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Kebeh Sando MA '19

Psychology: Clinical
MA

The Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology is a 3-year program directed at meeting the requirements for licensure as a Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Massachusetts. Students are accepted for fall admittance, and they form a cohort that takes all of its courses together for the next 3 years.

This small and intimate group experience allows students individual face-to-face attention by faculty and promotes substantial growth in clinical and academic expertise. Students are required to enroll in both academic and applied courses including a practicum and an internship.

Although the curriculum provides a broad exposure to a variety of therapy modalities, the emphasis is on training in a behavioral perspective.

  • develop a background in applied research and to train problem-solving skills
  • be exposed to a variety of therapy modalities
  • gain extensive experiential learning opportunities, practica, internships, and intensive supervision
  • be prepared for licensure as certified Mental Health Counselors in the state of Massachusetts

M.A. in Psychology students may also choose concentrations in

Student success

MA in clinical psychology mean starting salary

NACE Data Collection of Class of 2022 Graduate Alumni
Kebeh Sando - Student Speaker - Commencement - 2019

Student spotlight

Kebeh Sando MA '19

Clinical therapist dedicated to improving the lives of others

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 statistics or research 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.

Application dates

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.

Learn more about assistantships at UMass Dartmouth

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about the Psychology: Clinical MA program? Below are 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.