FAQ: MS in Psychology
1. What is the difference between the Counselor Education: Mental Health
Counseling degree and the MS in Clinical Psychology degree?
a. Both programs prepare the student for licensure as mental health
counselor at the Master’s level in the State of Washington. The Mental
Health Counseling program is CACREP accredited while the MS in
Clinical Psychology is not. Many of our clinical students plan to
become licensed psychologists and complete a doctoral program in
psychology. Students wishing to get licensed at the Master’s level in
states other than Washington will have to take supplementary course
work depending on State requirements.
2. Can I get conditional acceptance to the program if I don’t have my GRE scores
yet?
a. No, you must have the GRE scores in by the deadline for your
application to be considered.
3. Do I have to have an undergraduate degree in psychology to apply to the
program?
a. Not necessarily. We may require you to take some core psychology
courses if they are not reflected on your transcript. Core classes could
include Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, Research
Methodology, Statistics and Developmental Psychology. We may offer
admission contingent on completing those courses.
4. Do I have to complete a thesis or research project to graduate?
a. Yes. Independent research is a requirement for graduation. Many of
our students go on to a doctoral program. The Master’s thesis
typically would satisfy the thesis requirement for a doctoral program.
5. How long is the clinical internship?
a. The clinical internship is typically 12 months. Most students are
involved in their internship from the summer between their first and
second year through the second year. At a minimum, students must be
at their site for 600 hours with 240 hours of direct service.
6. Can I complete the degree online?
a. No. Some classes are available on line but the majority of them are on
campus. You must be a resident student.
7. Can I do the program part time?
a. Generally, we expect students to attend full time. You have a total of 6
years to complete the program from the day of admission. Under
special circumstances students can reduce their academic load and
extend their graduation date. However, it must be completed within
the 6-year time frame.
8. What can I do with a Master’s in experimental psychology?
a. Job opportunities for students with a Master’s in experimental
psychology are limited. Most of our experimental students apply to a
doctoral program following completion of their Master’s degree.
9. How many students are admitted each year and how many applicants do you
get?
a. We admit a total 10-15 students per year to either the Clinical or
Experimental track. In 2015 we admitted 9 Clinical students and 3
Experimental students. We typically have 75-100 applicants.
10. Do you offer teaching or research assistantships or other financial support
for students?
a. We offer 3-4 Graduate Student Assistantships (GSAs) per year. GSAs
require 20 hours of work per week. Additionally, out of state students
can apply for non-resident tuition scholarships (NRTS) which reduces
their tuition rates.
b. http://www.ewu.edu/grad/assistantships-and-tuitionwaivers/graduate-assistantships
c. http://www.ewu.edu/grad/assistantships-and-tuition-waivers/nrtswaivers
11. Once I graduate with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology can I get licensed right
away?
a. After graduating with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology you can apply
for a license as a Mental Health Counselor Associate (MHCA).
http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/Professions
NewReneworUpdate/MentalHealthCounselor/LicenseRequirements#
MHCA This license requires that you receive supervision from an
approved licensed mental health counselor for 36 months or 3000
hours before you can become licensed as a Mental Health Counselor
(LMHC). To practice independently (i.e. without supervision) you
must be an LMHC.
http://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/Professions
NewReneworUpdate/MentalHealthCounselor/LicenseRequirements