Apr 08, 2026

2016-2017 Argosy University Academic Catalog—Graduate Programs | Volume 7, Issue 1

2016-2017 Argosy University Academic Catalog—Graduate Programs | Volume 7, Issue 1 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degree Program—Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University

Program Overview

The Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology degree program at the Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University is designed as both a terminal degree and for those who plan to pursue doctoral study. The program is designed to provide a solid core of basic psychology, as well as a strong clinical orientation, with an emphasis in psychological assessment.

Both by virtue of the location of Hawai’i and by the specific design of the faculty, a central focus of education at the Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University is relevance to social issues, social justice, and all manner of human diversity and difference. Attention to issues of human diversity occurs throughout the curriculum and within a number of additional learning opportunities outside the classroom. Work with diverse and marginalized populations is a major focus of the teaching, scholarship, and clinical practice of all the core faculty members at the Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. The faculty is committed to mentoring students who will provide effective and relevant services to underserved populations.

Program Goals and Objectives

The MA in Clinical Psychology degree program has been designed to educate and train students so that they might either be prepared to enter a doctoral degree program in clinical psychology or to seek employment as master’s-level practitioners. The program is designed to provide a strong background in assessment and to introduce students to basic clinical interventions skills. Students also receive an introduction to scientific methodology and the bases of scientific psychology. Specific objectives of the program include:

Goal #1: The preparation of master’s-level practitioners of psychology capable of ethically and effectively delivering basic diagnostic and therapeutic services to diverse populations in need of such services.

Objective 1.1: Students know the current body of knowledge in applied areas of psychology that serve as foundations for clinical practice. These areas include psychopathology, individual differences, and personality theories.

Objective 1.2: Students demonstrate the ability to administer, score, and interpret the results obtained from foundational psychological testing instruments.

Objective 1.3: Students demonstrate the ability to consider, judge, select, and apply appropriate evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques during relevant courses and supervised practica by comparing and contrasting therapeutic options, defending and critiquing their selections, and implementing their choices appropriately with diverse clients.

Objective 1.4: Students demonstrate an understanding of the APA Code of Ethics as the Code applies to students, staff, and faculty, and during all courses and supervised practica, by anticipating ethical dilemmas, considering potential solutions to them, and initiating consultation as needed to propose and execute ethical solutions.

Goal #2: The preparation of master’s-level practitioners of psychology who understand the scientific foundations of psychology.

Objective 2.1: Students demonstrate foundational knowledge in core areas of psychology including biological, cognitive/affective, cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, and psychodynamic psychology in their writing, case conceptualization, and critical readings of research. Students also understand the historical and philosophical context of psychology.

Goal #3: The preparation of master’s-level practitioners of psychology who are able to address the needs, values, and experiences of people from diverse, marginalized, or underserved subpopulations during relevant courses and practica by recognizing and distinguishing between such subpopulations, differentiating their experiences, and prioritizing their needs.

Objective 3.1: Students demonstrate the necessary knowledge and skills for working with diverse clients (broadly defined to include issues related to gender, age, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, national origin, religion, physical ability, and social-economic status) in both course work and at training sites.

Objective 3.2: Students demonstrate an appreciation for the impact of cultural diversity on assessment methods and therapeutic interventions used with their clients in coursework, CCEs, and at training sites.

Goal #4: The preparation of master’s-level practitioners of psychology who are able to evaluate and use the existing and evolving body of knowledge and methods in the practice and science of psychology to enhance applications of psychology.

Objective 4.1: Students demonstrate the ability to critique, draw conclusions from, and apply this body of knowledge and methods when investigating clinical phenomena and in the practice and science of psychology.

Objective 5.2: Students know how to critically evaluate the existing theoretical and research literature in psychology to enhance applications of psychology.

Eligibility for Licensure

The MA in Clinical Psychology degree program curriculum’s focus is preparation for the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program and not for independent practice. The MA in Clinical Psychology degree program is not license‐eligible in the state of Hawai’i.

Professional Standards and Principles

The Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University has a strong commitment to developing clinical practitioners who demonstrate high levels of professionalism and clinical skill. Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University programs are designed to be rigorous and demanding; they require that students continually apply themselves to all aspects of their preparation over an extended period of time.

It is a fundamental requirement of the Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University that all students meet the standards of the psychology profession. As an expression of these standards, the Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University requires adherence to the principles of the current American Psychological Association (APA) Ethics Code. Not only will students be required to complete academic and clinical requirements, but they will also be expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the profession of psychology at all times. Professional conduct includes respectful interpersonal relationships with all individuals. Demanding, threatening, or rude behavior is inconsistent with the identity of a professional psychologist.

Any activity that appears to violate the school’s principles of professional standards in the course of the student’s education or training will be reviewed carefully by the appropriate faculty committee.

Foundation Courses

The Hawaii School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University requires applicants to successfully complete, with a “C” or better, five undergraduate courses that serve as a basic foundation for course work in clinical psychology. Several of these courses serve as direct prerequisites to the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology courses. The following three courses are required:

*Introduction to psychology or general psychology
Abnormal, psychopathology, or maladaptive behavior
Statistics or research methods

Two additional courses in field of psychology must also be completed.

Students must complete foundation courses before they matriculate in the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program

* This course may be waived if the applicant has completed a Bachelors or Masters degree in Psychology.

Enrollment Requirements

Students must successfully pass each of the undergraduate foundation courses prior to matriculation into the program. There are no exceptions to this policy. To assist students seeking to fulfill this requirement, Argosy University, Hawai’i offers courses in a number of these subject areas. Given sufficient interest, some of the foundation courses may be offered during the summer semester. In addition, some of the foundation courses may be available online.

Additional Requirements for Academic Progress

Students must make satisfactory progress toward a degree by maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0, and completing the program within five years after matriculation. Students who have temporarily withdrawn from Argosy University will have 15 semesters (five years) plus the length of time that they were not enrolled (not to exceed three semesters) to complete the program.

Students who receive a grade lower than “B-” in a course must repeat the course within twelve months and receive a grade of “B-” or higher.

Full-time students must complete a minimum amount of academic work by the end of each year in the program following matriculation to demonstrate satisfactory progress.

The suggested incremental time frame completion rates are as follows:

Suggested Incremental Time Frame Completion Rates
End of Year One	32 credit hours
End of Year Two	50 credit hours

Graduation Requirements

Students who are admitted into the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program will be responsible for completing the program requirements that are in effect at the time of their admission. The school retains the right to modify these requirements in accordance with the demands of the profession of psychology. The courses will be completed in the order recommended by the Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University.

To be eligible for graduation, students must meet the following requirements:

50 credit hours that must be completed by the end of the fifth year of matriculation. The total credit hours must include:
- 42 credit hours of required courses completed with a grade of “B-” or better.
- 2 credit hours of Master’s Integrative Paper
- 6 credit hours (one academic year) of Intervention Practicum and Seminar.
Satisfactory completion of Integrative Paper
A grade point average of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
Successful completion of the Intervention Practicum and Seminar Clinical Competency Evaluation (CCE).
Completed Petition to Graduate submitted to campus administration

Students enrolled in the master’s degree program are required to complete all graduation requirements within five years of the date of matriculation.

Petition to Graduate

Argosy University, Hawai’i holds a commencement ceremony semiannually. All students who desire to graduate, even those who do not intend to participate in the annual commencement ceremonies, must submit the appropriate graduation forms and fees to the Student Services Department 8 weeks prior to the date of commencement. Students must complete all graduation requirements including submission and approval of the Master’s Integrative Paper 8 weeks prior to commencement.

Although commencement is held semiannually, students who complete graduation requirements at other times during the year will be recognized as a graduated student and receive a letter of completion.

Writing Program

Argosy University, Hawai’i may offer Graduate Academic Writing (W5099 ) or ESL Writing Skills (W5098 ) as a non-credit course for students who demonstrate a need to develop their writing skills. Students may enroll in this course on a voluntary basis. Students who receive written referrals for more than one semester, by one or more faculty members as needing assistance with writing, will be required to take this course. The standard method for faculty members to indicate this need is by notification on the student’s grade sheet and/or Writing Referral Form at the end of each semester.

Program Requirements

Students enrolled in the MA in Clinical Psychology degree program at the Hawai`i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University are required to satisfactorily complete 50 credit hours distributed as follows: clinical knowledge requirements, 6 credit hours; professional issues and roles requirements, 5 credit hours; psychological assessment requirements, 9 credit hours; psychological intervention requirements, 9 credit hours; psychology foundation requirements, 9 credit hours; science and scholarship requirements, 6 credit hours; and clinical practicum requirements, 6 credit hours.

Clinical Knowledge Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

Clinical Knowledge Requirements — 6 Credit Hours

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

Professional Issues and Roles Requirements — 5 Credit Hours

Psychological Assessment Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

Psychological Assessment Requirements — 9 Credit Hours

Psychological Intervention Requirements — Students Choose 3 of the Following

Psychological Intervention Requirements — 9 Credit Hours

Psychology Foundation Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

Psychology Foundation Requirements — 9 Credit Hours

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

Science and Scholarship Requirements — 6 Credit Hours

Clinical Practicum Requirements — Students Are Required to Take the Following

Clinical Practicum Requirements — 6 Credit Hours

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 as one course. The practicum/seminar carries a total of 3 credit hours per semester, and therefore 6 credit hours per academic year. Practicum usually begins 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. All students enrolled in practicum must be concurrently enrolled in a practicum seminar class that meets weekly throughout the academic year (Fall, Spring, and Summer I).

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 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.

In cases of non-academic training difficulties, the student may be referred to the Student Professional Development Committee for development of a remediation plan. The student may also be removed from practicum.

The goal of 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 bases, clinical skills, professional attitudes and behaviors, and ethics and values.

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 (PP7365 ) course during the fall semester of the first year. The second CEC takes place in conjunction with the Master’s Intervention Practicum and Seminar during the summer I semester of the year in which the student is enrolled in the Master’s Intervention Practicum and Seminar.

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 Student Professional Development Committee 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 Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University 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 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 1-credit hour course in the spring semester 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 for two 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 credit hours 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

The Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University recognizes the responsibility of institutions in 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, and are not 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 the Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University 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 Dean and to provide evidence of appropriate 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.

Course/Credit Transfer

Transfer of Courses/Credit from other Institutions

The Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University 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 has 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 the Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University.
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 hour course must carry 3 or more graduate credit hours.
A student must have earned a grade of “B” or better in any course submitted for transfer credit hours.
A maximum of 5 courses (15 credit hours) may be transferred towards the master’s program in psychology.

Argosy University does not accept any credit hours earned as military credit, credit hours by examination, credit hours by correspondence, credit hours for life experience, or graduate credit hours 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.

Students who wish to transfer PP7370 - Cognitive Assessment and PP7371 - Objective Personality Assessment will complete the above-mentioned 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 can answer general questions about the transfer examination procedure, and will direct specific questions to the faculty members who administer the examination.

Non-Transferrable Courses

The following is a list of master’s courses that will not be transferred into the Clinical Psychology program at the Hawai`i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University:

Transfer of Courses/Credit from another Argosy University Campus

If internal students transfer within the Argosy University system, approved transfers are granted 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, the Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University will review for approval or denial. Credit transfers are only accepted if the course being transferred is a requirement of the degree program at the Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University.

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 (MA) 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 MA in Clinical Psychology degree program to PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program.