The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (MACL) provides a solid foundation in clinical psychology, involving analysis and treatment of psychological disorders and behavioral pathologies. Students learn theories of practice and how to work with culturally diverse clients.
The MACL is a licensable degree program at Forest Institute. It is offered during the evenings in two locations to support the schedule of working professionals.
The curriculum requires the completion of 54 hours of course work, practicum and a thesis. Upon graduation, students in the MACL are prepared to enter the mental health field or pursue an advanced degree by applying to a
doctoral program.
The faculty, staff and administration of the program are focused on students and strive to provide the best possible student service and instruction. Instructors in the program are professionals in the mental health field who bring their everyday hands-on experience and expertise to the classroom.
Degree benefits
Students have the choice of two locations at which to obtain their Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. This degree is offered in both St. Louis and Springfield, Mo.
Students who choose the MACL program take two evening courses every eight weeks. Each course is offered once a year, and students are expected to follow their curriculum plan. Students are expected to attend on a full-time basis. With continuous enrollment, students can complete the program in less than two years.
What can I do with the MACL?
The program is designed for students who wish to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). Students should work closely with the program director to be sure the degree meets their state's specific licensing requirements. 
Students graduating with an MACL degree can work in a variety of settings:
-
Private practice
-
Community
-
Schools
-
Hospitals
Competencies and Curriculum
Program Goals and Objectives
Graduates of the MACL program will demonstrate requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes in the following
competency areas:
1. Relationship
a. Professional Demeanor and Self-Awareness
b. Working with Others and Diversity in Relationships
c. Ethics of Relationships
2. Assessment
a. Diagnosis and Case Conceptualization
b. Developing Rapport and Clinical Interviewing
c. Assessment Instruments
d. Ethics of Assessment
3. Intervention
a. Intervention Planning
b. Intervention Implementation
c. Intervention Evaluation
d. Ethics of Intervention
4. Diversity
a. Diversity Identity
b. Diversity and Power, Oppression, and Privilege
c. Individual and Cultural Differences (ICD) Special Knowledge
d. Culturally-Competent Services
e. Ethics of Diversity
5. Research and Evaluation
a. Scientific Method
b. Critical Evaluation of Research
c. Research and Evaluation in Applied Settings
Curriculum
The
curriculum requires the completion of 54 credit hours. A sample educational plan for a fall start is below.
|
Year |
Session
|
Fall term |
Spring term |
Summer term |
|
1 |
A
|
Psychopathology I (3)
|
Group Intervention (3)
|
Objective Assessment (3)
|
|
1 |
A
|
Human Diversity (3)
|
Relationship & Interview (3)
|
Theories of Personality (3)
|
|
1 |
B
|
Ethics (3)
|
Lifespan Development (3)
|
Clinical Risk Management (1)
|
|
1 |
B
|
Psychopathology II (3)
|
Research Design (3)
|
|
|
Year 1 Total |
|
(12) credits |
(12) credits |
(7) credits |
|
2 |
A
|
Cognitive Assessment (3)
|
Substance Abuse (3) |
Practicum (3)
|
|
2 |
B
|
Family Intervention (3)
|
Career Development (3) |
|
|
2 |
A & B
|
Practicum (3)
|
Practicum (3)
|
|
|
2 |
A & B
|
Thesis (1)
|
Thesis (1)
|
|
|
Year 2 Total |
|
(10) credits |
(10) credits |
(3) credits |
|
TOTAL (54)
|
|
(22) credits |
(22) credits |
(10) credits |
A typical summer term is delivered in ten weeks with three-credit courses meeting twice a week. One-credit courses may be offered in a compressed format, i.e. three to five consecutive days.