Brescia University Online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology

Why Brescia University? 

This online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology  offered by this small private Catholic university in Owensboro, Kentucky  Applicants should demonstrate completion of 12 credits in psychology in  their undergraduate work. No standardized test results are required for your application. Students are expected to have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate coursework. 

Program Snapshot

University Name Brescia University
Location Owensboro
State Kentucky
Niche.com Grade B-
Name of Degree Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
School or Department Administering Program Graduate School
Credits 45
Cost per credit $625.00
Tuition for Entire Program $28,125.00
Test Requirements none
Minimum GPA 3
Prerequisite Courses and Skills 12 credits in psychology
Campus Visit Required? no
Typical Time to Complete 2-3 years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall
Program Concentrations None
Synchronous classes both
Required Courses
  • Scientific and Professional Ethics and Standards
  • Advanced Psychopathology
  • Advanced Adult Development
  • Advanced Child Development
  • Substance Abuse and Addictions
  • Expressive Therapies
  • Research Methodology
  • Statistics, with Lab
  • Clinical Assessment of Intellectual Functioning of the Individual
  • Clinical Assessment of Emotional and Psychological Functioning of the Individual;
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Theories and Systems of Psychotherapy
  • Biological Bases of Behavior
  • Individual Differences
  • Social Bases of Behavior
  • Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior
  • Psychotherapy and Interventional I and II
  • Practicum in Psychotherapy
  • Master Project/thesis
  • Master Level Internship
Does the Program Include a Capstone? Yes
Does the program include a practicum or internship? Yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique required internship; Catholic college; small program with personalized attention; Meets educational and practicum requirements necessary to become licensed as a psychological associate in the state of Kentucky
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) Knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of emotional, mental, anxiety or addictive disorders that affect the functions of individuals, groups and families;
Program Description The program’s 45 credits can be completed within 2-3 years, and include a capstone and an internship. The program covers diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders in the individual, and psychological approaches to problems at the family and group level. The focus is on clinical work. 

What will I Learn?

Assessing and treating mental health problems through ongoing clinical care is the focus of the clinical psychology field. Clinical psychologists provide care for individuals, couples, and groups. The career can also include jobs in training, consulting and research.

The curriculum meets the educational and practicum requirements to become licensed as a psychological associate in the state of Kentucky. Graduates will be equipped with knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of emotional, mental, anxiety or addictive disorders that affect the functions of individuals, groups and families.  

Scientific and Professional Ethics and Standards, Advanced Psychopathology, Advanced Adult Development, and  Advanced Child Development represent a core of foundational understanding for their curriculum. Students begin to study specialized topics in Substance Abuse and Addictions, Expressive Therapies, and Psychopharmacology. Key professional techniques are covered in Research Methodology and Statistics, with Lab. Clinical skills are developed in Clinical Assessment of Intellectual Functioning of the Individual,  Clinical Assessment of Emotional and Psychological Functioning of the Individual, Psychopharmacology, and Theories and Systems of Psychotherapy. Other compulsory courses include Biological Bases of Behavior, Individual Differences, Social Bases of Behavior, Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior, Psychotherapy and Interventional I and II. As a capstone to the curriculum, students are required to take Practicum in Psychotherapy, Master Project/thesis and Master Level Internship.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2-3 years and pay $625.00 per credit for a total of 45 credits. This represents a total cost of just over $28,000. 

How does the program fit into my life?

Some courses are taught synchronously. Synchronous instruction refers to the delivery of courses online where students log in at the same time as their instructor and classmates. Some courses may be taught asynchronously. Videos of lectures, practice problems, online forum discussion, hands-on exercises, and written assignments may all be a part of an asynchronous course. 

Students finish the curriculum in two to three years. The Fall semester is when students can begin the program. This program offers less flexibility than some peer degrees, because students follow the same curriculum in the same order.

Summary

Because this program requires a substantial internship, it may present challenges for students who are also employed full time while in school. The university espouses a Catholic worldview, and this paradigm will no doubt play a role in influencing curriculum especially in the area of ethics. Students may be attracted by the program’s comprehensive approach to building clinical skills, including a unique course in Expressive Therapies.