Clinical Psychology

Students accepted into the Master's Program in Clinical Psychology generally complete the 48-credit program in two years. The first year consists primarily of courses introducing the various theoretical schools of clinical practice. During the second year students complete a two-semester internship and take the remaining requirements and electives.

It is important that applicants review the licensing requirements of the states or countries in which they hope to practice since mental health practice at the master's level varies widely. Illinois master's professionals, for example, may currently be licensed as Clinical Professional Counselors. Graduate course requirements may differ from the requirements for licenses in other states. See the Licensing and Certification section for additional information.

Faculty and students join together in actively exploring the integration of Christian faith and psychological practice. During the first year students and faculty participate together in a year-long seminar entitled Social, Cultural and Spiritual Foundations of Mental Health which explores the impact of a Christian worldview on the developing identity of the mental health professional. During the internship year students and faculty participate in Internship Seminars focused on putting the concepts and theories of integration into practice.

Students are assisted in the search for an internship to fit their professional goals and interests. A wide variety of clinical settings welcome applicants from the Wheaton College Master's Program including outpatient practices, church counseling centers, community mental health centers, inpatient treatment facilities and college counseling clinics.

Many current and former faculty members and students in the program have a strong interest in the interface of ministry and mental health practice. Many alumni of our program serve with or assist mission agencies and missionaries around the world. Other graduates serve in nontraditional roles that bring the training and values of the mental health field into ministry roles within the church. Members of the psychology department are active in teaching and training professionals, clergy and lay people around the world.

Sequence of Courses

You will find that there are both many required courses and some flexibility in your program at Wheaton. All courses in the fall and spring semesters of the first year are required.

See the Typical Course Schedule (PDF).

The typical sequencing of courses for students is as follows: