Master of Science in
Psychology
Clinical Track
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Psychology Department at Missouri State University offers a Master of Science degree in Psychology
with an emphasis in clinical psychology. The two year program is designed for 16-18 full-time students (8-9
students per year) and is taught by a core faculty of seven clinical psychologists in a department with over 25 fulltime faculty members. Faculty members in the program have been recipients of university and college awards for
excellence in teaching and research. Adopting the scientist-practitioner model, the clinical track is designed to
develop research skills and general knowledge of clinical content areas. The purpose of the clinical track is to
develop in students the ability to make basic diagnostic decisions, administer psychological tests, and perform
basic counseling. Graduates would be qualified to enter a variety of positions that require basic clinical skills. The
program will meet Missouri requirements for course work and practicum for Licensed Professional Counselor.
Additional requirements would be completed after graduation as required by Missouri State Code. Objectives of
the Clinical Psychology Track include:
1.
The development of skills in the administration of psychological tests, including intelligence and
personality tests.
2.
The development of basic skills in the diagnosis of psychological disorders.
3.
The development of a knowledge of therapy and counseling theories and a practical
understanding of the application of these theories.
4.
The development of effective communication skills, especially interviewing and report writing.
5.
The skills and background in psychology to facilitate growth as a professional
scientist/practitioner.
Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the
dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict nondiscrimination policy regarding the
treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In addition, in accord with federal law and applicable
Missouri statues, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in any program of activity offered or sponsored by
the University. The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any
person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Inquiries concerning the grievance procedure, Affirmative Action
Program, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines should be addressed to H. Wes Pratt, Equal
Opportunity Officer, Equity & Diversity Office, 111 Park Central Office Building, 901 South National Avenue,
Springfield, Missouri 65897, (417) 836-4252.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applications are accepted for the fall semester only. Admission to our Master’s program is very competitive
and decisions regarding acceptances will begin on March 1. Hence, the application Deadline is February 15th.
All application materials, including recommendation letters, should be submitted by February 15th.
All applicants must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have a minimum
cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.25 in the major. Course work in basic statistics and laboratory research
methods is required. Course work in the areas of statistics, experimental psychology, abnormal psychology,
psychological testing, and clinical psychology are recommended. Students lacking required courses may be
considered for admission, but will be expected to complete deficits without graduate credit being awarded for
those courses.
The following Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are recommended as minimum scores for
consideration of applicants: A Verbal Reasoning score of 151 or higher, a Quantitative Reasoning score of 142 or
higher, and an Analytical Writing Score of 3.5. (See page 5 of the Clinical Handbook for details of scores for
recent students). Applicants will not be considered until GRE scores are received. Applicants not meeting all
required criteria may be considered for admission to the program based upon compensating factors.
Applicants are required to complete the Graduate College application form which must be accompanied
by a $35.00 fee. Apply online. Applicants must also complete the Psychology Department application form. In
addition, three letters of recommendation and official undergraduate transcripts are required.
In making admission decisions, the faculty considers evidence of academic and professional potential and
the availability of departmental resources to meet the needs of the student.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
A total of 47 semester credit hours are required for graduation. Students are required to enroll on a fulltime basis (12 graduate hours per semester). Any exceptions would have to be approved by the clinical faculty. As
few required courses will be offered nights or weekends, and because practicum, internship, and thesis research
generally require time blocks, it is required that the students be available during the day. Students are able to
complete few degree requirements on a part-time or evening basis. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of
at least 3.25, show satisfactory progress toward completion of degree requirements, and correct any unsatisfactory
performance. If deficiencies are not removed during the succeeding semester, the student may be terminated from
the program. See the Psychology section of the Graduate Catalog and the Clinical Handbook for details.
CLINICAL FACULTY
Steven C. Capps, Assistant Professor
B.A. 1988, University of Texas at Dallas; M.A., 1991 Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; Ph.D. 1995, Ball State
University; Missouri State University 1996.
Undergraduate Teaching: Introductory Psychology
Graduate Teaching: Dementia
Special Interests and Skills: Neuropsychology, dementia, cognitive rehabilitation, domestic violence, alcoholism,
psychopharmacology.
Specific Topics Interested in Directing Students' Research: Alcoholism, children of alcoholics, domestic violence, child
sexual abuse.
Timothy K. Daugherty, Professor
Head, Department of Psychology
B.A. 1985, University of Notre Dame;
Ph.D. 1991, University of Miami; Missouri State University 2011
Special Interests: PTSD, child and adolescent psychopathology, family functioning
Wm. Paul Deal, Associate Professor
B.S. 1990, University of Tulsa; M.A. 1995, University of Mississippi; Ph.D. 1998, University of Mississippi; Missouri State
University 2005.
Undergraduate teaching: Abnormal Psychology; Child Development;
Graduate Teaching: Intelligence Testing
Special Interests and Skills: Psychological Assessment; Forensic Issues
Matthew N. Fanetti, Professor B.A,
1990, University of Missouri-Columbia; M.A. 1997 University of Nevada, Reno; Ph.D. 1999 University of
Nevada, Reno. Missouri State University 1999
Undergraduate Teaching: Introduction to Psychology, Child Development
Graduate Teaching: Behavior Modification; Behavior Disorders of Childhood
Special Interests and Skills: Mechanisms of memory involved in child assessment; forensic issues of child sexual abuse
assessment.
Danae Hudson, Associate Professor
B.A. 1997, Simon Fraser University; M.A. 2001, Louisiana State University; Ph.D. 2003, Louisiana State University;
Missouri State University 2003.
Teaching Interests: Abnormal Psychology, Health Psychology, Personality Theory, Clinical Psychology.
Research Interests: Motivation and Readiness for Change in Health Psychology, Eating Disorders and Obesity, Sleep
Disorders.
David J. Lutz, Professor
B.A. 1975, University of Kansas; M.A. 1978, University of Kansas; Ph.D. 1980 University of Kansas; Missouri State
University 1987.
Undergraduate Teaching: Clinical Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Personality.
Graduate Teaching: Ethical and Professional Issues; Techniques of Individual Psycho-therapy; Psychopathology.
Specials Interests and Skills: Professional and ethical issues, bipolar disorder, substance abuse screening
Ann Branstetter-Rost, Associate Professor
Assistant Department Head
B.S. 1993, Missouri State University; M.S., 1995, North Dakota State; Ph.D., 2001, University of Kansas.
Teaching: Introductory, Abnormal, Health
Research Interests: Treatment outcome in psycho-oncology; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Relational Frame
Theory; Adherence to medical regimen.
Brooke Whisenhunt, Associate Professor
B.A.1997 University of Arkansas; M.S.2000 Louisiana State University; Ph.D.2002 Louisiana State University
Missouri State University 2002
Undergraduate Teaching: Abnormal Psychology
Graduate teaching: Psychological Assessment, Intelligence Testing
Special Interests and Skills: Assessment in eating disorders and obesity, female body image, socio-cultural pressures for
thinness, eating disorders in athletes
Program Facts -Figures
The program has been in existence since Fall 1992. We typically receive about 150 completed
applications annually, and make acceptance offers to 13-17 of those applicants, resulting in a class of 89 students each year. Typically 7-8 students graduate each year. These graduates have gone on to
doctoral programs and/or are employed in the field as psychometricians and therapists. The average
undergraduate GPAs and GRE scores for the past several years can be found on page 5 of the Clinical
Handbook.
-------------------------------------------------FOR MORE INFORMATION, APPLICATION FORMS OR GRADUATE CATALOGS
contact:
Missouri State University
Department of Psychology
Clinical Track Coordinator
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-4790
Missouri State University
Graduate College
Carrington Hall Room 306
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-5335
-------------------------------------------------APPLICATION CHECK LIST
Materials Sent to Missouri State University Graduate College
_______Graduate College Application
_______$35.00 Graduate College application fee
_______GRE scores (Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical)
_______Official College transcript(s)
Materials Completed Online at the Psychology Department Page
_______Clinical Departmental Application form
_______Three references for recommendation (emails will be sent to your recommenders once you
complete the online application).
Admission to the Graduate Program in Psychology
Missouri State University
In order to apply for admission to the Master of Science Degree in the Department of Psychology, a student should complete
the procedures listed below:
1. The student must be admitted by the Graduate College to the graduate school at Missouri State University. The
requirements and application forms are found at the back of the Graduate Catalog. Please note that being admitted to graduate
study at Missouri State University is not equivalent to being admitted to the graduate program in the Department of
Psychology. To enter the Master's program in Psychology, a student must apply to the Psychology graduate program as well
as to the Graduate College. The total process is outlined in subsequent steps.
2. Transcripts should be sent to the Missouri State University Office of Admissions, Carrington Hall.
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores should be sent to the Graduate College.
4. The student must also submit a completed Application for Admission Form (online) to the Department of
Psychology. This application form includes the request that the applicant provides a clear statement of career goals and a
description of experience in research, community activities, classroom activities, and/or non-classroom activities that are
relevant to psychology.
5. Provide at least three email addresses for your references in the online application. At least two of these forms should be
completed by college-level teachers who are well acquainted with your academic achievements. They will be sent an email to
complete the recommendation for you.
6. International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. This requirement can be satisfied by
submitted proof of a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550.
7. If a non-degree seeking graduate student at Missouri State University wishes to become a degree-seeking graduate student
in the Department of Psychology, the student must file a Change of Program at the Graduate College and must be accepted
through the regular application process by the Psychology Department. No more than nine (9) credits of graduate coursework
may be earned as a non-degree-seeking graduate student and counted toward a graduate degree.
All departmental materials will be completed online. Applicant files are due by February 15 as admission decisions will
begin about March 1.
The Psychology Department will review the material that is submitted and will make decisions on the basis of the
Application Form, the Recommendation Forms, the courses taken, the GPA, and the GRE scores. Admission will be granted
to qualified students beginning with the highest rankings until all openings in the program have been filled.
Applicants for admission to the program should meet the following minimal criteria:
1. Completion of a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate program;
2. Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate work and 3.25 in major field;
3. A 3.25 in all Psychology coursework and at least twenty (20) semester hours or thirty (30) quarter hours of
Psychology, including coursework in statistics and research methods;
4. The following Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are recommended: A Verbal Reasoning Score of 151 or
higher, a Quantitative Reasoning Score of 142 or higher, and an Analytical Writing score of 3.5 or higher. A
student who does not meet every requirement listed above may be considered for admission on the basis of
individual merit and may be accepted on a probationary status.
The University takes affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in all personnel-related activities administered by the institution.
January 2013