Clinical Psychopharmacology MS

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology program provides psychologists with a comprehensive understanding of psychopharmacology, including its basic science foundation, legal and ethical considerations, and treatment applications for various mental disorders. Through online coursework, discussions, and a supervised clinical practicum, graduates gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prescribe medications in settings where psychologists have prescribing authority.

Program Outline

Outline:

• The Master of Science in clinical psychopharmacology (MSCP) program consists of a series of 10 courses specifically designed and developed for psychologists seeking to expand their knowledge of psychopharmacology.
• A sequence of core courses provides the basic science foundation and knowledge base in pathophysiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology for clinical applications.
• A professional issues course addresses the legal and ethical considerations and related standard of care topics.
• The didactic program concludes with a series of treatment courses addressing specific categories of mental disorders and the related psychopharmacological issues.
• These courses provide psychologists with important knowledge of the treatment of mental disorders with medication.
• A clinical practicum elective is available for those practitioners who desire to practice the management of psychopharmacotherapy in a supervised clinical experience.

Assessment:

• To verify mastery of the material, there is an online Qualifying Exam offered upon completion of coursework.
• The Qualifying Exam is offered twice yearly and has no additional cost.
• Upon passage of the Qualifying Exam, the student is ready to begin the supervised clinical experience.

Teaching:

• In addition to required readings and videotaped lectures, students participate in online discussions and weekly chats.
• These chats represent the only weekly requirement that is scheduled; all other activities occur at the convenience of the participant.
• The didactic portion of the program is divided into five, 15-week semesters.
• Two courses are completed each semester.
• Courses run sequentially to allow participants to focus on one topic at a time.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program are currently prescribing in all settings where psychologists have achieved this authority, including Guam, Louisiana, New Mexico, Illinois, Iowa, Idaho, the Indian Health Service, the Public Health Service, and various branches of the United States military.