The clinical psychology program at the University of Nevada, Reno has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1972 and is a charter member of the Academy of Clinical Science.
The program uses a clinical science model, which means that training in the research and science of clinical psychology is a centerpiece of our program. Prospective students are matched with research mentors from the beginning of their first year in the program.
Masters Degree:
The clinical psychology program is a terminal doctoral program; this master’s program only admits students who are enrolled in the PhD program in clinical psychology. Thus, the master’s degree earned en-route to our doctoral program is not intended to be a terminal degree, and is not designed to meet requirements for licensure for clinical practice at the master’s level. However, the recognition provided by a master’s degree represents the achievements of students who have reached a mid-point in our program in both academics/didactics and research. To earn this recognition: (1) they must have completed at least 30 hours of graduate credits toward their PhD in clinical psychology, and (2) they must have completed a thesis or pre-doctoral research project.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
The program emphasizes creative research and applications of psychological principles to a broad range of applied problems. The program´s scholars, faculty and students alike, make significant contributions in the areas of research methodology, treatment development, outcomes research, program development, program evaluation, training, supervision, technology transfer, basic behavioral research, and philosophy of science. The program values these behaviors regardless of the setting in which they occur.
The program includes:
A. Applied research experience
The program requires that a thesis or predoctoral research project be completed. Collaborative research projects with faculty are encouraged. (1) For the predoctoral research paper option, the final paper must be approved by two independent readers. (2) For the thesis option, the thesis must be approved by a committee and filed with the graduate school, consistent graduate school requirements. More details for the thesis are available here.
B. Didactic training in any or all of the following areas, which are all applicable to the doctoral degree in clinical psychology (30 credit minimum for the master’s degree):
Training in basic psychology
Research training
Didactic training in clinical psychology
Practicum training
The master’s degree represents progress toward the following goals, which are consistent with the over-arching goals of the clinical psychology PhD program:
Goal #1: Graduates will demonstrate a thorough grounding in research, scholarly activities and skills to develop and utilize scientific knowledge
Objectives for Goal #1:
A. Students value scientific evidence as a primary way of learning.
B. Students will participate in research throughout their training.
C. Students will demonstrate scholarship in their activities in the program
D. Students will become competent in the basic tools of clinical science and reasoning.
Goal #2: Graduates will have a well-developed repertoire of professional competencies and applied skills based on empirically-supported treatments and principle-based knowledge for entry into the practice of professional psychology
Objectives for Goal #2:
A. Students will be proficient at psychological assessment and case conceptualization.
B. Students will be proficient in knowledge of ethical principles of professional psychology.
C. Students will be proficient in empirically-supported and principle-based treatments.
D. Students will be prepared for internships accredited by the American Psychological Association. (Students must complete an internship as a part of the PhD program, but not the master’s degree.)
Goal #3: Students conduct themselves in accordance with APA and federal ethical standards in clinical and research activities:
Objectives for Goal #3:
A. Students will develop clinical behaviors consistent with current APA ethical standards
B. Students will conduct research consistent with institutional standards.
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