Master of Science in Clinical Psychology Applied Research courses
Applied Research coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
- Capella sets the deadlines
- Weekly online interactions
- Learn on your time
- Online
Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 53
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Course requirements
- Core 4 courses
- Specialization 7 courses
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
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PSY5002
Core Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master's Psychology Learners
5 quarter credits
In this course, students acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Students identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the Master's degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master's-level psychology or counseling training. For MS in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
PSY6095
Specialization Course Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
5 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of foundational counseling and psychotherapy theories and research-based practice. Throughout the course, students examine various schools of therapeutic intervention; their underlying theoretical assumptions; and their historical, social, and ethical context, with an emphasis on the application of current theory in a variety of clinical populations.
5 quarter credits
PSY6015
Specialization Course Lifespan Development
5 quarter credits
Students gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones while considering individual and systemic differences. Students evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. Prerequisite(s): Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option students must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better
5 quarter credits
PSY7610
Core Tests and Measurements
5 quarter credits
Students investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Students gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Students analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing. In addition, students assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests.
5 quarter credits
PSY5410
Specialization Course History and Systems of Psychology
5 quarter credits
Students in this course explore the historical and contemporary schools of psychology and gain an understanding of what constitutes the profession of psychology and their chosen specialization. Students critique primary source material to develop an in-depth understanding of the evolution of various psychological theories and their implications for professional practice.
5 quarter credits
RSCH7864
Specialization Course Quantitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Students utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses.
4 quarter credits
PSY6210
Core Introduction to Psychopathology
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various forms of psychopathology throughout the lifespan. Learners review the etiology of psychopathology; examine theories and research of psychopathology; and explore current methods of psychological interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Learners also discuss the politics of mental disorders, emerging diagnoses, and ethical and individual considerations associated with psychopathology. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA.
5 quarter credits
PSY7310
Specialization Course Biological Basis of Behavior
5 quarter credits
This course is an introduction to physiological psychology and associated topics, including genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and physiology. Students develop and demonstrate an understanding of brain functioning; sensory systems; attention, memory, perception, and language mechanisms; and the effects of neurotransmitters on human behavior. Students also identify the relationship between brain functions and behavioral disorders and analyze current physiological psychology research and ethics.
5 quarter credits
PSY5420
Specialization Course Multicultural Perspectives in Human Behavior
5 quarter credits
This course is an examination of substantive and theoretical issues concerning individual and group differences and their influence on the practice of professional psychology. Students explore the needs and values of social subgroups, and approaches to providing psychological services to a wide variety of populations. Students also critically analyze the interactions of multiple dimensions of varied human functioning to better understand the ways in which individual differences contribute to professional psychological practice.
5 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Students read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Students become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, students use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
PSY5430
Specialization Course Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice
5 quarter credits
In this course, students critically analyze the ways the psychology profession relates to and is influenced by ethical principles and codes of conduct and the ways psychologists deliver various aspects of professional services, including psychotherapy, assessment, supervision, consulting, research, and teaching, in adherence to these principles and codes. Students evaluate the current APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, and other relevant guidelines, policies, and laws that affect professional psychology practice, including those impacting the provision of services to special populations. Students also explore current ethical issues in professional psychology and identify effective methods for addressing ethical dilemmas. For PhD in Psychology, PsyD in Clinical Psychology, PsyD in School Psychology, and MS in Clinical Psychology students only. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD in Clinical Psychology students.
5 quarter credits
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Core course requirements
Complete at least 19 quarter credits in the core courses category. Choose from the courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
PSY7610
Core Tests and Measurements
5 quarter credits
Students investigate focuses on essential concepts, principles, applications, and social and theoretical issues of psychological testing. Students gain understanding in the construction of tests; analyze the development and use of tests in measuring aptitudes, achievement, attitudes, interests, and personality; and identify underlying theories of various tests. Students analyze the characteristics desired in psychological and educational tests, with particular emphasis on reliability and validity, and evaluate best practices and professional standards for educational and psychological testing. In addition, students assess the role of technology in delivery, administration, scoring, and interpretation of tests.
5 quarter credits
PSY6210
Core Introduction to Psychopathology
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various forms of psychopathology throughout the lifespan. Learners review the etiology of psychopathology; examine theories and research of psychopathology; and explore current methods of psychological interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Learners also discuss the politics of mental disorders, emerging diagnoses, and ethical and individual considerations associated with psychopathology. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA.
5 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Core Survey of Research Methods
4 quarter credits
Students read critically and evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Students become educated consumers and creators of research. Additionally, students use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest.
4 quarter credits
PSY5002
Core Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master's Psychology Learners
5 quarter credits
In this course, students acquire the ability to navigate the Capella courseroom and use the resources that support academic success, including the library and writing center. Students identify and practice the academic requirements (including APA style and formatting) necessary to successfully complete the Master's degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on master's-level psychology or counseling training. For MS in Psychology and MS in Clinical Psychology students only. Must be taken during the student's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
Specialization course requirements
Complete at least 34 quarter credits from the specialization courses shown below.
Show all descriptions
PSY6015
Specialization Course Lifespan Development
5 quarter credits
Students gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones while considering individual and systemic differences. Students evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. Prerequisite(s): Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option students must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better
5 quarter credits
PSY7310
Specialization Course Biological Basis of Behavior
5 quarter credits
This course is an introduction to physiological psychology and associated topics, including genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and physiology. Students develop and demonstrate an understanding of brain functioning; sensory systems; attention, memory, perception, and language mechanisms; and the effects of neurotransmitters on human behavior. Students also identify the relationship between brain functions and behavioral disorders and analyze current physiological psychology research and ethics.
5 quarter credits
PSY5420
Specialization Course Multicultural Perspectives in Human Behavior
5 quarter credits
This course is an examination of substantive and theoretical issues concerning individual and group differences and their influence on the practice of professional psychology. Students explore the needs and values of social subgroups, and approaches to providing psychological services to a wide variety of populations. Students also critically analyze the interactions of multiple dimensions of varied human functioning to better understand the ways in which individual differences contribute to professional psychological practice.
5 quarter credits
RSCH7864
Specialization Course Quantitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Students gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Students utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses.
4 quarter credits
PSY5430
Specialization Course Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice
5 quarter credits
In this course, students critically analyze the ways the psychology profession relates to and is influenced by ethical principles and codes of conduct and the ways psychologists deliver various aspects of professional services, including psychotherapy, assessment, supervision, consulting, research, and teaching, in adherence to these principles and codes. Students evaluate the current APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, and other relevant guidelines, policies, and laws that affect professional psychology practice, including those impacting the provision of services to special populations. Students also explore current ethical issues in professional psychology and identify effective methods for addressing ethical dilemmas. For PhD in Psychology, PsyD in Clinical Psychology, PsyD in School Psychology, and MS in Clinical Psychology students only. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD in Clinical Psychology students.
5 quarter credits
PSY6095
Specialization Course Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
5 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of foundational counseling and psychotherapy theories and research-based practice. Throughout the course, students examine various schools of therapeutic intervention; their underlying theoretical assumptions; and their historical, social, and ethical context, with an emphasis on the application of current theory in a variety of clinical populations.
5 quarter credits
PSY5410
Specialization Course History and Systems of Psychology
5 quarter credits
Students in this course explore the historical and contemporary schools of psychology and gain an understanding of what constitutes the profession of psychology and their chosen specialization. Students critique primary source material to develop an in-depth understanding of the evolution of various psychological theories and their implications for professional practice.
5 quarter credits
Total
At least 53 quarter credits
One or more courses in this program may require a prerequisite(s). Refer to the course descriptions for details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
Explore the Capella courseroom ->
How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.