Clinical Psychology, Child/Adolescent Psychology Concentration (MA) – STEM Designated Degree Program
The Child/Adolescent Psychology concentration within the MA program in Clinical Psychology provides students with foundational-level training in clinical psychology, with a focus on clinical child psychology. Students in the child/adolescent concentration learn about the unique psychological needs of children and adolescents, as well as developmental considerations in psychopathology, assessment, and treatment, including the role of family and social contexts. This concentration is designed to prepare students for MA-level clinical positions in mental health settings, particularly those that serve children and families (e.g., community mental health agencies, care management organizations) and do not require licensure. Students may also seek positions as clinical research assistant and coordinators, as well as pursue doctoral-level study.
Along with the Clinical Psychology, Child/Adolescent Clinical Psychology Concentration degree, the department also offers the following options for graduate study: Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology, a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and a certificate in School Psychology.
Please refer to our programs of study page for a comprehensive list of all of the graduate programs offered within the university.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology is preferred. For students with non-psychology undergraduate degrees, we require a minimum of 12 undergraduate credits in psychology or a closely related field, including a course in statistics and an experimental/research methodology course. If you do not have the required number of psychology credits, the Office of Graduate Admissions will review your transcript and advise you on how to fulfill the undergraduate requirements. These courses can be taken at Montclair State or another university. You may also email the DCT or Program Director to review your transcript to determine what courses may be needed.
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants with a GPA between 2.7 and 3.0 will be considered for admission, though 3.0 and above is recommended. Applicants with a GPA below 2.7 will not be considered for admission. Prospective students must be evaluated positively by faculty on their potential for clinical placement and written communication. Applicants who do not meet our GPA and GRE criteria will be considered for admission if other aspects of their application indicate strong potential for success in the program.
The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.
In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have
created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the
application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps
needed to apply, as well as all of corresponding supplemental materials for your specific
program of interest.
- Application Deadline: For Fall semester admission only. Priority Deadline: March 15th, 2023. Applications to the Master of Arts program in Clinical Psychology that are completed by March 15th, including all required supplemental materials, will receive priority review. As a part of that admission process, priority applicants that move to the next stage of review will be interviewed between March 16th and April 14th. All priority candidates will receive an admission decision by April 15th. Applications completed after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the program is full.
- Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.
The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Clinical Psychology, Child/Adolescent Psychology Concentration (MA) program:
- Transcript: One from each college attended.
- Essays/Personal Statement – Please write one integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions:
- What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
- In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
- Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) letters of recommendation, from persons qualified to evaluate the applicant’s promise of academic achievement and potential for professional growth.
- Standardized Test Scores: GRE (see test waiver policies).
- Interview: All applicants must complete an admissions interview with program faculty. The Psychology Department holds several interview days throughout the year for the MA in Clinical Psychology and School Psychology Certification programs. Candidates invited to interview for the MA or Certification program are asked to sign up for an interview date online or, if needed, to request alternative arrangements by contacting program staff at gradclinical@montclair.edu. Candidates who are unable to attend an interview due to travel limitations (e.g., if an international student or residing out of state) may request to have a Skype interview. This request may be made on the Qualtrics form or by sending an email to gradclinical@montclair.edu. After signing up for an interview date, candidates will receive a follow-up email confirming the interview date and providing additional information. Admissions interviews provide the admissions committee with the opportunity to learn about each candidate’s background, interests and goals as well as assess each candidate’s readiness for graduate study. In addition, candidates who attend an interview day have the opportunity to learn about the program and receive a sample program of study (i.e. course sequence), meet program faculty, current students and other prospective students, tour the Center for Clinical Services and ask questions about the program.
- Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.
Students must complete 36 credits. Most students complete the MA program in two years of full-time study. Please note that students must complete all coursework (aside from PSYC 510) prior to enrolling in PSYC 680. For more information, please visit the Clinical Psychology, Child/Adolescent Concentration (MA) program listing in the University Catalog.
If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please email or call us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: graduate@montclair.edu
Telephone: 973-655-5147
Fax: 973-655-7869
If you have specific inquiries regarding your program of interest, please contact the Clinical Psychology, Child/Adolescent Psychology Concentration (MA) Program Coordinator:
*During the summer months, there will be a rotating department chair available to answer your inquiry. Click to find the updated summer chair for this program.*
Program Coordinator: Jessica Spat-Lemus
Office: Dickson Hall
Email: spatlemusj@montclair.edu