Virtual Open House - Tuesday, May 5, 2026: 5-6:30 p.m.
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more
about ĢƵ, understand the Graduate School application process,
and meet key program representatives.
The M.A. in Psychology at ĢƵis a full-time, in-person program that provides advanced
training in psychological science and applied clinical practice.
Students develop strong foundations in assessment, research methods, psychopathology,
and evidence-based intervention, all grounded in the practitioner-scholar model.
What You'll Learn
Students enrolled in the MA program receive well-rounded training specializing in
clinical psychology. The program provides clinical training in objective assessment
techniques and evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and ACT. There is a special
emphasis on working with rural and underserved groups, and students complete practicum
placements in our on-campus clinic and in the community. All students are actively
involved in research and are required to complete an empirical master's thesis under
the supportive mentorship of our faculty. Our program is known for its attention to
students’ individual needs and career goals. Program cohorts are small, between 6-8
students, to allow for personalized training and support.
Where You'll Go
Our program prepares students for doctoral study (PhD or PsyD). About half of each
MA program cohort chooses to continue their training in WCU’s PsyD program. Additionally,
students who do not wish to pursue further studies may be eligible for licensure in
North Carolina as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA). In recent years, 100%
of our graduates have either been admitted to PhD/PsyD programs or had a job offer
upon completion of our program.
A career in psychology can be the key to working for yourself or have a career at
a hospital, community center or other places in need of psychologists. The path to
these careers start with a Master of Arts in Psychology that can prepare you for a
doctoral program or a job as a psychology associate. ĢƵ offers
a Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology. Learn
more about the College of Education and Allied Professions and explore our available programs.
Degree Options
School
College of Education & Allied Professions
Location
Main Campus - Cullowhee
Length
Full-Time
Time to Complete:
2 Years
Credits:
50 graduate credit hours required
App Deadline:
March 1 is the final application deadline.
About Our Graduate Program in Psychology
Through supervised clinical placements, research with faculty mentors, and a required
thesis, students gain the skills needed for doctoral study or professional practice.
The program emphasizes ethical care, scientific thinking, and hands-on experience
to prepare graduates for careers in mental health, education, research, and related
fields.
The APA has recently begun to accredit master’s program in clinical psychology; however,
this is not currently a requirement. We plan to apply for master’s accreditation within
the next year.
The MA program curriculum emphasizes broad and general training in discipline-specific
knowledge.
We offer practicum experiences and clinical supervision through our Psychology Department
McKee Assessment and Psychological Services Clinic (serving children and families
in the community).
The program offers one-on-one mentoring in research, experience with conference submissions
and presentations, journal manuscript writing, as well as other professional development
opportunities.
A majority of our incoming graduate students are awarded some form of graduate assistantship
or stipend in return for valuable educational experience as a teaching or research
assistant.
All applications are completed online. Approximately two weeks after the deadline,
you will hear from us about interview day date(s). An undergraduate psychology degree
is not required