Marymount University

What you'll study

The programme balances theory, research methods and applied clinical skills. Core topics typically include psychopathology, cognitive and behavioural interventions, lifespan developmental psychology, ethical and legal issues in practice, and multicultural counselling. Students study psychological assessment and diagnosis, crisis intervention, group therapy skills, and evidence-based treatments for common disorders.

Training emphasises applied learning: courses are accompanied by structured skills labs in interviewing and assessment, supervised practicum placements in Marymount's training clinic and partnered community agencies in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and a longer internship or field placement in the final stage of the programme. Students also take research methods and statistics to support clinical decision-making, and may complete a capstone project or thesis depending on the chosen track.

Elective options often allow specialisation in areas such as trauma-informed care, substance-use disorders, child and adolescent counselling, or integrated behavioural health. The curriculum integrates cultural competence, social justice perspectives and professional development to prepare students for diverse client populations and multidisciplinary teams.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in psychology or a related behavioural science, though candidates from other backgrounds with relevant experience may be considered. A competitive undergraduate GPA is typically required.

Standard application materials include official transcripts, a current résumé or CV, a personal statement outlining professional goals and clinical interests, and letters of recommendation. Some applicants may be invited to an interview. Background checks, health clearance or immunisation documentation may be required for practicum placements with certain community partners.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of roles in mental health and human services. Common career paths include clinical or counselling practitioner roles in community mental health centres, hospitals, school counselling services, non-profit agencies, and employee assistance programmes. With further supervised practice and licensure where required, graduates may qualify as licensed counsellors, mental health clinicians or behavioural health specialists.

Other opportunities include roles in case management, programme coordination, rehabilitation services, crisis intervention teams, and clinical research support. The degree also prepares students for doctoral study (PhD or PsyD) or specialised postgraduate training if they wish to advance into research, teaching, or higher-level clinical leadership positions.

Why study at Marymount University

Marymount provides a practitioner-oriented psychology training environment with access to a university counselling and psychology clinic where students gain supervised, client-facing experience. Its location in the Washington, D.C. area offers extensive practicum and internship partnerships with hospitals, community mental health providers, schools and federal health agencies, giving exposure to diverse clinical settings and populations.

The faculty combine academic and clinical expertise and emphasise small-class teaching, personalised mentoring and professional development. The programme’s integration of multicultural competence, ethical practice and applied research prepares graduates to meet regional workforce needs and to pursue licensure or advanced graduate study.