careers. The faculty member who leads the student’s Professionalization Group also serves as his/her academic advisor.

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements

Full-time students will normally be placed in a master’s practicum and seminar during their second year of study. For registration purposes, the practicum and seminar are treated like one course. The practicum/seminar carries a total of 3 credit hours per semester (2 credit hours per practicum/1 credit hour per seminar) and 6 credit hours per academic year. Practicum usually begin in September and concludes in June. Throughout the year, the student will be required to spend 20 – 24 hours per week or a minimum of 720 hours in the practicum training experience (not including the seminar). All students enrolled in practicum must be concurrently enrolled in a practicum seminar class, which meets weekly throughout the academic year (fall, spring, and summer I). Concurrent enrollment in practicum seminars is mandatory.

Note: Students who are placed in a 12 month practicum must enroll in practicum seminar class during the summer II term.

All students who enter the practicum application process must be in good academic standing (minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) and must have completed the academic planning that will allow for all the practicum prerequisite courses to be completed prior to the beginning of the practicum.

If a student who has accepted a practicum is placed on probation prior to the beginning of practicum, the student may not attend practicum. If the student is placed on academic probation during practicum, the student may be removed from practicum and referred to the Student Professional Development Committee (SPDC) to develop a remediation plan.

In cases of non-academic training difficulties, the student may be referred to the SPDC for development of a remediation plan. The student may be withdrawn from practicum.The goal of the practicum is to foster the training of competent clinicians capable of providing basic and effective clinical intervention. Evaluation of student progress in clinical field training focuses on four areas:

• Theoretical and empirical knowledge
• Clinical skills
• Professional attitudes and behaviors
• Ethics and values

Training in the Place of Employment

Clinical training may not be done in the student’s place of current employment. This restriction recognizes that training most optimally occurs in settings uncomplicated by dual relationships, employment pressures, and financial demands. Students can also profit from training in diverse organizational “cultures” or structures.

Occasionally, the interpretation of what constitutes “place of employment” is unclear. For example, a large corporation may own several smaller corporations that operate at different sites, managed by different supervisors, serving different populations. A student may request the opportunity to train at a subsidiary of the parent organization in which the student works. In order to identify what constitutes a student’s “place of employment,” the school has developed the following guidelines:

• Dual Relationships The field training supervisor periodically evaluates the student’s progress in training and submits reports to the school. These reports must be objective, fair, and candid. Therefore, the student should not be evaluated by someone who is a co-worker, work supervisor, or employer. The director of Practicum Training will evaluate the student’s training request to ensure that no dual relationship exists.
• Multiple Identities A student should enter a training site with a single identity: a professional-in-training. Students attempting to train in their place of employment continue to be identified as an employee. This identity can place competing demands on a student and thus compromise the training that a student receives.
• Geographical Relationships Occasionally, health organizations, like other corporations, merge with or acquire, other companies that are at some geographical distance from one another. In these circumstances, the corporations  ontinue to operate independently of one another and are united “in name only.” Under these circumstances, a student may train at the separate corporation, so long as the other criteria are met.
• Power in Relationships Students enter training programs to be the recipients of  ducative, professional training experiences. This arrangement places the student in a role in which the student depends upon the supervisor and the agency for a successful training experience. Students may not hire their supervisors, nor pay the agency for their training experience. Such arrangements remove the professional-intraining from the student role and elevate the student to the status of business partner in the training process. No student will be waived from the practicum requirements. Whenever possible, students who come to Argosy University, Hawai‘i with extensive clinical backgrounds are placed in practicum sites offering experience in areas where they have an interest and do not have previous experience.

A thorough review of site and seminar evaluations is conducted by the director of Practicum Training, and an overall grade of “Credit” or “No Credit” is included in the student’s academic record. All students should be familiar with the Argosy University, Hawai‘i Clinical Training Manual. The manual provides a comprehensive overview of the practicum and its requirements.

Clinical Evaluation Conference Requirements

The Clinical Evaluation Conference (CEC) is a series of two competency-based examinations that are designed to evaluate students’ mastery of major clinical assessment and therapeutic skills.

Students are expected to demonstrate clinical competence both conceptually and in application. It is also expected that students, having learned theoretical and applied bases in classroom courses, will have made use of out-of-class clinical contacts (i.e., practicum, seminar groups, supplementary supervision, visiting lecturers) to refine and extend the skills to be evaluated by the CEC. Passage of the CEC is a requirement for passing the seminar.

The first CEC takes place in conjunction with the Clinical Interviewing course during the fall semester of the first year. The second CEC takes place in conjunction with the Master’s Therapy Practicum Seminar during the summer I semester of the year in which the student is enrolled in the Master’s Therapy Practicum.

The CEC is graded “Credit/No Credit.” Students have three opportunities to receive a passing grade on the CEC. After the first failure, students will receive an informal remediation plan developed by the faculty involved in the CEC. After two failures, students will be referred to the SPDC for a formal remediation plan. After the third failure, students will be dismissed from the program.

Further information about the CEC is found in the Argosy University, Hawai‘i Clinical Training Manual.

Master’s Integrative Project Requirements

As part of the requirements for the Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology degree program, each student is required to complete the Master’s Integrative Project.

The purpose of the Master’s Project is to demonstrate the student’s critical and analytical skills focused upon a specific topic in applied psychology. The Master’s Project is most useful when the topic is related to the student’s area of interest and projected career goals. The Master’s Project serves to deepen the student’s knowledge and understanding of the current thought and research in their area of interest. As the focus of the Master’s Project is on the application of a theoretical perspectives to clinical work, the paper may be a review of the literature as it relates to clinically relevant topics.

Students write the project within the context of a two-semester Master’s Project Seminar that is a requirement for all master’s program students. MA in Clinical Psychology degree program students must register for the 1-credit hour course of Integrative Project (PP6011 ) in the fall and spring semesters of their second year. This course is graded on a “Credit,” “Progressing,” or “No Credit” basis. Credit is granted upon approval of the paper by the instructor. In  addition, students are required to register fortwo consecutive semesters of formal seminar meetings. Students who do not meet requirements in the seminar by the stated deadline, during either of the first two semesters, will not receive credit for that semester.

Because the curriculum requires two Master’s Project credit hours for graduation, students who do not receive credit must register for one or more additional Masters Project credits to be eligible for graduation. Students who do not complete and receive approval of the Project by the end of the second semester must continue to register for Master’s Project and register for one credit hour of project credit each semester until the project is completed and accepted.

Clinical Practice Policy

Argosy University, Hawai‘i recognizes the responsibility of institutions preparing clinical psychologists to provide training experiences of the highest quality for their students and to ensure that this training protects the best interest of the public. It is entirely consistent with training goals for the institution to require that students not engage in professional activities that may infringe upon a primary commitment to training, have a negative impact on quality of mental health services, or are inconsistent with ethical and legal standards. The participation of students in outside work activities should be secondary to training and should also uphold and be consistent with the ethical and legal standards of the profession.

While matriculating at Argosy University, Hawai‘i, students are specifically prohibited from being involved in private practice unless the following standards are met:

• Any student who has appropriate state registration, certification, credentialing, or licensure relevant to the practice and delivery of mental health services is entitled to practice independently in that particular area of registration or certification.
• It is the responsibility of any student engaged in private practice to notify the program chair of this private practice and to provide evidence of appropriate current registration, certification or licensure by the state in which the practice occurs.

Failure to comply with these policies may result in dismissal from the program.
 

Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program at Argosy University, Hawai’i

Student progress through the program is intended to be sequential. Certain courses are offered to first-year students that provide a theoretical and practical foundation for courses that will follow in subsequent years. Certain advanced courses also require the student to have the background of more basic courses in order to benefit fully from the course experience. Students must satisfy all stated prerequisites for a course before registration for that course can be considered official.

Course/Credit Transfer

Transfer of Courses/Credit from Other Institutions

Argosy University, Hawai‘i does not automatically transfer credit from graduate coursework taken at other institutions. Students who have taken graduate courses elsewhere may petition to have these courses apply toward transfer credit for courses in the curriculum. Course transfers are not reviewed or granted until the student has been accepted and paid the initial deposit following admission to the program.

For a course to be considered eligible for transfer credit, the following conditions must be met:

• The course must have been taken no more than five years before the student’s entry into Argosy University, Hawai‘i.
• The course must have been a graduate-level course, taken for graduate-level credit from a regionally accredited college or university. In the case of institutions outside the U.S., the appropriate state or national accreditation is required.
• Any course submitted towards a transfer of a 3 credit course must have itself carried 3 or more graduate credit hours.
• A student must have earned a grade of “B” or better in any course submitted for transfer credit.
• A maximum of five courses (15 credit hours) may be transferred towards the master’s program in psychology.

Argosy University does not accept any credit earned as military credit, credit by examination, credit by correspondence, credit for life experience, or graduate credit from non-accredited schools.

A student who desires to submit a course for transfer review should notify the Student Services Department and obtain the appropriate Transfer Request Form. This form should be completed and returned to the Student Services Department. Only requests made in writing are reviewed.

Course/Credit Transfer Procedures

All credit transfer requests must be submitted during the first academic year of the student’s enrollment. Students petitioning for transfers may be requested to provide course descriptions, syllabi, exams, diagnostic test protocols and write-ups. Transfers are granted by a faculty member if there is an 80 percent overlap in course content and objectives between the course submitted for transfer credit and the course as it is offered at Argosy University, Hawai‘i. Students may obtain the procedures to be observed in submitting transfer requests from the Student Services Department.

Students who wish to submit a course for transfer credit:

• Must complete a separate form for each transfer request
• May submit the request anytime before the end of the first academic year
• Will provide a transcript and other supporting documentation, such as course descriptions, syllabi, exams, diagnostic test protocols and write-ups
• Must submit the appropriate forms to the Student Services Department

Non-Transferable Courses

Students who wish to transfer Cognitive Assessment (PP7370 ), Objective Personality Assessment (PP7371 ), and Projective Personality Assessment (PP7372 ) will complete the below review process, and, if they are determined to be eligible, may be required to pass a practical competency exam in order to be granted a course transfer. The Student Services Department may answer general questions about the transfer examination procedure and will direct specific questions to the faculty members who administer the examination.

The following is a list of courses that may not be transferred into the MA in Clinical Psychology program.

• PP 6204 - Master’s Intervention Practicum and Seminar I (3)
• PP 6205 - Master’s Intervention Practicum and Seminar II (3)
• PP 6206 - Master’s Intervention Practicum and Seminar II—Extended (0)
• PP 7100 - Professional Issues: Ethics, Conduct, and Law (3)
• PP 7110 - Professionalization Group I (1)
• PP 7340 - Issues in the Assessment and Treatment of Diverse Populations (3)
• PP 7365 - Clinical Interviewing (3)

Transfer of Courses/Credit from Another Argosy University Campus

If students internally transfer within the Argosy University system, approved transfers are transferred if the course is identical to the one offered at the campus to which the student is transferring. If the course is similar but not identical, Argosy University, Hawai‘i will review for approval or denial. Credit transfers are only accepted if the course being transferred is a requirement of the degree program at Argosy University, Hawai‘i.

All transfer requests must be submitted during the first academic year of the student’s enrollment. Students petitioning for transfers may be required to provide course descriptions, syllabi, exams, diagnostic test protocols and write-ups.

Transfer of Courses/Credit to the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Degree Program from the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program

Overlapping coursework in the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree program with the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degree program will be automatically transferred to the doctoral degree program for those students who transfer from the master’s to PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program.

Assessment Requirements–Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7365 - Clinical Interviewing (3)
• PP 7370 - Cognitive Assessment (3)
• PP 7520 - Personality Assessment (4)

Individual Differences Requirements–Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7010 -  Lifespan Development (3)
• PP 7330 - Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3)
• PP 7311 - Diagnostic Psychopathology (3)

Intervention Requirements–Students Are Required to Take the Followiing

• PP 7340 - Issues in the Assessment and Treatment of Diverse Populations (3)
• PP 8010 - Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Therapy (3)
• PP 8037 - Principles and Practice of Psychotherapy (2)
• PP 8050 - Family and Couples Therapy (3)

Methodology Requirements–Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7200 - Statistics and Research I (3)

Professional Issues Requirements–Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7100 - Professional Issues: Ethics, Conduct, and Law (3)
• PP 7110 - Professionalization Group I (1)
• PP 7111 - Professionalization Group II (1)
• PP 7114 - Professionalization Group III (1)

Practicum Requirements–Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6201 - Master’s Practicum I (3)**
• PP 6202 - Master’s Practicum II (3)**

Professionalization Group Requirements

The Professionalization Group, which meets on a weekly basis during the first three semesters of the program, is designed to provide first year students with important direction and assistance as they begin their education and training. This group is designed to provide students with an orientation to the field of psychology and to serve as an introduction to key issues in their training and development as a professional.

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements

The practicum is the first opportunity provided to Argosy University, Nashville students for clinical field training. The student will have the opportunity of working with a clinical population within a mental health delivery system under the supervision of a mental health professional. The practicum is an essential part of clinical training and all students are required to participate in the practicum experience. Liability insurance is an additional fee added to each practicum.

The practicum is a required 500 hour training experience that takes place during an academic year, typically beginning in September and concluding in June. The practicum is treated as a course and with the practicum seminar it carries 3 credit hours per semester or 6 credit hours for the academic year. A practicum may not be done in a student’s place of employment, nor is any student excused from the practicum requirements. Students who come to Argosy University, Nashville with extensive clinical back grounds may be placed in practicum sites in areas where they do not have previous experience and where they have an interest.

All students enrolled in a practicum must also concurrently enroll in a practicum seminar. The seminar meets weekly through the fall and spring semester and allows the student to reflect on various practicum experiences and to acquire additional skills and attitudes useful in field training. The specific content and emphasis of the seminar varies according to the practicum setting and focus of the enrolled students and the professional expertise of the faculty member.

All students who enter the practicum application process must be in good academic standing, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on scale of 4.0 and have completed the academic planning which will allow for all the practicum prerequisite courses to be completed prior to the beginning of the practicum.

No student may begin a practicum without being in attendance at Argosy University, Nashville for a minimum of two semesters.

To be eligible to begin the practicum, the student must have successfully completed the following:
 

Clinical Presentation Evaluation Requirements: Clinical Competence Exam

For the master’s degree program student, the Clinical Presentation Evaluation (CPE) is a competency¬ based examination designed to evaluate the student’s mastery of basic clinical skills. The master’s CPE assesses competencies in assessment, case formulation, psychotherapy planning, and implementation.

Students should be capable of demonstrating clinical competence both conceptually and in application. Students prepare to demonstrate their competency by integrating classroom theoretical work, practice gained in class, clinical field training at their practicum and the practicum seminars. Therefore, passing the seminar and site evaluation do not guarantee a passing grade on the CPE.

To be eligible to take the CPE, a student must be in good standing, have a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, not be on probation, and must be enrolled in the master’s practicum sequence.
The exam focuses upon a clinical case vignette and students are required to answer questions about this case material in the areas of diagnosis, case formulation and treatment, diversity issues, and ethical/professional issues.

As such, material covered by the comprehensive examination reflects both coursework and clinical training that is required of students in the MACL program. On the exam, students must integrate what they have learned in a manner that demonstrates both mastery of the curriculum and ability to apply their knowledge in a coherent, logical manner. The CPE is a structured exam that emphasizes application of students’ knowledge and skills to case material. Students are given a clinical case vignette that describes a fictional client, or a case study that is a compilation of presenting concerns across several actual clients.

The comprehensive exam is comprised of four questions that address the following areas:

• Diagnostic Evaluation
• Case conceptualization and treatment planning
• Diversity and multicultural issues
• Professional and ethical concerns

A student who fails his or her first administration of the CPE will be required to retake the exam. The re-examination will be conducted using the same format as the original examination. Students must receive a passing score on all four questions to pass the re-examination. A student who fails to achieve a passing score on two or more questions fails the re-examination and, as a consequence, will be academically dismissed from the program.

Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program at Argosy University, Nashville

Student progress through the Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology degree program at Argosy University, Nashville is intended to be sequential. Certain courses are offered to first-year students that provide a theoretical and practical foundation for courses that will follow. In addition, certain advanced courses require the student to have the background of more basic courses in order to benefit fully from the course experience. Students must satisfy all stated prerequisites for a course before a registration for that course can be considered official. This catalog and registration materials contain the prerequisites for any given course.

Course/Credit Transfer

In addition to the institutional requirements, Argosy University, Nashville requires that all graduate work submitted for transfer be completed within the last five years. If coursework was completed more than five years prior to admission, then the student must provide evidence that they have remained current with the course’s subject area (e.g., attendance of continuing education workshops, supervision). Students may only transfer a total of 15 semester credit hours into the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program.

Two or more courses may be combined to transfer to one Argosy University, Nashville course, if all other conditions are met. The total number of credit hours of the courses submitted for transfer must meet or exceed the total number of hours for the courses being transferred.

Students requesting to transfer Cognitive Assessment (PP 7370 ) or Personality Assessment (PP 7520 ) must have both an approved course that meets the course transfer requirements and must pass a competency examination. Students wanting to transfer credit, should complete a Course Transfer Form for each course and submit to the Office of the Registrar. The Office of the Registrar will do an initial review and forward to appropriate faculty for decision. Students will be notified of faculty decision and approvals will be recorded on transcript. If the request is denied, all material will be returned to student. Students may resubmit with additional information.
 

Assessment Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7370 - Cognitive Assessment (3)
• PP 7371 - Objective Personality Assessment (3)

Clinical Intervention and Psychotherapy Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7340 - Issues in the Assessment and Treatment of Diverse Populations (3)
• PP 8020 - Person-Centered and Experiential Theory and Therapy (3)
• PP 8036 - Basic Assessment and Intervention Skills (3)

Consultation and Supervision Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7350 - Consultation and Supervision (3)

Ethics and Professional Conduct Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7100 - Professional Issues: Ethics, Conduct, and Law (3)
• PP 7110 - Professionalization Group I (1)
• PP 7111 - Professionalization Group II (1)

Human Development Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7010 -  Lifespan Development (3)

Psychopathology Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7330 - Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3)
• PP 7501 - Adult Psychopathology (3)

Statistics and Research Methods Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7200 - Statistics and Research I (3)

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6201 - Master’s Practicum I (3)
• PP 6202 - Master’s Practicum II (3)

Professionalization Group Requirements

During the first year, students participate in weekly Professionalization Groups that focus on topics related to professional psychology. Through readings and discussions led by a faculty member, students can begin to develop a professional identity and become familiar with current issues in clinical psychology. The group are designed to provide a comfortable environment in which students can freely exchange concerns, questions, and issues relevant to their studies and their future careers. The faculty member who leads the student’s Professionalization Group also serves as his/her academic advisor.

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements

The practicum is an opportunity for Argosy University, Phoenix students to work under supervision with a clinical population in a behavioral health delivery system. The practicum requires the student to adjust to and work in an established program in a way that is mutually beneficial to the training site and to the student’s professional growth. The learning that takes place in such an environment will transfer to other clinical situations, and becomes an integral part of the foundation for sound clinical practice in the future. Students are required to participate in two years of practicum, typically during the second and third years of study.

Each practicum requires a minimum of 500 hours (approximately 16 hours per week) of clinical training. Some practicum sites may require additional hours beyond this minimum requirement. It is expected that at least half of the total practicum hours should involve direct service, including diagnostic or intervention sessions with clients, psychological evaluations, and preventive or outreach services. The practicum/seminar carries 3 credit hours per semester, or 6 credit hours per academic year. Some practicum sites require placement for 12 months per calendar year.A practicum may not be done in a student’s place of employment, nor are practicum requirements waived.

All students placed on practicum are covered by professional liability insurance, purchased through the school. This coverage is mandatory even if the student is otherwise insured. Payment for insurance coverage is made through the Student Services Department at the time of practicum registration.

Practicum Eligibility Requirements

All students who enter the practicum application process must be in good academic standing, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on scale of 4.0), and have completed the academic planning which will allow for the following practicum prerequisite courses to be successfully completed prior to the beginning of the practicum (see below). Students must demonstrate the readiness to assume a professional role and interact appropriately with clients. Personal adjustment issues, interpersonal difficulties, poor communication skills, or other behavioral problems may reflect on a student’s ability to interact with clients in a competent and ethical manner. Students on probation are not eligible to make application to practicum or to begin practicum. Students placed on probation during practicum must petition the director of Clinical Training regarding their eligibility to continue practicum.

Practicum Prerequisites

To be eligible for practicum, a student must have successfully completed (or transferred, if applicable) the following courses:

• PP 7010 -  Lifespan Development (3)
• PP 7110 - Professionalization Group I (1)
• PP 7111 - Professionalization Group II (1)
• PP 7330 - Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3)
• PP 7370 - Cognitive Assessment (3)
• PP 7371 - Objective Personality Assessment (3)
• PP 7501 - Adult Psychopathology (3)
• PP 8020 - Person-Centered and Experiential Theory and Therapy (3)
• PP 8036 - Basic Assessment and Intervention Skills (3)

Practicum Seminar Requirements

All students enrolled in the practicum must also attend the practicum seminar. The seminar meets weekly throughout the academic year and allows the student to reflect on various practicum experiences and to acquire additional skills and attitudes useful in field training. The specific content and emphasis of the seminar varies according to the practicum setting and focus of the enrolled students as well as the area of expertise of the faculty member.

Practicum Evaluation

Student progress in practicum training is evaluated through the use of Evaluation Forms that are forwarded to each site supervisor and seminar faculty by the Clinical Training Department each semester. The Evaluation Form asks the supervisor to assess student progress in three basic areas of clinical functioning:

• Theoretical knowledge
• Clinical skills
• Professional attitudes

It is expected that supervisors will review this written Evaluation Form with the students and provide direct feedback regarding the student’s clinical strengths and weaknesses. Supervisors are responsible for returning this form to the director of Clinical Training on a timely basis. Seminar leaders will maintain primary responsibility for monitoring student progress and will evaluate student progress each semester. The seminar leader will discuss each student’s progress in site visits with the site supervisor. If students are having difficulty of any kind on their practicum, they are encouraged and expected to consult with their seminar leader and the director of Clinical Training. Supervisors are advised to contact the director of Clinical Training with concerns as they arise. Based upon the site and faculty evaluations, the director of Clinical Training assigns a grade of “Credit/No Credit” for the practicum and practicum seminar.

Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program at Argosy University, Phoenix

Student progress through the program is intended to be sequential. Certain courses are offered to first-year students that provide a theoretical and practical foundation for courses that will follow in subsequent years. Certain advanced courses also require the student to have the background of more basic courses in order to benefit fully from the course experience. Students must satisfy all stated prerequisites for a course before registration for that course can be considered official.

Course/Credit Transfer

Transfer of Courses/Credit from Other Institutions

Students who have completed graduate coursework at another institution may petition for transfer of courses into the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program up to a maximum of 15 credit hours (five courses). For a course to be considered eligible for transfer, the following conditions must be met:

• The course must have been taken no more than five years prior to enrollment at Argosy University, Phoenix, unless the student can present evidence of ongoing work experience or continuing education in that area, or passes an approved examination for the course.
• The course must have been a graduate-level course, taken for graduate-level credit at a regionally accredited institution. In the case of an institution outside of the United States, the appropriate state or national accreditation is required.
• The course submitted for transfer of a 3-credit hour course must itself be at least 3 credit hours.
• The student must have earned a grade of “B” or above in the course.
• Practicum, practicum seminars and the first-year Professionalization Group are not eligible for transfer.

All course transfer requests must be submitted to the Student Services Department before or during the first year of enrollment in the program. Request forms are available from the Student Services Department. A separate form must be submitted for each course request. The transfer request must be accompanied by a transcript reflecting completion of the course and the grade received, along with other supporting documentation, such as course description, syllabus, and work samples. The request will be reviewed and a decision rendered within four weeks of the request. If approved, the transferred course and credit hours will appear on the student’s transcript as a “transfer course” under the corresponding course number and title. No transfer credit will be given for courses taken elsewhere after matriculation into a degree program at Argosy University, Phoenix.

Transfer of Courses/Credit from Another Argosy University Campus

Students who transfer from one Argosy University campus to another may receive credit for a course taken at the original campus, if the course is identical to the one offered at the transfer campus. In cases where the course is similar but not identical, the campus has the option to review for approval or denial. Students at Argosy University, Phoenix who wish to submit course transfer requests for courses taken at another Argosy University campus must do so before or during the first year of enrollment at Argosy University, Phoenix.

With prior approval of their advisor and campus dean or program chair, students are allowed to take up to 6 credit hours of coursework at another Argosy University campus, exclusive of Professionalization Group, practicum, Clinical Research Project, and online courses.

Transfer of Courses/Credit to the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program from the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program

If accepted for admission to the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program, successful completion of the following MA in Mental Health Counseling degree program courses may be applied for credit in place of the listed course in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program(for a maximum of 15 credit hours ).

Transfer of Courses/Credit to the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program from the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Degree Program

Assessment Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7370 - Cognitive Assessment (3)
• PP 7371 - Objective Personality Assessment (3)
• PP 7372 - Projective Personality Assessment (3)

Clinical Interventions and Psychotherapy Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7340 - Issues in the Assessment and Treatment of Diverse Populations (3)
• PP 7368 - Initial Interviewing Skills (1.5)
• PP 7369 - Basic Intervention Skills and Models (1.5)

Ethics and Professional Conduct Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7100 - Professional Issues: Ethics, Conduct, and Law (3)
• PP 7110 - Professionalization Group I (1)
• PP 7111 - Professionalization Group II (1)

Human Development Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7020 - Child and Adolescent Development (3)
• PP 8470 - Adult Development and Aging (3)

Psychopathology Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7310 - Theories of Psychopathology (3)
• PP 7311 - Diagnostic Psychopathology (3)

Psychotherapy Course Requirements — Students Are Required to Take 3 of the Following

• PP 8010 - Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Therapy (3)
• PP 8020 - Person-Centered and Experiential Theory and Therapy (3)
• PP 8040 - Psychoanalytic Theory and Therapy (3)
• PP 8050 - Family and Couples Therapy (3)
• PP 8650 - Assessment and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders (3)
• PP 8060 - Group Psychotherapy (3) *
• Other intervention electives†

Statistics and Research Methods Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7200 - Statistics and Research I (3)

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6201 - Master’s Practicum I (3)
• PP 6202 - Master’s Practicum II (3)

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements

The goal of the practicum at the master’s level is to train students in the application of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed by their academic experience. This experience includes the direct observation, interviewing, and treatment of clients. Certain sites also afford some students with the opportunity of limited exposure to psychological testing procedures.

The master’s in clinical psychology degree program Therapy Practicum stresses therapeutic intervention. Because there is such a wide range of therapy experience available, students should not expect to experience the total spectrum of therapies during the practicum.

The practicum is the first opportunity provided to students for clinical field training. The practicum is designed to provide students with opportunities to work under supervision with a clinical population within a mental health delivery system. The practicum is designed to providesan essential part of clinical training and all students are required to participate in the practicum experience. Liability insurance is charged at the time of registration.

The practicum is a required 750-hour training experience that takes place during an academic year, normally beginning in the Fall and concluding at the end of the spring semester or summer I semester. The practicum is treated as a course and carries 3 credit hours per semester or 6 credit hours for the academic year. A practicum may not be done in a student’s place of employment, nor may any student waive the practicum requirements. Students who come to Argosy University, Schaumburg with extensive clinical backgrounds may pursue placement in practicum sites in areas where they have an interest and do not have previous experience.

The MA in Clinical Psychology degree program practicum is not intended to substitute for PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program practicum. Students who intend to apply o enroll in the doctoral degree program after completing the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program may not waive doctoral-level practicum on the basis of their master’s-level practicum.

Practicum Prerequisites and Requirements

All students who enter the practicum application process must be in good academic standing, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and have completed the academic planning which will allow for all the practicum prerequisite courses to be completed prior to the beginning of the practicum. No student may begin a practicum without being in attendance at Argosy University, Schaumburg for a minimum of two semesters.

The following courses are practicum prerequisite courses and must be completed and/or waived prior to beginning the practicum:

• PP 7020 - Child and Adolescent Development  (3)
• PP 7110 - Professionalization Group I  (1)
• PP 7111 - Professionalization Group II  (1)
• PP 7310 Theories of Psychopathology  (3)
• PP 7311 Diagnostic Psychopathology  (3)
• PP 7370 - Cognitive Assessment  (3)
• PP 7371 - Objective Personality Assessment  (3)
• PP 7372 - Projective Personality Assessment  (3)
• PP 7368 - Initial Interviewing Skills  (1.5)
• PP 7369 - Basic Intervention Skills and Models  (1.5)
• PP 8470 - Adult Development and Aging  (3)

The Clinical Training Department and the program chair of the Clinical Psychology program have the discretion to make decisions on any probationary student who is beyond the first year of attendance. This would include the student activities of both seeking a practicum and attending a practicum.

If a first-year student is placed on probation based on fall semester grades, the student may not look for a practicum during the spring semester. If the student has achieved a satisfactory GPA (3.0 on the 4.0 scale) when the spring semester grades are available, the student, at the discretion of the Clinical Training Department and the director of the master’s in clinical psychology program, may look for a practicum.

If a first-year student who has accepted a practicum is placed on probation after spring grades are received, the student may not attend the practicum if the GPA is below the minimum requirement after the summer Igrades are received. If the GPA is satisfactory after the summer I grades are received, the student, at the discretion of the Clinical Training Department and the director of the master’s in Clinical Psychology program, may begin the practicum.

Practicum Seminar

All students enrolled in a practicum must also concurrently enroll in a practicum seminar. The seminar meets weekly throughout the academic year and allows the student to reflect on various practicum experiences and to acquire additional skills and attitudes useful in field training. The specific content and emphasis of the seminar varies according to the practicum setting, the focus of the enrolled students, and the professional expertise of the faculty member.

Practicum Evaluation

Evaluation of student progress in clinical field training focuses on three areas: theoretical knowledge base, clinical skills and professional attitudes. A thorough review of site and seminar evaluations is conducted by the Clinical Training Department, and an overall grade of “Credit” or “No Credit” is included in the student’s academic record.

Comprehensive Examination Requirements

All MA in Clinical Psychology degree program students are required to successfully complete a Comprehensive Examination. The information assessed by the examination covers the courses and material required of students during the two years of study at Argosy University, Schaumburg. The Comprehensive Exam is generally held in July at the conclusion of the second year of study.

Students wishing to sit for the LCPC exam may request an earlier exam date (i.e., May or June) to ensure they have completed application by the LCPC exam deadline provided they have completed all of the necessary requirements prior to the exam date.

Students must have successfully completed all required coursework, with the exception of practicum and practicum seminars, to be eligible to take the Comprehensive Exam.

Additional information regarding registration, qualification, format, and dates of the exam can be obtained from the Student Services Department or program chair of the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program. Students who are unable to pass the Comprehensive Examination will be allowed to retake the exam a maximum of two additional times. The exam may be retaken during the next scheduled administration of the exam. Students will receive information from the director of the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program concerning their performance on the examination and assistance from faculty in constructing additional experiences and instruction aimed at enabling them to pass this program requirement. A third failure will result in dismissal from the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program.

Clinical Competency Examination Requirements

At the master’s level, the Clinical Competency Examination (CCE) consists of a competency-based evaluation designed to evaluate the student’s mastery of basic clinical assessment and therapeutic skills.

Students should be capable of demonstrating clinical competence via the Master’s Psychotherapy CCE both conceptually and in application. Argosy University, Schaumburg also expects that students who have learned theoretical and applied concepts in classroom courses will have made use of out-of-class clinical contacts (i.e., practicum, practicum seminar group, visiting lecturers) to refine and extend the skills to be evaluated by the CCE. Therefore, passing the seminar and site evaluation do not guarantee a passing grade on the CCE.

Descriptions and Procedures for Successful Completion

Procedures for the Master’s Psychotherapy CCE require the student to submit a tape, a transcript, a client assessment and progress report, and a self-critique of a therapy session that the student has conducted with a client. The student will have received supervision on this therapy session from the practicum site supervisor, but this session must not have been submitted for review, supervision or critique at Argosy University, Schaumburg or elsewhere prior to submission for satisfying the requirements of the CCE.

The Psychotherapy CCE is graded “High Pass/Pass/Pass” with “Revision/Fail.” In the event that a student passes the CCE with revision, the practicum seminar leader will develop a remediation plan with the student. All revisions must be completed within one semester of the original CCE.

In the event that a student fails the examination, she or he must seek remediation, and will be permitted to retake the examination the spring semester of the following year. The Clinical Training Committee, in consultation with the initial examining faculty member, will recommend a program of remediation to address concerns noted in the first CCE. The student’s progress in remediation will be taken into account. A student may retake the CCE one time. A second failure will result in dismissal from the school.

Detailed explanations of these procedures are contained in the Master’s Therapy CCEAdvisories which are distributed to practicum seminar faculty and students at the beginning of the fall semester.

Course Requirements for Counselor Licensure

Those MA in Clinical Psychology degree program students who wish to take the required coursework to qualify for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) will need to adjust their programs as follows:

• Add Career and Lifestyle Development (PC6600 )
• Add additional course, Counseling Theory (PC6000 )
• Program will require an additional 6 credit hours of courses, for a total of 56 semester credit hours.
• Select the following courses as the three therapy course choices:

Group Psychotherapy (PP8060 )

Family and Couples Therapy (PP8050 )

Assessment and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders (PP8650 )

Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program at Argosy University, Schaumburg

Student progress through the program is intended to be sequential. First-year students are offered certain courses which provide a theoretical and practical foundation for courses that will follow. In addition, certain advanced courses require the student to have the background of more basic courses or practicum experience in order to benefit fully from the course experience. Students must satisfy all stated prerequisites for a course before a registration for that course can be considered official. Recommended course sequences for spring starts are available through the program chair or advisor.

Course/Credit Transfer

Transfer of Courses/Credit into the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program from Other Institutions

Like other institutions that offer graduate degrees, Argosy University, Schaumburg does not automatically transfer credit from graduate coursework taken at other institutions. Students who have taken graduate courses elsewhere may petition to have these courses apply toward a transfer of courses in the curriculum.

For a course to be considered eligible for transfer, the following conditions must be met:

• The course must have been taken no more than five years before the student’s entry into Argosy University, Schaumburg, except when students present evidence of ongoing work experience or continuing education in that area, or when students pass a transfer exam for the course.
• The course must have been a graduate-level course, taken for graduate level credit at a regionally accredited college or university. In the case of institutions outside the United States, the appropriate state or national accreditation is required.
• Any course submitted towards a transfer of a 3-credit course must have itself carried 3 or more graduate credit hours.
• A student must have earned a grade of “B” or better on any course submitted for a transfer.
• A maximum of five courses (15 credit hours) may be waived towards the MA in Clinical Psychology program.

The school does not accept any credit earned as military credit, credit by examination, credit by correspondence, credit for life experience, or graduate credit from non-accredited schools.

Any student who desires to submit a course for transfer review should notify the Student Services Department and obtain the appropriate transfer request form. This form should be completed and returned to the Student Services Department. Requests must be made in writing. Transfer requests may be submitted any time during the admission process until the end of the first year of matriculation. Transfers are not reviewed or officially granted until a student is officially accepted. Transfers are not recorded on the transcript until the student has paid a transfer fee for each approved transfer.

Students petitioning for transfer are requested to provide course descriptions, syllabi, exams, diagnostic test protocols and write-ups. Transfer are normally granted by the faculty if there is an 80 percent overlap in course content and objectives between the course submitted for transfer and the course as it is offered at Argosy University, Schaumburg. Students may obtain the procedures to be observed in submitting transfer requests from the Student Services Department.

Non-Transferable Courses

In each program at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Schaumburg the requirements to successfully complete certain courses may not be met by transfer of credit based on coursework from other institutions. The following are nontransferable courses in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program:

Core Course Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7020 - Child and Adolescent Development (3)
• PP 7100 - Professional Issues: Ethics, Conduct, and Law (3)
• PP 7200 - Statistics and Research I (3)
• PP 7300 - Psychopathology I (3)
• PP 7301 - Psychopathology II (3)
• PP 7340 - Issues in the Assessment and Treatment of Diverse Populations (3)
• PP 7365 - Clinical Interviewing (3)
• PP 8010 - Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Therapy (3)
• PP 8020 - Person-Centered and Experiential Theory and Therapy (3)
• PP 8038 - Interventions I (3)
• PP 8470 - Adult Development and Aging (3)
• PP 8650 - Assessment and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders (3)

Professionalization Group Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7112 - Professionalization Group I (1)
• PP 7113 - Professionalization Group II (1)

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 8150 - First- Year Practicum I (3)
• PP 8151 - First -Year Practicum II (3)

Elective Requirements

Students are required to take 3 credit hours of an elective.

Psychotherapy Competency Exam Requirements

The Psychotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) is the integrating final project for the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program and is generally completed near the end of practicum. The exam involves an evaluation of the student’s competency in the areas of psychological case formulation, clinical reasoning, and psychotherapy skills. Information regarding the PCE is distributed to students during practicum seminar, is available in the commons, or may be requested from the director of Clinical Training.

Disability Accommodations for the Psychotherapy Competency Exam

Argosy University, Seattle, in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, provides accommodations to qualified students with disabilities on major exams, such as the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program Psychotherapy Competency Exams (PCE). The Disability Services Coordinator assists qualified students with disabilities in acquiring reasonable and appropriate accommodations and in supporting their success at Argosy University, Seattle, such that:

1. Students with disabilities who are preparing to take the PCE are notified of the process for requesting and obtaining academic adjustments or auxiliary aids for their PCE;
2. Students who request disability-related academic adjustments or auxiliary aids for the PCE receive clear and timely notice that the academic adjustment or auxiliary aids were approved or disapproved; and
3. If students request the approved academic adjustment or auxiliary aids from the PCE examiners, then those approved academic adjustments or auxiliary aids are implemented during the exam.

Providing Notice of Accommodations

The Disability Services Coordinator, after working with the Program Chair to determine appropriate accommodations for the exam, will provide clear and timely notification to students who request disability-related academic adjustments or auxiliary aids for the PCE that the academic adjustment or auxiliary aids were approved or disapproved for the PCE as follows:

1. The Disability Services Coordinator will notify the student in writing of approved or disapproved academic adjustment or auxiliary aids using the Confirmation of Accommodation Form within three weeks of receiving the request.
2. If the student has requested academic adjustment or auxiliary aids only for the PCE that were not included in earlier requests, the Disability Services Coordinator will notify the student in writing of approved or disapproved academic adjustment or auxiliary aids using the PCE Confirmation of Accommodation Form within three weeks of receiving the request.
3. If the disabled student requests things that are allowed by all students and are not an accommodation per se, for example the use of class notes during the exam, the Disability Services Coordinator will include them on the PCE Confirmation of Accommodation Form as allowed while noting they are not an accommodation per se within two weeks of receiving the request.
4. If the student declines to sign the PCE Confirmation of Accommodation Form, the Disability Services Coordinator will note that on the form and will send a copy of the completed form to the student by certified mail within three weeks of the student declining to sign.
5. After approving any adjustments or auxiliary aids for the PCE, the Disability Services Coordinator will provide the student with a Letter of Accommodation within three weeks of receiving the request, who must present it to the PCE examiners to obtain the approved academic adjustments or auxiliary aids on the PCE.

Implementing Approved Accommodations

If a student requests approved academic adjustment or auxiliary aids from the PCE examiners the Disability Services Coordinator will ensure those approved academic adjustments or auxiliary aids are implemented during the exam, including:

1. When the Disability Services Coordinator provides the student with a Letter of Accommodation to present to PCE examiners to obtain the accommodation, the Disability Services Coordinator will strongly encourage the student to request the adjustments from the PCE examiners at least two weeks in advance of the examination and report back to the Disability Services Coordinator that the student has made the request.
2. If the student requests the Disability Services Coordinator help him/her in making their request for accommodations to the PCE examiners, the Disability Services Coordinator will help coordinate the meeting.
3. If the student does not confirm the request has been made, the Disability Services Coordinator will contact the student via telephone and email to confirm the request has been made. If the Disability Services Coordinator is still unable to gain confirmation from the student, they will contact the student by certified mail.
4. If the student confirms to the Disability Services Coordinator that she/he has requested approved academic adjustments or auxiliary aids from the PCE examiners, the Disability Services Coordinator will contact the PCE examiners to review and answer questions regarding the approved academic adjustments or auxiliary aids and help make any needed arrangements for their execution.
5. Following the examination, the Disability Services Coordinator will contact the PCE examiners to determine if the approved academic adjustments or auxiliary aids were executed.

Practicum and Practicum Seminars Requirements

The goal of the practicum at the master’s level is to train students in the application of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed by their academic experience. This experience includes the direct observation, interviewing, and treatment of clients. Certain sites also afford some students with the opportunity of limited exposure to psychological testing procedures.

The MA in Clinical Psychology degree program practicum stresses therapeutic intervention. Because there is such a wide range of therapy experience available, students should not expect to experience the total spectrum of therapies during the practicum.

The practicum is the first opportunity provided to students for clinical field training. Practicum is designed to provide students with opportunities to work under supervision with a clinical population within a mental health delivery system and is a non-paid position. The practicum is designed to provide an essential part of clinical training and all students are required to participate in the practicum experience. Liability insurance is included in the cost of the practicum.

A practicum may not be done in a student’s place of employment, nor can practicum credit hours be waived or transferred. Students who come to Argosy University, Seattle with extensive clinical backgrounds are encouraged to pursue placement in practicum sites in areas where they have an interest and do not have previous experience.

The MA in Clinical Psychology degree program practicum is not intended to substitute for Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology degree program practicum. Students who intend to apply to enroll in the doctoral degree program after completing the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program may not transfer master’s-level practicum experience.

Additional information about practicum may be found in the Practicum Handbook, available in the commons or from the director of Clinical Training.

Practicum Information

It should be noted that any or all educational information in the custody of Argosy University, Seattle, its faculty or staff, which is relevant to a student’s performance or enrollment status at Argosy University, Seattle, may be shared by the director of Clinical Training, practicum instructors; head, the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Seattle; or campus president, Argosy University, Seattle with a practicum site supervisor prior to, during, or after the completion of a practicum.

Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program at Argosy University, Seattle

Student progress through the program is intended to be sequential. Certain courses are offered to first-year students that provide a theoretical and practical foundation for courses that will follow. In addition, certain advanced courses require the student to have the background of more basic courses or practicum experience in order to benefit fully from the course experience. Students must satisfy all stated prerequisites for a course before a registration for that course can be considered official.

Course/Credit Transfer

Transfer of Courses/Credit to the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program from Other Institutions

Similar to other institutions offering graduate degrees, Argosy University, Seattle does not automatically transfer credit from graduate courses taken at other institutions. Students seeking transfer credits or waiver of graduate courses taken elsewhere may petition to have these courses apply toward the master’s degree program.

For a course to be considered eligible for a transfer, the following conditions must be met:

• The course must have been taken no more than five years before the student’s entry into Argosy University, Seattle.
• The course must have been a graduate-level course, taken for graduate-level credit at a regionally accredited college or university. In the case of institutions outside the United States, the appropriate state or national accreditation is required.
• Any course submitted towards a transfer of a 3-semester credit hour course must have itself carried 3 or more graduate semester credit hours.
• A student must have earned a grade of “B” or better on any course submitted for a transfer.
• A maximum of five courses (15 credit hours) may be transferred towards the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program.
• The school does not accept any credit earned as military credit, credit by examination, credit by correspondence, credit for life experience, or graduate credit from  on-accredited schools. Any student who desires to submit a course for transfer review should notify the Student Services Department and obtain the appropriate transfer request form. This form should be completed and returned to the Student Services Department. Requests must be made in writing. Transfer requests may be submitted any time during the admission process until the end of the first year of matriculation. Transfers are not officially granted until a student is officially accepted.

Students petitioning for transfer are requested to provide course descriptions, syllabi, exams, diagnostic test protocols and write-ups. Transfers are granted by the faculty if there is substantive evidence of equivalence between the course submitted for transfer and the course as it is offered at Argosy University, Seattle.

Transfer of Courses/Credit to the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Degree Program from the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program

All courses successfully completed in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program that are also required in the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program curriculum will be applied toward that PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program. Other coursework completed in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program will be considered for transfer to the doctoral program on a case-by-case basis.

Required Courses — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7010 -  Lifespan Development (3)
• PP 7100 - Professional Issues: Ethics, Conduct, and Law (3) *
• PP 7200 - Statistics and Research I (3)
• PP 7201 - Statistics and Research II (3)
• PP 7310 - Theories of Psychopathology (3)
• PP 7311 - Diagnostic Psychopathology (3)
• PP 7365 - Clinical Interviewing (3)
• PP 7370 - Cognitive Assessment (3)
• PP 7371 - Objective Personality Assessment (3)
• PP 7372 - Projective Personality Assessment (3)
• PP 7373 - Integrative Assessment (3)
• PP 8038 - Interventions I (3)
• PP 8039 - Interventions II (3)

Professionalization Group Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7110 - Professionalization Group I (1)
• PP 7111 - Professionalization Group II (1)

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 8201 - Practicum I (3)
• PP 8202 - Practicum II (3)

Master’s Thesis Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6530 - Master’s Thesis (1) [for three semesters]

Enrollment in Courses Beyond the MA in Clinical Psychology Degree Program Curriculum

While students in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program may take additional courses beyond the master’s degree program requirements as electives, the following advanced skill courses will be available only for students in the PsyD i n Clinical Psychology degree program:

• Integrative Psychotherapy
• Group Psychotherapy
• Neuropsychological Assessments I & II
• Child Psychotherapy
• Consultation and Supervision
• CRP and CRP Seminar

Professionalization Group Requirements

The Professionalization Groups, which meet on a weekly basis during each of the two regular semesters, are designed to provide first-year students with important direction and assistance as they begin their education and training. These groups are designed to provide students with an orientation to the field of professional psychology as well as an introduction to key issues in the training and professional development of a clinical psychologist. All students are required to complete both Professionalization Group I and Professionalization Group II during their first year of training.

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements

Clinical Training Manual

 Specific policies and procedures for all components of clinical training can be found in the Clinical Training Manual. This manual is provided to students during their first semester. Students are responsible for maintaining this manual and integrating revisions and updates as they occur. Please see the Director of Clinical Training for more information. Students enrolled in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program at the ASPP at Argosy University, Tampa gain practical experience through clinical training. Clinical training is the supervised out-of-class contact of students with a clinical population. Through the contact, students have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge, to implement clinical techniques based on this knowledge, and to develop the professional and personal attitudes important to the identity of a professional psychologist. During their clinical training, students advance through progressively challenging levels of training. At each level, a student’s progress is assessed in multiple ways by multiple faculty members and field supervisors. In order to advance to the next level of clinical training, the student must pass certain courses, complete practicum and internship, and demonstrate competency in specific clinical tasks.

The Clinical Training Manual describes the progression in training and specifies how the student’s progress in training is monitored.

Pre-Practicum Experience

The pre-practicum experience is designed to offer direct clinical training experiences to students with limited mental health exposure prior to applying for regular practicum training. Additionally, direct observational experience is possible. The out-of-class training is with a clinical population in an approved mental health setting. The goal of the training experience is to allow students who have completed a portion of their assessment classes an opportunity to interview clients, administer formal assessment instruments, score and interpret data, and complete written reports. The work will be supervised by a licensed clinical psychologist. More experienced students may serve as coaches to the pre-practicum student during the training.

The pre-practicum experience will usually be completed during a single semester and generally consists of five to ten hours per week on-site. Pre-practicum experiences are requested by the student, or may be recommended or required by the Clinical Training Committee. The student will be evaluated by the supervisor using the same form that is listed in the Clinical Training Manual for practicum students and will attend a concurrent seminar during the training. Required prerequisites for prepracticum placement and additional policies and procedures related to pre-practicum training are described in the Clinical Training Manual.

All MA in Clinical Psychology degree program students must complete a Diagnostic Practicum (800 hours, usually 20 hours per week for 40 weeks). Pre-practicum and specialty practicum experiences are also available. All practicum students are also enrolled in a weekly practicum seminar which meets throughout the training experience. The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Tampa places students in a wide variety of clinical field sites, according to the interests and needs of the students and availability of practicum sites. Training sites are selected which teach students clinical skills, expose students to relevant treatment populations, and provide supervision by experienced clinicians. The emphasis in training is on the development of the student as a well-rounded and balanced professional.

The practicum period generally begins in September unless a training site has different specific needs.

Some sites require a pre-practicum or have earlier start dates depending on site needs. Each practicum takes place in a single agency. A practicum may not be done in a student’s place of employment, nor with a past supervisor. Practicum requirements are not waived for any student. Students are evaluated in writing once each semester by both the practicum supervisor and the faculty seminar leader. Progress is assessed in four basic areas of clinical functioning:

• Theoretical knowledge base
• Clinical skills
• Ethical and professional attitudes
• Personal and interpersonal skills.

Supervisors are encouraged to review their written evaluations with the student and provide feedback regarding the student’s clinical strengths and areas needing strengthening.

Students are encouraged to pursue additional training through pre-practicum or specialty practicum experiences in order meet the student’s specific interests in specialized settings. However, registration for additional practicum credit hours may not be counted toward the elective credit hours required for graduation.

Diagnostic Practicum

The Diagnostic Practicum teaches students clinical assessment techniques and diagnostic formulation, so that appropriate clinical services can be recommended. The use of psychological testing instruments continues to distinguish psychologists from other mental health professionals. Competence in the use of these tests remains central to the identity of the clinical psychologist. Prior to practicum placement, students complete courses dealing with the principles of testing and learn to administer, score and interpret measures of personality, and major intelligence tests. During practicum, students can put to use what they have learned in the classroom. Studentshave the opportunity to learn to integrate data gleaned from several testing instruments, generate hypotheses based on patterns of psychological processes observed throughout the assessment process, develop case formulations, and prepare well written and integrated psychological reports. By the end of the practicum, students are expected to be able to demonstrate the necessary psychological knowledge base, the basic clinical assessment skills, and the appropriate professional attitudes necessary to perform effective diagnostic interviewing and psychological assessment.

Required prerequisites for Diagnostic Practicum placement and additional policies and procedures related to practicum training are described in the Clinical Training Manual.

Advanced Practicum

Students may choose to do a practicum beyond the required Diagnostic Practicum in order to gain additional experience with specialized populations. Each student must consult with his/her advisor in order to review and alter his/her degree plan as required in order to take a specialty practicum. The practicum site is obtained through the Clinical Training Department. The student will be evaluated by the supervisor using the same form that is listed in the Clinical Training Manual for practicum students and must attend a concurrent seminar during the training. Required prerequisites for specialty practicum placement and additional policies and procedures related to specialty practicum training are described in the Clinical Training Manual.

Clinical Evaluation Competency Requirements

The Clinical Evaluation Sequence (CES) is a series of competency based examinations designed to evaluate the student’s mastery of major clinical assessment and therapeutic skills. The examinations take place at designated times prior to the student becoming eligible for progression in the program. The CES monitors the growth and development of the student’s acquisition of appropriate skill levels for clinical practice.

Demonstrating competency on each section of the CES is a prerequisite for advancing to the next level of training. Students prepare to demonstrate competency by integrating classroom theoretical work with clinical experience acquired during the practicum. The three sections of the CES and procedures for their passage are as follows:

• Diagnostic Scoring Competency Students meet the requirement by passing three Argosy University, Tampa assessment courses with a grade of “B-” or better and demonstrating adequate competency on specific skills in each class:

Cognitive Assessment (PP7370 )

Objective Personality Assessment (PP7371 )

Projective Personality Assessment (PP7372 )

• Diagnostic Interpretation Competency Students meet the requirement by passing Integrative Assessment with a grade of “B-” or better and demonstrating adequate competency on specific skills in the class.
• Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation — Diagnostic (CCE-D) The Diagnostic Practicum Seminar and the Diagnostic Practicum are designed to help the student develop the necessary competency in diagnostic interviewing and psychological report writing. The student demonstrates the competency by successfully completing both a written and an oral presentation of a client case. Specific requirements for the CCE-D can be found in the Clinical Training Manual.

Master’s Thesis Requirements

Students in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program are required to develop a Master’sThesis as a requirement for graduation. The thesis is a scholarly work that is designed to provide students with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and thought about a particular clinical area and to develop and demonstrate their skills in the process of Scientific inquiry. Students are expected to apply theoretical and scientific knowledge to the examination of a meaningful question related to the clinical practice of psychology. Specific policies and procedures for all components of the thesis process can be found in the Master’s Thesis Manual. This manual is provided to students during their first semester. Students are responsible for maintaining this manual and integrating revisions and updates as they occur.

Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program — Three-Year Curriculum

Students may follow a two-, three-, or four-year degree-completion plan.

Student progress through the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program is intended to be sequential. Certain courses are offered which provide a theoretical and practical foundation for courses that will follow in subsequent years. In addition, certain advanced courses require the student to have the background of more basic courses in order to benefit fully from the course experience. Students must satisfy all stated prerequisites for a course (or seek permission of the instructor) before a registration for that course can be considered official.

Faculty Advisors

Faculty advisors are available for consultation regarding student professional development, academic and training progress and other school and professional development issues. Students are required to meet with their faculty advisor at least once each semester, for purposes of registration. It is our belief that the process of becoming a psychologist requires more than just classroom hours and practicum experience. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to meet more often with their advisor to review their progress through the program, to discuss their performance in classes, seminars and training sites as well as for more general discussions regarding their professional direction and aspirations. Certain advising meetings may be documented in the form of a memo to the student’s file. In those cases, a copy will be sent to the student as well. Add/Drop requests must be discussed with the faculty advisor, or if unavailable, with the Program Chair, and then forwarded to the Program Chair for signature. Students must also discuss Add/Drop requests with course instructors whenever possible.

Clinical Practice Policy

We recognize the responsibility in preparing clinical psychologists to ensure that this training protects the best interest of the public. It is entirely consistent with our training goals to require that students do not engage in professional activities that may infringe upon a primary commitment to training, have a negative impact on the quality of service provided, or are inconsistent with ethical and legal standards. Therefore, the participation of students in outside work activities should be secondary to training and should also uphold and be consistent with the legal and ethical standards of the profession.

While enrolled in the master’s in clinical psychology degree program, students are specifically prohibited from being involved in private practice or the delivery of professional services unless the following standards are met:

• Appropriate state registration, certification, credentialing or licensure relevant to the practice and delivery of mental health services
• Written notification of practice to, and approval by, the training director with the provision of evidence of appropriate credentialing
• Service delivery is within the scope of the highest degree or credential obtained and does not incorporate knowledge or skills learned through involvement with the master’s degree program.

Failure to comply with these policies will result in dismissal from the program.

Student Practice Assessment

Policy Regarding Appropriate Subjects and Informed Consent

All subjects used for psychological assessment must sign the appropriate consent form (available from the library) that must be submitted along with the report on a given subject. Students may not assess members of their immediate family, friends, Argosy University employees or other persons who might be involved in dual roles with the student assessor. Classmates may be appropriate for role play assessments. Assessment of the family and friends of fellow students may be appropriate as long as two conditions are met:

• That such testing does not constitute a dual relationship as delineated in the American Psychological Association 2002 Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct
• That no feedback regarding the assessment results are provided to any subjects or their parents

Students should consult their instructor if there are any questions about the suitability of a given subject.

Guidelines for the Disposal of Confidential Materials

Students should shred rather than discard the following types of documents when they are not being retained for future use:

• Documents containing the names of any client or volunteer
• Documents containing client or volunteer information, even if there is no identifying information (e.g., protocols)
• Copies of used test forms
• Copies of interview, interpretation, raw data, or notes related to client or volunteer assessments.

Course/Credit Transfer

Transfer of Courses/Credit into the MA in Clinical Psychology Degree Program from Other Institutions

The MA in Clinical Psychology degree program does not automatically accept graduate credit from other institutions. Students who have taken graduate courses elsewhere may petition to have these courses apply towards the clinical curriculum. Transfer of a course implies that both the requirements to take that particular course have been met and that the credit for the course will be applied to the master’s degree. Transfers will be considered only for courses that are offered in the clinical psychology programs. The total number of hours of a course submitted for transfer must meet or exceed the total number of hours of the Argosy University, Tampa course. Requests for course transfers must be submitted during the student’s first year of study.

A maximum of 15 credit hours may be transferred and applied to the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program. Students are advised, however, that only under unusual circumstances would more than one or two courses be transferred. Transfer will be considered for graduate courses:

• Completed with a grade of “B” or higher
• Completed prior to admission to Argosy University, Tampa
• Earned within the five years of matriculation in the clinical psychology programs

The program does not accept for transfer any credit earned as military credit, credit by examination, credit by correspondence, credit for life experience, or graduate credit from non-accredited institution.

Transfer of credits will not be considered for courses completed elsewhere after admission to Argosy University, Tampa.

Course/Credit Transfer from Another Argosy University Campus

Students who transfer from another Argosy University campus may have these courses transferred at the discretion of the Curriculum and Training Committee. Petition for Course Transfer Forms are available from the Student Services Department and should be submitted to the chair of the Curriculum Committee. A student must complete one form for each course for which transfer consideration is requested. When completing a Petition for Course Transfer Form, a student should attach documentation that will facilitate a determination as to whether the submitted course is consistent with a course required in the MA in Clinical Psychology program.

Transfer of Credit to the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Degree Program from the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program

All required coursework completed with a “B-” or better in the Argosy University, Tampa MA in Clinical Psychology degree program is eligible for transfer into the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program following acceptance, with the exception of Master’s Thesis credit.

All courses applicable to the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program transferred will be used in the calculation of the PsyD cumulative GPA and the determination of satisfactory academic progress. The date of the student’s enrollment into PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program will be used in evaluating the student’s compliance with cumulative maximum time frame and incremental time frame requirements.

Core Course Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6001 - Individual Assessment (3)
• PP 6010 - Lifespan Development (3)
• PP 6025 - Research and Program Evaluation (3)
• PP 6045 - Psychopathology (3)
• PP 6050 - Family and Couples Therapy (3)
• PP 6055 - Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychopathology and Assessment (3)
• PP 6060 - Group Therapy (3)
• PP 6100 - Ethics and Professional Issues (3)
• PP 6160 - Working with Diverse Populations (3)
• PP 6300 - Counseling Theory (3)
• PP 6330 - Treatment Planning and Professional Practice (3)
• PP 6366 -  Career Development (3)
• PP 6450 -  Foundations of Clinical Interventions (3)

Professionalization Group Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6400 - Professionalization Group (1)

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6201 - Master’s Practicum I (3)
• PP 6202 - Master’s Practicum II (3)
• PP 6203 - Master’s Practicum III (1)

Integrative Paper Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6011 -  Integrative Paper (1)

Professionalization Group Requirements

The Professionalization Group is a required experience for students in the first year of attendance.   The Professionalization Group meets once a week for an hour during the first semester the student is in the program. The Professionalization Group is designed to provide:

• An orientation to the MA in clinical psychology degree program at Argosy University, Twin Cities
• An orientation to the profession of psychology
• The opportunity to get to know other firstyear students

Professionalization Groups are led by a core faculty, who will provide a syllabus for the class.

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements

Students in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program are required to complete 7 credit hours (one academic year) of practicum and practicum seminar. All students who enter the practicum application process must be in good academic standing, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) and have completed all the practicum prerequisite courses prior to the beginning of the practicum. Argosy University, Twin Cities faculty review all practicum applicants to determine their academic and clinical suitability. Student readiness for practicum is determined by the program chair.

Students will not be allowed to apply for practicum if there is concern about their ability to function competently and professionally at the training site. Students who are on probation are not permitted to apply for practicum. Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the program chair. Students who have received a grade below a “B-” in any course may not begin practicum until the course(s) have been retaken and a satisfactory grade has been earned. The departmental Student Professional Development Committee may stipulate that a student delay application for practicum as part of an overall remediation plan for the student.

The practicum experience must meet each of the following requirements:

• The practicum must include 700 hours of documented clinical experience.
• Students will spend approximately 20 hours per week on practicum duties.
• The practicum must extend over a minimum period of nine months.
• Students must enroll in the 3 credit courses Practicum I (PP6201 ), II (PP6202 ) and the one credit course Practicum III (PP6203 ) while in the Practicum.
• Students must attend a practicum seminar during enrollment in Practicum I, II and III. Practicum seminars meet weekly while classes are in session.

All students on practicum are covered by professional liability insurance purchased through the school. This coverage is mandatory, even if the student is otherwise insured.

All practicum sites must be approved by the program chair, and students must work with the program officials throughout the practicum process. The program will provide students with a list of potential practicum sites to which they may apply. However, students must be accepted by the site for training at that site. Argosy University does not guarantee practicum placement. While there are some practicum sites located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, in some cases the student may need to travel outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area to obtain practicum training.

Practicum Training Sites

In assigning students to practicum sites, the program attempts to match student needs and interests. If a student is interested in a particular clinical area, the program chair will attempt to develop such a site. The program chair welcomes student and faculty input on the development of practicum sites. The practicum’s experience will extend throughout the academic year.

Students are expected to receive at least one hour of supervision per week on site.  These supervisory hours should be regularly scheduled and continue throughout the training year. A practicum may not be done in a student’s place of employment.

Practicum Application Process

Detailed procedures for the practicum application process are provided in the Practicum Policies and Procedures handouts which are distributed to students as they begin the application process.

Students may only apply to practicum sites approved by the program. Practicum site supervisors expect that applicants have been referred to them by the program and that all clinical training is coordinated through the program. Students who do not follow these guidelines can expect disciplinary action.

Practicum sites vary considerably in how and when they interview and select students. Students at the Argosy University, Twin Cities campus compete with students from other graduate programs for practicum sites. Students should apply, conduct interviews, and accept/decline practicum positions with the utmost professionalism.

When students receive an offer, they may ask that site supervisor for a reasonable period of time to complete interviewing at other sites; reasonable means several days to two weeks. Once a student accepts an offer, that acceptance is binding. By accepting a practicum site, a student makes a professional and ethical commitment to a site; students must conduct themselves accordingly. The student should then notify other sites of his or her withdrawal from candidacy and thank them for their consideration. Students should inform the program chair immediately after accepting a practicum site and complete the Practicum Placement Agreement. This form identifies the student, the site, the supervisor, and the days and times the student will be on site. The student is responsible for completing this form and returning it to the program chair.

Practicum Seminar Requirements

All practicum students are required to attend a practicum seminar. This seminar meets regularly during the student’s enrollment in Practicum I, II and III. Attendance at the practicum seminar is required. Students regularly present tapes and diagnostic reports.

Evaluation of Student Progress in Practicum

Student performance in the practicum is assessed in basic areas of clinical functioning, including:

• Theoretical knowledge base
• Clinical skills
• Professional/ethical attitudes and behavior

Performance at the practicum site is evaluated each semester by the assigned practicum site supervisor. Performance in the practicum seminar is evaluated each semester by the seminar leader. These evaluations must be completed using the approved forms, and will review both strengths and weaknesses. If students are having practicum problems, they should consult with the seminar leader or the program chair. Practicum supervisors are also encouraged to immediately contact the program chair with any concerns about their student.

All practicums are graded on a “Credit” (“CR”) or “No Credit” (“NC”) basis. Students are initially assigned a grade of “Progressing” (“PR”) for their practicum work each semester.

The final grade of “CR” or “NC” is assigned by the program chair when all documentation in support of the student’s practicum experience (assessment or therapy) has been received and reviewed. Required documentation includes:

• Practicum Supervisor evaluations
• Faculty seminar leader evaluations

Unsatisfactory ratings on any of these evaluations may be grounds for granting a grade of “NC” for the practicum. Students may not receive partial credit for a practicum. If a student receives a grade of “NC” for a practicum the entire practicum must be repeated.

Integrative Paper Requirements

All students in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program must complete an Integrative Paper. This is an in-depth narrative literature review on a topic of the student’s choice. Integrative Papers are completed under the supervision of the faculty advisor and must be approved by the program chair. Complete details on expectations for the Integrative Paper are provided in the syllabus.

Student-at-Large

Students may take up to three courses as a student-at-large (SAL) prior to matriculation in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree  program at ASPP at Argosy University, Twin Cities. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the program chair.

Grades for courses taken as a SAL will be treated the same as grades received for courses taken as a matriculated student. This means that upon admission, SAL grades will be counted as part of the student’s GPA, and that grades of “C” or below received as a SAL will count toward academic probation.

Assessment Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7365 - Clinical Interviewing (3)
• PP 7370 - Cognitive Assessment (4)
• PP 7371 - Objective Personality Assessment (3)
• PP 7372 - Projective Personality Assessment (4)

Bases Course Requirements—Students Are Required to Take One of the Following

• PP 7000 - History and Systems (3)
• PP 7040 - Cognition and Affective Processes (3)
• PP 7050 - Physiological Psychology (3)
• PP 7060 - Social Psychology (3)

Individual Differences Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7010 -  Lifespan Development (3)
• PP 7330 - Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3)
• PP 7501 - Adult Psychopathology (3)

Intervention Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7340 - Issues in the Assessment and Treatment of Diverse Populations (3)
• PP 8010 - Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Therapy (3)

Methodology Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 7200 - Statistics and Research I (3)

Professional Issues Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6401 - Professionalization Group I (1)
• PP 6402 - Professionalization Group II (1)

Practicum Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6201 - Master’s Practicum I ** (3)
• PP 6202 - Master’s Practicum II ** (3)

Integrative Paper Requirements—Students Are Required to Take the Following

• PP 6011 -  Integrative Paper (1)

Optional Courses

Students enrolled in the terminal MA in Clinical Psychology degree program who plan to apply to the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology degree program are encouraged to take specific courses listed as options within the stated elective requirements. Also, students may take additional courses beyond those required for the terminal MA in Clinical Psychology degree program. Students should refer to “MA in Clinical Psychology Degree Program Embedded into the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Degree Program” for details on how to incorporate the courses listed below during Year Two.

• PP 7201 - Statistics and Research II (3)†
• PP 7373 - Integrative Assessment (3) †
• PP 8050 - Family and Couples Therapy (3)

Professionalization Group Requirements

The Professionalization Group, which meets on a weekly basis during the first and second semester, will provide first-year students with important direction and assistance as they begin their education and training. This group assists students with an orientation to the field as well as an introduction to key issues in the training and development.

Practicum and Practicum Seminar Requirements

The practicum is the first opportunity provided to Argosy University, Washington DC students for clinical field training. The student will have the opportunity of working under supervision with a clinical population within a mental health delivery system. The practicum is an essential part of clinical training and all students are required to participate in the practicum experience.

The practicum is a required 600- hour training experience that takes place during an academic year, beginning in September and concluding in June. The practicum is treated as a course and with the practicum seminar carries 3 credit hours per semester or 6 credit hours for the academic year. A practicum may not be done in a student’s place of employment, nor is any student excused from the practicum requirements. Students who come to Argosy University, Washington DC with extensive clinical backgrounds may be placed in practicum sites in areas where they do not have previous experience and where they have an interest.

All students enrolled in a practicum must also concurrently enroll in a practicum seminar. The seminar meets weekly through the fall and spring semester and allows the student to reflect on various practicum experiences and to acquire additional skills and attitudes useful in field training. The specific content and emphasis of the seminar varies according to the practicum setting and focus of the enrolled students and the professional expertise of the faculty member.

All students who enter the practicum application process must be in good academic standing, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on scale of 4.0 and have completed the academic planning which will allow for all the practicum prerequisite courses to be completed prior to the beginning of the practicum.

No student may begin a practicum without being in attendance at Argosy University, Washington DC for a minimum of two semesters.

To be eligible to begin the practicum, the student must have successfully completed the following:

Clinical Presentation Evaluation Requirements

For the master’s degree program student, the Clinical Presentation Evaluation (CPE) is a competency- based examination designed to evaluate the student’s mastery of basic clinical skills. The master’s CPE assesses competencies in assessment, case formulation, psychotherapy planning, and implementation.

Students should be capable of demonstrating clinical competence both conceptually and in application. Students prepare to demonstrate their competency by integrating classroom theoretical work, practice gained in class, clinical field training at their practicum and the practicum seminars. Therefore, passing the seminar and site evaluation do not guarantee a passing grade on the CPE.

To be eligible to take the CPE, a student must be in good standing, have a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, not be on probation, and must be enrolled in the master’s practicum sequence.

The master’s CPE is composed of the formulation of a psychotherapy case and analysis of an associated session. The student should use a theoretical orientation represented by one of the intervention courses in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree  program or a treatment framework used by the practicum agency. This competency is demonstrated during the spring semester of the master’s practicum. The student demonstrates this competency by successfully completing three related tasks:

• Observational Component The practicum seminar leader observes the student performing a psychotherapy session and judges whether the student is demonstrating competency in maintaining a therapeutic relationship and in carrying out interventions appropriate to the treatment framework and the issues presented in the session. The seminar leader may directly observe the student interview a client or the student may submit a video or audiotape of an interview with a verbatim transcript. With approval of the director of Clinical Training, a role-played interview with a faculty member may be substituted for a client interview.
• Written Component The seminar leader reviews the student’s written report of the observed case as well as the student’s self-critique of the interview with the client and judges whether the report demonstrates competency in understanding the client’s presenting problem, case formulation, and analysis of the therapeutic process.
• Oral Presentation The student presents the case in the practicum seminar and fields questions from seminar members. The seminar leader judges whether the student can present a case in a cogent, organized manner, integrate essential information, and provide thoughtful answers to questions in the seminar. While the student may be supervised on the case presented, she or he must not be supervised on the particular interview presented for the CPE. The interview, case formulation, and analysis of the session should offer a view of the student’s independent clinical work. The interview should last no more than 60 minutes.

In the event that the student fails the CPE, feedback will be provided and the student will be given a second opportunity to demonstrate competence using a different case. Failure to demonstrate competency on the second case is grounds for dismissal from the practicum and the student will be referred to the SPDC

Integrative Paper Requirements

As part of the requirements for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree program, each student is required to complete the Integrative Paper (IP). The IP is designed to evaluate the student’s ability to independently present and integrate psychological literature. The paper consists of an in-depth review, summary, and integration of the current literature on an approved topic. Each student must register for the 1-credit hour course Integrative Paper (PP 6011 ). This course is graded on a “Credit” or “No Credit” basis, credit being granted upon approval of the paper.

Recommended Course Sequence for the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program at Argosy University, Washington DC

Student progress through the Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology degree program at Argosy University, Washington DC is intended to be sequential. Certain courses are offered to first-year students that provide a theoretical and practical foundation for courses that will follow. In addition, certain advanced courses require the student to have the background of more basic courses in order to benefit fully from the course experience. Students must satisfy all stated prerequisites for a course before a registration for that course can be considered official. This catalog and registration materials contain the prerequisites for any given course.

Terminal Master’s Degree Program

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Embedded into the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Degree Program

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology degree program students interested in applying for the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program should follow the following course sequence:

Course/Credit Transfer

In addition to the institutional requirements, Argosy University, Washington DC requires that all graduate work submitted for transfer be completed within the last five years. If coursework was completed more than five years prior to admission, then the student must provide evidence that they have remained current with the course’s subject area (e.g., attendance of continuing education workshops, supervision). Students may only transfer a total of 15 semester credit hours into the MA in Clinical Psychology program.

Non-Transferrable Courses

Two or more courses may be combined to transfer to one Argosy University, Washington DC course, if all other conditions are met. The total number of credit hours of the courses submitted for transfer must meet or exceed the total number of hours for the courses being transferred.

Students requesting to transfer Cognitive Assessment (PP 7370 ) or Projective Personality Assessment (PP 7372 ) must have both an approved course that meets the course transfer requirements and must pass a competency examination. Students wanting to transfer credit, should complete a Course Transfer Form for each course and submit to the Office of the Registrar. The Office of the Registrar will do an initial review and forward to appropriate faculty for decision. Students will be notified of faculty decision and approvals will be recorded on transcript. If the request is denied, all material will be returned to student. Students may resubmit with additional information.

• PP 6201 - Master’s Practicum I (3)
• PP 6202 - Master’s Practicum II (3)
• PP 6400 - Professionalization Group (1)
• PP 7330 - Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3)
• PP 7373 - Integrative Assessment (3)
• PP 7501 - Adult Psychopathology (3)