Penn State Erie to offer master's in clinical psychology

Students will also partake in 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of supervised internship experience
Students will also partake in 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of supervised internship experience | Contributed photo

Clinical psychology is the newest master's degree offering from Penn State Erie, the Behrend College, with the first students beginning to earn the 48 credits toward their degrees in August.

Students will also partake in 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of supervised internship experience prior to receiving their degree. Hopefuls must also submit a master’s research paper and can add a 12-credit certificate to be licensed for their own practice. The licensure is valid in several states, including Pennsylvania.

Prerequisites include achieving a 3.0 GPA or higher in the completion of a bachelor’s degree with previous collegiate work in psychological research and statistics.

Upon finishing the program, as well as the graduate certificate for a license, students will be prepared to further their education at the doctoral level. They will also be able to open their own practice or immediately join one of several professional settings, including nonprofit agencies, schools, counseling centers, hospitals and prisons, program coordinator Melanie Hetzel-Riggin said.

The college already offers master’s degree programs in business administration, professional accounting, manufacturing management, and project management.