Clinical Health Psychology
The Behavioral Sciences Department at University of Michigan-Dearborn offers a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Health Psychology. This is a two-year 48-credit program that trains mental health care providers to work in primary care settings, as well as more traditional clinical psychology settings.
The pathways Clinical Health Psychology Program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is designed to satisfy educational prerequisites for pursuing a masters-level limited license in psychology (LLP) in the state of Michigan. Educational requirements for obtaining an LLP in the state of Michigan can be found here.
Full requirements for obtaining a LLP in the state of Michigan can be found here.
It has not been determined whether educational prerequisites provided by this program would satisfy licensure requirements in other states. Thus, if a student is not planning to pursue LLP licensure in the state of Michigan following graduation from our program, we encourage that student to contact the appropriate licensing agency in the state in which they are located or in the state in which they intend to seek future licensure. Information on how to contact the licensure board in other states can be found here.
If you are registering for this program from a state other than Michigan, you may be required to attest that you are aware that the program was designed to fulfill requirements for an LLP in the state of Michigan and/or that you are intending to pursue in LLP in the state of Michigan.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses: | ||
| PSYC 557 | Advanced Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 575 | Bio Foundations of Health Psyc | 3 |
| PSYC 5825 | Basic Methods Health Psych | 3 |
| PSYC 5835 | Adv Methods Health Psych | 3 |
| PSYC 593 | Ethical Issues | 3 |
| Clinical Health Courses: | ||
| PSYC 545 | Advanced Psychopathology | 3 |
| PSYC 547 | Therapeutic Intervention | 4 |
| PSYC 548 | Psychological Assessment I | 4 |
| PSYC 549 | Psychological Assessment II | 4 |
| PSYC 552 | Adv Tech in Therapeutic Inter | 3 |
| PSYC 565 | Ind&Grp Tech in Cln Hlth Psyc | 3 |
| PSYC 698 | Pract. Clinical Health Psyc | 6 |
| Thesis/Electives - choose from one of the following: | 6 | |
| Health Psych Thesis Research | ||
| OR 6 credits electives from the following: | ||
| Medical Information Systems | ||
| Healthcare Administration | ||
| Medical Ethics | ||
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| Program Evaluation | ||
| Psychology of Adolescence | ||
| Multicultural Counseling | ||
| Psychology in the Workplace | ||
| Socialization of the Child | ||
| Child Psychopathology | ||
| Human Sexual Behavior | ||
| Personality Theory | ||
| Adv Topics in Psychology | ||
| Individual Research | ||
| Dissed: Differ, Power, Discrim | ||
| American Social Classes | ||
| Medical Sociology | ||
| Marriage and Family Problems | ||
| Family Violence | ||
| Health Care and the Law | ||
| Deviant Behavior/Soc Disorganz | ||
| Youth, Crime, and Justice | ||
| Advanced Topics in Sociology | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 48 | |
Notes:
Electives
Students are required to have 6 credits in approved elective courses if they do not elect to complete a master’s thesis. Information about specific elective courses that will fulfill these requirements should be discussed with your program advisor or the program director each semester.
Thesis
Students in the MS in Clinical Health Psychology who choose to do so can elect to complete a 6 credit hour master’s thesis during their second year of the program. Students selecting this option will not be required to take any elective credits.
Grade Requirements
The graduate grading system is intended to reflect higher standards of critical and creative scholarship than those applied at the undergraduate level. To receive a graduate grade in courses open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the graduate student is expected to do work of superior quality and is required to do additional work specified by the instructor. Graduate students are required to earn a B (3.0) average or higher to satisfy degree requirements.
Grades of C+ and below are unsatisfactory for graduate level work and constitute valid cause for dropping a student from the graduate program. To be awarded a MS in Clinical Health Psychology, a student must have achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average (a B average). C+ grades in the core classes, the required Clinical Health classes PSYC 545, PSYC 547, PSYC 548, PSYC 549, PSYC 552 , PSYC 565 , and PSYC 698 will not be applied toward the MS Clinical Health Psychology degree. A grade of B- or higher is required in each of these classes. Students may re-take the class one time to raise the grade to an acceptable level. Furthermore, no more than two grades of C in other courses may be applied toward the MS in Clinical Health Psychology degree; grades of C- or lower will not be applied toward the MS in Clinical Health Psychology degree. Students who fail to maintain a 3.0 average or have more than two C or lower grades will be placed on academic probation for the term following the lapse. Upon the recommendation of the program director, a student may be granted an opportunity to correct the scholastic and/or academic deficiency. Students who fail to meet program requirements may be denied permission to register or may be required to withdraw from the program.
Learning Goals
Graduate Clinical Health Psychology Program Goals
- Psychotherapy Skills Acquisition: To train students in the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective and ethical psychotherapist. This includes the ability to treat a variety of psychopathologies employing a clear theoretical perspective, and apply behavioral medicine therapies for medical conditions.
- Assessment Skills Acquisition: To train students in the skills and knowledge necessary to accurately and efficiently determine a broad range of functioning and health including psychological assessment and diagnosing psychopathology. This includes assessing the role of psychological processes as contributing factors to traditional medical concerns.
- Testing Skills Acquisition: To train students in the application and use of personality and cognitive testing. This includes the administration, scoring, and interpretation of common psychological tests.
- Research Methods: To train students to understand and apply research on disease/disorder etiology and treatment to their clinical practice.
- Professional and Ethical Development: To indoctrinate students into their role and identity as professional healthcare providers
- Professional Report Writing: To train students in professional communication and report writing including intake assessment reports and psychological testing reports.
- Knowledge of Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine: Students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge of the major concepts used in health psychology and behavioral medicine. This includes a general understanding of basic theories, research findings, and medical knowledge used within these disciplines.
PSYC 505 Gender Roles 3 Credit Hours
This course will investigate the development of gender roles in childhood and adolescence due to either innate physiological differences or sociological patterning, the effect of gender roles upon male-female relationships within our society, and the possibility of transcending sociological gender roles in alternate modes of living. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version SOC 443. Students cannot receive credit for both SOC 443 and SOC 543. (YR).
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or SOC 200 or SOC 201
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 507 Psychology of Adolescence 3 Credit Hours
This course will expand the discussion of physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development in various social and cultural contexts of today’s adolescents. Students will explore the current adolescence literature, focusing on theoretical foundations and empirical research findings. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the experiences of human development during this specific stage of life. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 407 and PSYC 507. (YR).
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 512 Psychology of Aging 3 Credit Hours
This course examines development of the individual from middle adulthood through old age. Special emphasis is given to the understanding of developmental theories and issues in adulthood. Topics include biological basis, socialization, family relationships, personality, and intellectual development in the aging individual. (OC).
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Graduate
PSYC 523 Multicultural Counseling 3 Credit Hours
This course will explore multicultural issues in counseling and clinical psychology. The central focus for this course will be ethnic and racial diversity, although attention will be given to gender, sexual orientation, age and socio-economic status as they relate to issues of diversity in counseling. Students will gain an appreciation of the complexities of the influence of culture on social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive development, and the major issues involved in assessment and treatment of diverse clients and their families. (F)
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 530 Psychology in the Workplace 3 Credit Hours
This course introduces students to some of the core content areas of Industrial/Organizational (I/O) psychology. These content areas include: selection, training, performance appraisal, work teams, job design, motivation, leadership, union-management relations, and stress and health in the workplace. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version PSYC 4305. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 4305 and PSYC 530. (YR).
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 531 Organizational Entry 3 Credit Hours
An in-depth consideration of the psychological aspects of the organizational entry process. Topics include recruitment, selection, orientation, socialization, and training. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 431 and PSYC 531. (OC).
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170* or HRM 405* or PSYC 171*
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 540 Abnormal Psychology 3 Credit Hours
An introduction to the field of psychopathology, the study of mental disorders. Includes exposure to a number of historical and theoretical perspectives, each with their own theories, methodologies, and treatment approaches. Disorders covered will include: anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, sexual disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version PSYC 440. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 440 and PSYC 540. (YR).
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 542 Child Psychopathology 3 Credit Hours
A review of the major psychological disorders of children from birth to adolescence. These disorders are considered from a clinical and theoretical point of view. In addition to an examination of causes, approaches to treatment and behavior modifications are considered. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version PSYC 442. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 442 and PSYC 542. (YR).
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 544 Personality Assessment 4 Credit Hours
This is a course in methods of assessing personality. The theory and methods of observation, interviewing, and psychological testing are discussed and then employed in brief, individually-designed studies. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version PSYC 4445. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 4445 and PSYC 544. (AY).
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 545 Advanced Psychopathology 3 Credit Hours
This course is designed for graduate students who require an advanced knowledge of psychological disorders and their diagnosis. Course content includes an overview of the symptoms, etiology, and treatment alternatives for major psychological disorders. The emphasis includes both an overview of research based knowledge and practical application of the current diagnostic system.
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
Can enroll if Level is Graduate
Can enroll if College is Arts, Sciences, and Letters
Can enroll if Program is
PSYC 546 Human Sexual Behavior 3 Credit Hours
A comprehensive review of facts about human sexuality. The emphasis is on psychological aspects of sex, but there is also a consideration of genetic, physiological, and anatomical aspects of sex, and contemporary issues. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version PSYC 446. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 446 and PSYC 546. (AY).
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 547 Therapeutic Intervention 4 Credit Hours
This course provides an introduction to the theories, practice, and ethical issues in clinical psychology. The emphasis is on the application of psychotherapeutic processes. Topics include ethical practices, formation of a therapeutic relationship, use of basic counseling skills, differing clinical orientations, and a review of relevant research. (W)
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
Can enroll if Program is MS-Psychology
PSYC 548 Psychological Assessment I 4 Credit Hours
This course is the first of a two-course sequence for graduate students who require an advanced knowledge of psychological assessment. Course content includes an overview of interviewing, behavioral observations, and personality tests used in clinical practice. The emphasis includes both an overview of research-based knowledge and practical application of assessment techniques through supervised lab experience. Only individuals admitted to the Clinical Health Psychology program can enroll. (S,YR)
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 545
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Program is MS-Psychology
PSYC 549 Psychological Assessment II 4 Credit Hours
This course is the second of a two-course sequence designed for graduate students who require an advanced knowledge of psychological assessment. Course content includes an overview of tests and measures used in clinical practice, particularly those used in the assessment of intelligence, achievement, adaptive behavior, and child evaluation. The emphasis includes both an overview of research-based knowledge and practical application of assessment techniques through supervised lab experience. (F)
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 545
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 550 Personality Theory 3 Credit Hours
A comparative review and examination of leading theories of personality, their basic concepts, similarities and differences, applications in clinical psychology, in education, social planning and in research. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version PSYC 450. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 450 and PSYC 550. (YR).
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 552 Adv Tech in Therapeutic Inter 3 Credit Hours
This course introduces clinical health psychology graduate students to the theory and application of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness therapies. The course is aimed at providing students with a thorough understanding of the theory behind these modalities, as well as the experiential application of the associated therapy techniques in a clinical setting.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 547
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Program is MS-Psychology
PSYC 555 Health Psychology 3 Credit Hours
A discussion of the research on health promotion, psychological factors in the development of illness, cognitive representations of health and illness, stress and coping, social support, nutrition and exercise. Focus will be on the factors related to the development and maintenance of optimal health. (YR).
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 557 Advanced Health Psychology 3 Credit Hours
This course will examine the research on psychological factors associated with the development and/or progression of illness, as well as psychological and social factors in health promotion. Topics include cognitive and social representation of health and illness, stress and coping, factors and interventions for behavioral change and the development of healthy lifestyles, and the treatment of psychological and behavioral risk factors for illness.
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Graduate
Can enroll if Program is
PSYC 561 Learning and Memory 3 Credit Hours
A consideration of major theories and research results related to learning and memory. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version PSYC 461. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 461 and PSYC 561. (YR).
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 563 Sensation and Perception 3 Credit Hours
This course discusses how organisms sense and perceive the environment around them. Topics include anatomy and physiology of the sensory systems (e.g., you can’t understand vision if you don’t know how the eye works!), the types of stimuli that get detected by those systems (e.g., light or sound), and current knowledge and theories of our perceptual abilities (e.g., music perception). Emphasis will be placed on attention, pattern-recognition, memory, problem solving and other cognitive processes. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 463 and PSYC 563. (YR).
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 564 Applied Cognitive Psych 3 Credit Hours
The focus will be on the application of principles of cognitive psychology (defined broadly to include sensation and perception) to benefit the student in real-life settings. Specific areas might include human factors, retention, recall, attention, reasoning, problem-solving, decision making, reading, comprehension, learning, and language. (S,YR)
PSYC 565 Ind&Grp Tech in Cln Hlth Psyc 3 Credit Hours
An introduction to the variety of assessment and intervention procedures used by health psychologists in medical settings; issues in medical consultation and liaison. Techniques discussed fall in areas such as stress management, smoking cessation, weight management, and the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. The theoretical, conceptual, and empirical bases of intervention will be stressed. Prerequisites required or permission of instructor. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Master of Science in Health Psychology Program. (YR).
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 547
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 570 Advanced Physiological Psych 3 Credit Hours
Further study of the subject matter of PSYC 370. Advanced study of topics in the area of psychology. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version PSYC 470. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 470 and PSYC 570. (OC).
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 370
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 574 Animal Learning and Cognition 3 Credit Hours
Animal Intelligence involves the study of human and non-human animal behavior and cognition in an evolutionary and comparative framework. As an introduction to human and non-human animal cognition and though processes this course will examine topics such as problem-solving, spatial cognition, categorization, memory, number concepts, tool-use and tool-production, insight, imitation, social cognition, self-recognition and language(-like) behavior. In addition to discussing basic experimental findings about cognition in animals, an emphasis is placed on the logic and evidence used to justify theoretical conclusions. The course requires reading and critiquing original journal articles in addition to textbook chapters for foundational concepts.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 372 or PSYC 363 or PSYC 461 or BIOL 419 or BIOL 456 or ANTH 336
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 575 Bio Foundations of Health Psyc 3 Credit Hours
Advanced study of the anatomical, physiological, and chemical correlates of behavior and mental processes, including the relationships among brain and body function/structure (neurochemistry, histology, anatomy), psychological variables (motor behavior, motivation, emotion, perception, learning, memory), health, and mental and physical illness. Integrates experimental and clinical research methodologies. Prerequisites or permission of instructor. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Master of Science in Health Psychology Program. (YR).
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 555 or PSYC 455 or PSYC 557
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Junior or Senior or Graduate
PSYC 579 Psychopharmacology 3 Credit Hours
This course will provide students with an introduction to the use of psychotropic medications for the treatment of various mental health conditions. The course is designed to give students history and current knowledge of pharmacodynamics, therapeutic indication, side effects, and efficacy treatment. The course will also examine the ethical and societal factors that are involved in the use of psychotropic medications. (W, OC)
PSYC 5825 Basic Methods Health Psych 3 Credit Hours
This course assumes a basic background in statistics and methodology and builds from there, with special emphasis on methodological issues and statistical techniques appropriate to Health Psychology. Computer skills related to statistical packages, databases, etc. will be stressed. Specific methods and analyses include multiple regression, ANOVA, ANCOVA, MANOVA, factor analysis, power, validity, experimental design, placebo effects, and random sampling. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Master of Science in Health Psychology Program. (F).
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Senior or Graduate
PSYC 5835 Adv Methods Health Psych 3 Credit Hours
As a continuation of PSYC 5825, this course assumes a more advanced background in statistics and methodology. The course focuses on methodological issues and statistical techniques appropriate to Health Psychology. Computer skills related to statistical packages, databases, etc. will be stressed. Specific methods and analyses include survey research, program evaluation, epidemiological research, qualitative research, MANCOVA, multiple regression, logistic regression, cluster analysis, and meta-analysis. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Master of Science in Health Psychology Program. (F).
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 5825
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Senior or Graduate
PSYC 584 Research Methods in Beh Med 3 Credit Hours
This course introduces graduate health psychology students to laboratory based research methods typically used in behavioral medicine. The focus is on laboratory methods of cardiovascular and pain research, specifically cardiovascular reactivity, heart rate variability, acute and chronic pain responses. The class also includes several special topics related to health psychology research (e.g., skin conductance, cortisol sampling, etc.). Students are responsible for physical implementation of research protocols, data analysis, and presentation of research findings. (W, YR).
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 557
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Program is
PSYC 585 Psychology Internship 3 Credit Hours
The psychology internship offers experience in a wide variety of placements dealing with human services. These include programs related to child abuse, crisis intervention, developmental disabilities, geriatrics, human resources/staff development, probation departments, teenage runaways, substance abuse, and women's issues. The program involves training in listening and helping skills. Written permission of instructor is required. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version PSYC 485. (F,W).
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 170 or PSYC 171 or PSYC 101
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 588 Primatology Field Course 3 Credit Hours
This Primatology Field course will take students through an exploration of the scientific approach and methodology to the study of animal behavior. Students will gain experience in creating research projects and collecting data on free-ranging animals in a naturalistic environment. Preparation in lectures and activities on the campus of The University of Michigan-Dearborn will include learning about observational methods in detail, practicing developing ethograms and operational definitions, pilot data collection to modify the ethograms at the Detroit or Toledo Zoo, and use of GPS for data collection. Lecture materials will also cover topics of primate behavior and ecology. Students will spend a week observing a primate species (for example, one possible site for this field course may be to observe free-ranging lemurs at a reserve in Florida). Student’s data collection at the field site will be for five continuous days. This field course provides a unique opportunity to study rare and endangered primates species in a safe and accessible environment. Short day trips to other facilities are possible, such as a visit to an ape sanctuary. Topics covered in this field course include advanced observational methods stemming from the field of Ethology, practical development of ethograms (checksheets) and research design, best practices in GPS data collection methods, and collating and summarizing data on animal behavior into a research paper. Lecture topics will address ethological methods and research design and also how to conduct research with free-ranging nonhuman primates. In addition there will be a strong focus on health and safety precautions in the field for human and nonhuman primates, acclimation to the field site, and practicalities of data collection. For graduate credit on this course, extra journal articles and longer written papers required than for the undergraduate requirements.
Restriction(s):
Cannot enroll if Class is Freshman
PSYC 590 Adv Topics in Psychology 1 to 3 Credit Hours
This course provides an introduction to the field of psychoneuroimmunology. This area of study is concerned with the multidirectional communication between psychological processes such as stress or depression and central/peripheral nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system functioning. Ultimately, this field seeks to understand the relative contribution of psychological processes to traditional disease states (cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, etc). Students will learn the basic functioning of the immune system, and pathways via endocrine and nervous system functioning by which psychological processes influence immune functioning. Finally, students will learn the current state of research examining the relationship between psychological processes and disease outcomes. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 590 and PSYC 490.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 455 or PSYC 555 or PSYC 557
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Junior or Senior or Graduate
PSYC 590E Advanced Topics in Psychology 2 Credit Hours
topic: Research and Clinical Ethics. Provides graduate psychology students with extended examination of current inforrmation and decision making strategies on professional and ethical issues associated with service delivery, research, and teaching.
PSYC 592 Individual Research 1 to 3 Credit Hours
No more than 6 hours may be counted for concentration. Arrangements will be made for adequately prepared students to undertake individual research under the direction of a member of the staff. The students, in electing, should indicate the staff member with whom the work has been arranged. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate verion PSYC 492. Students cannot receive credit for both PSYC 492 and PSYC 592. (YR).
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 593 Ethical Issues 3 Credit Hours
Provides graduate psychology students with current information and decision making strategies on professional and ethical issues associated with service delivery, research, and teaching. (F,YR)
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 697 Health Psych Thesis Research 3 to 6 Credit Hours
Students electing the Thesis option in the last stage of the Master of Science in Health Psychology program will work under the general supervision of a member of the graduate faculty in the Behavioral Sciences Department but will plan and carry out the work independently. A prospectus for the thesis must be approved by the Master of Science in Health Psychology program director before the student registers for the course. The student will submit a report on the thesis and give an oral presentation to a panel of faculty members when the thesis is completed. (YR)
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate
PSYC 698 Pract. Clinical Health Psyc 3 to 6 Credit Hours
The Practicum in Clinical Health Psychology offers students supervised clinical experience in a variety of clinical health and human service settings. The practicum is designed for students in the MS in Clinical Health Psychology program who have completed all coursework related to clinical diagnoses, assessment and therapy. Written permission of instructor or Program Director required.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 545 and PSYC 547 and PSYC 548 and PSYC 549 and PSYC 565 and PSYC 593
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Program is MS-Psychology