M.A. in Clinical Psychology: What It Is and How It Can Advance Your Career

National Louis University's M.A. in Clinical Psychology program, offered by the Florida School of Professional Psychology (FSPP) in the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, provides students with foundational clinical skills to meet the mental health needs of diverse client populations. The M.A. in Clinical Psychology program is designed to be the master's-level entry point into clinical mental health practice, as opposed to a doctoral clinical psychology program (a Psy.D. or Ph.D.).

What Is an M.A. in Clinical Psychology?

After reviewing the material provided on the M.A. in Clinical Psychology (Florida), I found that a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology is a graduate degree that introduces students to basic clinical skills for serving the mental health needs of diverse client populations. This program is typically a master's-level entry point into clinical mental health practice.

National Louis University's Florida School of Professional Psychology (FSPP) is a professional school within the National Louis University College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences. The M.A. in Clinical Psychology program is offered within this school using a practitioner-scholar model of training, similar to that used in other FSPP clinical programs. This model trains students to become psychologists and other mental health professionals who can provide a variety of psychological services to clients in need, in a scientifically grounded, theoretically informed, and culturally sensitive manner. The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology (Florida) program is also located within FSPP.

Why Pursue an M.A. in Clinical Psychology?

There are many reasons that a person would decide to pursue an M.A. in Clinical Psychology. Many individuals want to start practicing in the mental health field as soon as possible. A Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology is a faster, less expensive way to start practicing in the mental health field than a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Some students pursue a master's degree in clinical psychology to explore the field. This is because they are not yet sure if they want to spend the time to get a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. A master's degree gives them clinical skills and insight into clients' needs. After that, they may decide whether to pursue a doctoral degree, depending on how much they like the field of clinical psychology.

Key Questions About This Degree

First, licensure as a psychologist generally requires a doctoral degree (a Psy.D. or Ph.D.). A master's-level clinical psychology degree generally focuses on licensure as a mental health counselor or a similar role.

To become a licensed psychologist in most states, you must complete a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, either a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. In contrast, the M.A. degree in Clinical Psychology you receive from National Louis University (NLU) after completing the program leads to mental health counselor licensure. This master's-level clinical license allows holders to practice clinical psychology with some limitations compared to a fully licensed psychologist.

What's the difference between this degree and NLU's Psy. D. program?

Another factor to consider when deciding between these two options is the time, effort, and financial resources you are willing to invest in your studies. While an M.A. in Clinical Psychology is a quick way to earn a degree that qualifies its holder to apply for mental health counselor licensure, a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is often considered a better option in terms of a licensed psychologist's scope of practice and compensation.

What kind of clinical training does the program include?

Most Clinical Psychology programs follow a "practitioner-scholar" model, which includes classroom instruction in clinical theory and technique, as well as a practicum or internship where students receive supervised clinical experience with a variety of clients.

Can I continue to a doctorate after completing this degree?

Yes, many students who earn a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology continue to earn a Doctoral degree, either at the same university as their Master's degree or at another university, using the classroom and clinical training they received during their Master's degree program. The Florida School of Professional Psychology, where NLU's College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences is located, is also home to NLU's Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology (Florida).

Career Outcomes

A master's degree holder in clinical psychology, with required additional licensure, can practice as a mental health counselor or clinician in a variety of clinical and mental health service-delivering settings. In addition to practicing in private practice, community mental health centers, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and substance abuse treatment programs, graduates of clinical psychology programs can work in a wide variety of specialty settings and gain experience in research, teaching, and assessment. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are expected to experience much faster than average employment growth over the decade as the need for a wide variety of mental health services continues to grow. Current projections and wage information are available in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.

After completing their Master's degree, students who choose to pursue a doctorate will have a wider range of career options. They can work as fully licensed psychologists in clinical, research, school, counseling, and community settings. They can also teach at colleges and universities and work in a variety of health care and research settings.

M.A. in Clinical Psychology at National Louis University

The Florida School of Professional Psychology (FSPP) at National Louis University (NLU) offers an M.A. in Clinical Psychology. It is a practitioner-scholar model. The practitioner-scholar model prepares students to meet the mental health needs of a diverse client base in psychological services. In addition to the M.A. in Clinical Psychology, FSPP also offers NLU's Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology (Florida) program.