University of New Haven

What you'll study

This master’s blends core psychological science with applied clinical and counselling practice. Students follow a curriculum of advanced coursework, supervised practicum experience and a research or capstone project. Teaching mixes lectures, small-group seminars, clinical skills labs and placements with community partners.

• Core clinical and counselling theory – major approaches to psychotherapy, integration of evidence-based modalities, and case formulation.
• Psychopathology and diagnostic assessment – classification systems, differential diagnosis and mental status examination.
• Psychological assessment and testing – principles of psychological measurement, administration and interpretation of common assessment instruments.
• Research methods and statistics – quantitative and qualitative methods for applied research, program evaluation and outcome assessment.
• Ethics, professional issues and multicultural competence – legal and ethical standards, cultural humility and working with diverse populations.
• Intervention practicum – supervised direct client contact in on-campus or community settings, with faculty supervision and reflective supervision seminars.
• Advanced electives – topics such as child and adolescent interventions, trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, geropsychology, forensic psychology or health psychology, depending on availability.
• Capstone or thesis option – an applied research project, programme evaluation or integration portfolio demonstrating competency in clinical and applied skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, with a solid academic record. Relevant undergraduate preparation typically includes introductory psychology, research methods and basic statistics; applicants lacking specific coursework may be admitted provisionally and asked to complete prerequisites.

Typical application documents include a CV or résumé, personal statement describing professional goals and clinical interests, academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. International applicants must meet the university’s English-language requirements. Professional experience in mental health, volunteer work, practicum hours or relevant employment strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates of this master’s gain skills suitable for employment in a range of applied mental health settings. Common early-career roles include counsellor or clinician in community mental health centres, substance use and recovery programmes, school-based counselling roles, behavioural health technician positions, case management, and programme coordination in non-profit or public health organisations.

The degree also prepares students for doctoral study (PhD or PsyD) in clinical or counselling psychology. Graduates seeking independent licensure should consult state-specific licensure boards: additional supervised post‑graduate hours or advanced clinical degrees may be required for licensed psychologist status in many jurisdictions.

Why study at University of New Haven

The University of New Haven offers small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, emphasising applied training and community engagement. The programme provides supervised practicum placements through campus clinic resources and established partnerships with local healthcare providers, schools and social service agencies, allowing students to build clinical hours and applied competencies.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across allied health and forensic departments, and from the university’s location in a region with a range of clinical and research opportunities. Faculty members are active in applied research and clinical practice, providing guidance for both hands-on skill development and scholarly projects.