Applied/Clinical Program

The Applied/Clinical Psychology Program

Program Coordinators: Dr. Karin Tochkov and Dr. Chuck Keenan

Applied Psychology Student Handbook

Welcome to the Applied Psychology Program at Texas A&M - Commerce

The masters program in Applied/Clinical psychology at Texas A&M Commerce has prepared students for careers in psychology since 1962. Our graduates can be found in clinical, organizational, and teaching settings all over Texas, the nation and around the world. The required course work prepares students for licensure as psychological associates as defined by the state of Texas. Our student's skills are enhanced through hands on training in our Community Psychology Clinic which serves individuals, schools, police departments and other community businesses and agencies. Research opportunities are available with faculty in many areas including behavioral health, geriatrics, child development, ethics and cultural diversity. We are accredited by The Masters in Psychology Accreditation Council.

Admission Requirements

Currently, applications are reviewed in early May, September and December. Applicants are notified in writing of their status after the application review.
Application to the degree program is a two step process. First, students should apply for admission to the Graduate School by completing the application form. On this form, you should indicate you are applying for the MA program in Psychology (CED.MS.PSY). Upon receiving your application, the Graduate School will send you information for completing your application (transcripts, GRE scores, recommendations, goal statement). After all your application materials have been received by the Graduate School, your application will be forwarded to the department for review by faculty. For students that have completed prior graduate coursework in psychology at another university, it is possible to transfer a maximum of 12 hours into the degree program, provided that they were taken within the time frame outlined by the Graduate School. Only courses that closely match a corresponding course as judged by the faculty will be considered for transfer credit.

The following information is required or recommended either by the Graduate School or the Department for consideration of admission:

1) Resume or vita
Although prior employment is not a requirement for application, attention will be given to successful employment experience, particularly in fields related to the degree program, such as general education, special education, and psychological services. We will also consider volunteer experience, extra curricular activities and personal achievements in research.

2) Transcripts, including undergraduate and graduate GPA and all completed coursework
Applicants are not required to have completed an undergraduate or graduate major in psychology, nor is any prerequisite graduate coursework required for admission. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is desirable, as is a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5 or above.

3) GRE (verbal, quantitative)
There is no cut-off or minimum score. However, a Verbal score of 450 or above, and a Quantitative score of 450 or above is desirable. Scores must be sent directly to the Graduate School from ETS.

4) Letters of recommendation
Per Graduate School requirements, letters may be free-form or completed on standard forms supplied by the graduate school. Letters should be completed by individuals who know the employment capabilities of the applicant.

Coursework

Coursework for the applied/clinical psychology program at Texas A&M Commerce is designed to qualify you for licensure as a psychological associate in the state of Texas. Classes are offered in Commerce, at our metroplex center in Mesquite and on line. Not all courses are offered in all three locations. Most graduate classes are offered after 4:00 in the afternoon.

PSY 502. Theories of Personality.
PSY 503. Abnormal Psychology and Developmental Psychopathology.
PSY 508. Theory and Techniques of Applied Psychology.
PSY 515. Neuromechanisms/Biological Bases of Behavior.
PSY 518. Thesis.
PSY 527. Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior.
PSY 535. Applied Behavior Analysis.
PSY 545. Developmental Psychology.
PSY 572. Psychological Assessment and Measurement.
PSY 573. Intellectual Assessment I.
PSY 575. Personality Assessment II.
PSY 594. Professional Issues in Psychology.
PSY 612. Psychological and Educational Statistics.
PSY 620. Human Learning and Cognition.
PSY 635. Advanced Behavioral Assessment and Intervention.
PSY 691. Practicum in Psychology.
SPED 595. Research Literature and Techniques.
COUN 510. Counseling Theories and Techniques.
COUN 528. Group Procedures.

Student Life

The Applied/Clinical psychology program at Texas A&M is a small program in which students get to know one another and the faculty well. The program provides a pleasant learning community and supportive environment for education. The department has regular social gatherings for graduate students and faculty. Students are encouraged to join faculty in their research or pursue research interests of their own. There are opportunities to travel and present research at area and national conferences. Visiting faculty and professional present their research and clinical findings for graduate students and faculty during colloquia several times a year.

American Psychological Association
Students are encouraged to join The American Psychological Association (APA). APA is a national organization representing all of the disciplines of psychology (e.g. clinical, school, counseling, etc.). Student affiliate membership is less expensive than professional membership and strongly recommended. For more information, refer to their website.