College of Arts and Sciences
Clinical Psychology MA
Diagnose and treat patients as a licensed mental health counselor. Guide individuals and families through behavioral, mental, and substance abuse challenges.
Program details
- Degree
- Master of Arts
- Modality
- On-campus
- Total Credits
- 60
- Start term
- Fall More information about Graduate Admissions dates.
- Average salary for mental health counselors:
- $75,569 Average salary for mental health counselors. View career outcomes.
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Why study clinical psychology at UMass Dartmouth?
Become a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and work directly with individuals and families to diagnose and treat mental health disorders in a variety of settings. Help patients with a range of disorders such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse.
UMass Dartmouth's clinical psychology program provides students with an intimate and individualized learning experience. Faculty work with students in small cohorts to deliver a broad exposure to a variety of therapy modalities. Achieve your master's degree and your licensure in just three years.
Launch your career
Salary range: $75,569What can I do with a clinical psychology MA?
As an LMHC, you will help patients navigate mental health issues and emotional challenges. Graduates with an MA in clinical psychology work as counselors in:
- Mental health agencies
- Clinics
- Halfway houses
- Day programs
- Alternative schools
- Private practices
Curriculum
This program emphasizes behavior counseling training. Clinical psychology students will:
- Gain skills in variety of therapy modalities
- Obtain extensive experiential learning opportunities, practica, internships, and intensive supervision
- Prepare for licensure as a certified mental health counselor in the state of Massachusetts
- Conduct applied research
- Develop advanced problem-solving skills
You'll take courses like advanced psychopathology, behavioral medicine, human growth & development, evaluation techniques, and more.
Real-world experience
Clinical psychology MA students will take applied courses such as practicums and internships that provide extensive hands-on experience in the field.
Course descriptions and requirements
Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.
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Student spotlight
- Hometown
- Hamilton, NJ
- Program
- Clinical psychology
- Internship
- SouthCoast Geriatric Center, New Bedford Child & Family Services
- Employment
- Massachusetts Treatment Center
- Achievements
- Donald C. Howard Pillar of the Community
Research
As an R2 national research university, UMass Dartmouth is home to a robust research enterprise spanning disciplines and addressing complex challenges. Faculty and graduate students in the psychology department are conducting innovative research in many areas.
Areas of Research
- Cognitive psychology
- Emotional development
- Political psychology
- Nonverbal communication
- Friendships and relationships
- Health psychology
Admissions
Ready to take the next step? Start your application to UMass Dartmouth any time. Graduate admission requirements include university-wide requirements as well as additional requirements that may vary by program.
- Start term:
- Fall
- GRE:
- Not Required
- Assistantships:
- Available
Admissions Requirements
To apply please create an account in our Applicant Portal. You will need to submit:
- Application form
- $60 application fee (non-refundable)
- Statement of Purpose (minimum 300 words)
- Resume
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not)
- English Proficiency test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (see program requirements for more information)
- GRE/GMAT (not required for most programs, see program requirements for more information)
Unofficial transcripts and test scores are accepted for application review but official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration.
Program-specific requirements
Candidates must submit the required application materials, university requirements and program-specific requirements, for consideration.
The Psychology: Clinical program accepts students into the fall term only. This is a small competitive program with a priority application deadline of January 15. Applications continue to be reviewed, as space permits, until April 1. We encourage applications by January 15 and interviews occur during mid-February.
Successful candidates have the following qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a closely related field.
- A minimum undergraduate cumulative average of 2.75 on a 4.0 grading scale. Students not meeting this requirement but who otherwise give evidence of strong academic ability may be accepted.
- Completion of psychology courses in General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Statistics or Methods course.
- Some work experience related to the field of Psychology/Social Work.
In addition, this psychology option has specific admissions requirements:
- 3 letters of recommendation, one should be submitted from a present or former agency supervisor capable of addressing your clinical potential. Applicants will be required to provide the recommenders name and email address so we can contact the recommender for the letter of recommendation.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, while not required, will be considered if submitted.
- Final candidates will be required to attend a personal interview with the Admissions Committee. Interviews are held mid-February.
- Upon acceptance to the program, students are required to sign acknowledgments of the conditions of a Competency/Fitness and a Full Participation policy.
Graduate admissions FAQs
UMass Dartmouth offers competitive graduate assistantships and fellowships that may provide stipends and tuition credits. Assistantships are available in select programs and are awarded based on factors such as academic record, program needs, and available funding.
Graduate programs at UMass Dartmouth offer admission for fall, spring, and/or summer terms, depending on the program. Most programs offer fall admission, while some also admit students in the spring or summer. International students may apply for fall or spring admission only.
Yes. You may transfer up to 6 graduate credits from another institution toward a UMass Dartmouth graduate degree, with approval from the relevant department, dean, and Office of Graduate Studies. Transfer courses must be completed with a grade of B- or better. Credits already used toward another degree or certificate generally cannot also be applied toward a UMass Dartmouth graduate degree.
International graduate admissions FAQs
International applicants may need to provide proof of English proficiency and have academic credentials from institutions outside the United States evaluated. Additional requirements may vary by program.
UMass Dartmouth accepts several English proficiency exams, including the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and Pearson PTE Academic. Minimum scores may vary by program, so applicants should check their program's specific requirements.
International students who plan to study on campus in the United States generally need an F-1 student visa and an I-20 issued by UMass Dartmouth. Students enrolling in fully online programs generally do not need or qualify for an I-20. Visa requirements and eligibility depend on the student's program and enrollment format.
Yes. UMass Dartmouth accepts degrees from accredited institutions outside the United States. International academic credentials may need to be evaluated to determine their U.S. equivalency. Applicants should check their program's requirements for specific credential-evaluation instructions.
Accolades
UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.
Nationally Ranked Discovery Across Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences brings together nationally ranked programs, accomplished scholars, and research with measurable impact. Its faculty includes eight Fulbright Scholars and has secured more than $14 million in grants over three years, creating opportunities for students to learn through research, creative inquiry, and community engagement.
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Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Psychology—Clinical Psychology MA program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
UMass Dartmouth’s Clinical Psychology program combines rigorous academic preparation with extensive hands-on clinical experience. Students progress through the program as a small cohort, allowing for close interaction with faculty and peers. The curriculum includes practicum and internship experiences, intensive supervision, and exposure to multiple therapy modalities, with an emphasis on behavioral approaches.
Clinical experience is an integral part of the program. Students complete a practicum and internship and receive intensive supervision as they develop their clinical skills. The program provides exposure to a variety of therapy modalities while emphasizing a behavioral perspective, helping students connect academic learning with real-world clinical practice.
Yes, you will be qualified to obtain mental health counselor licensure upon completion of this program.
Licensing from the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Certified Mental Health Counselors requires the master’s degree to comprise of 60 credits. UMass Dartmouth's clinical psychology MA program is a 60 credit program.
With a clinical research MA, you will work directly with patients to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.
With a research psychology MS, you will complete data collection and analysis, laboratory research, and scientific publications.
When choosing which program to pursue, you should consider your professional strengths and if you want to work directly with patients.
Yes, each student must show proof of competence in research and its reporting to complete the program. Students can choose between a thesis project or comprehensive written and oral exams.
This program is designed for working professionals. All courses have start times in the middle/late afternoon to accommodate work schedules.
Yes, graduate students are eligible to join Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Psi Chi is the largest student psychology organization in the world, and is open to undergraduate and graduate psychology majors who meet the minimum GPA and course qualification. Learn more about Psi Chi.
A limited number of assistantships are available on a competitive basis. This award is subject to the work needs of the position and department, your satisfactory performance of duties, your academic record, and availability of funds, and may be subject to change.