According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mental health service providers are among the top 20 occupations projected to experience the fastest growth between 2023-2033. Bellarmine’s MCSP degree meets the curriculum requirements for certification as a Licensed Psychological Practitioner in the state of Kentucky and prepares graduates to meet a significant public health need by providing effective and high-quality service across clinical and community settings. 

This Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program opens doors to various career paths in clinical practice. Graduates are equipped to provide assessment, diagnostic, and therapy services in diverse settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and private practices.

Students graduating from the program will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories and the ability to develop treatment plans grounded in a theoretical framework
2. Engage in scientific research that integrates psychological science and practice 
3. Conduct psychological assessments, formulate accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans based on assessment findings
4. Utilize systems thinking to effectively address mental health issues within diverse populations and broader health care frameworks 
5. Engage in ethical decision-making and exhibit professional competence in working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds

Students will complete a capstone project that mirrors the state licensure oral examination and will require students to apply ethical principles and culturally responsive clinical skills to a case vignette. This culminating experience serves as a comprehensive demonstration of students’ knowledge, skills and abilities in the professional practice of psychology. 

Admission to the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program requires approval by the Psychology Department and Bellarmine University. Admission of applicants is based on the following criteria:  

1. A completed Bellarmine University graduate school application. 
2. Educational Background: Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree (or expect to complete if before the start of the admission year) including a minimum of 12 undergraduate credit hours in Psychology and a Research Methods course in any Social Science. Psychology courses must include Lifespan Development, Biological Psychology or related area, Social Psychology, and Psychopathology. Students who lack one undergraduate prerequisite course may be admitted with the understanding that they complete those undergraduate courses before beginning their graduate study.  
3. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. An exception may be made if applicants can demonstrate academic and clinical promise in some other way.  If your GPA is less than 3.0, please include a short essay of 300 words or less that addresses your GPA and steps you will take to be successful in the program.
4. Statement of Purpose: The statement of purpose consists of 2 short essay questions. The limit for each essay is 300 words or less. Essay questions are listed below:
   • What are your career goals in the field of psychology and how can this program help you meet them? 
   • What are some unique or lived experiences you have had that will prepare you for the program? 
5. Two (2) recommendations from individuals who can evaluate either academic or professional potential (i.e., professors, supervisors at a workplace). Provide email addresses in the online form for two references.  An academic reference is highly suggested for applicants who graduated within the last five years.
6. Current resume or curriculum vitae. 
7. Final, official transcript(s) should be mailed/emailed directly from each college or university attended to the Office of Admission and not be marked “Issued to Student.” If any transcript(s) or undergraduate degree(s) is from an international institution, you must provide an official copy to be evaluated by the Bellarmine International Programs Office. Official evaluations from World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) will be accepted. The Office of Admission reserves the right to request a certified copy of the original transcript(s). 

Pamela Cartor, Ph.D. (website) (email)
Joy Jacobs-Lawson, Ph.D., Chair (website) ( email)
Stella Kanchewa, Ph.D. (website) ( email)
Courtney Keim, Ph.D. (website) ( email)
Jean Lamont, Ph.D. (website) ( email)
Hank Rothgerber, Ph.D. (website) ( email)
Felicia Smith, Ph.D., Program Director (website) (email)
Christy Wolfe, Ph.D. (website) ( email)

Emeritus Faculty: Ann Jirkovsky, Ph.D. (website) ( email)

This program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to meet the American Psychological Association (APA) standards for health service psychology and is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

For more information, call 502.272.7100 or email your questions to admissions@bellarmine.edu.