Clinical Psychological Assessment

The master of education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Psychological Assessment is designed to train students in the evidence-based practice of clinical psychological assessment with children and adolescents. The two-year (48 hour) graduate program in Clinical Psychological Assessment prepares students to become highly qualified clinicians in the administration and interpretation of assessment of cognitive function, behavior, personality, and psychopathology. Graduates may seek employment in:

• Schools
• Community mental health centers
• Hospitals
• Other health agencies

This training will include a foundation in core areas of psychological science, knowledge and etiology of psychopathology, professional ethics, and course work and practicum training in psychological assessment. Students will obtain hands-on experience as part of their practicum training, working alongside licensed psychologists who are administering assessments professionally in Nashville as well as the surrounding areas. In addition, a final comprehensive exam will be required instead of a thesis following the completion of all coursework and the practicum.

The curriculum and practicum are designed to meet certification requirements for the State of Tennessee’s Certified Psychological Assistant (CPA), the current master's level psychology certification. Certified Psychological Assistants in the state of Tennessee can practice under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist. There are currently 25 states which license master-level psychologists, either independently or under continuing supervision. The skills training does not prepare students to practice psychotherapy or counseling at the master’s level. However, some students may wish to pursue further practice-oriented doctoral training after completion of the program.

Core Clinical Courses (required by all students):

• PSY-GS 301A: Biological Bases of Behavior
• PSY-GS 309: Statistics
• PSY-GS 312: Personality/Behavioral Assessment
• PSY-GS 317: Psychological Measurement
• PSY-GS 340: Psychopathology
• PSY-GS 343: Cognitive Assessment
• PSY-GS 353: Professional Ethics
• PSY-GS 361: Cognitive Development
• PSY-GS 363: Social Development

Elective course in clinical psychology may include:

• PSY-GS 336: Behavioral Pediatrics and Child Health Psychology
• PSY-GS 352: Seminar in Clinical Psychology: Cognitive Therapy for Depression and Related Disorders
• PSY-GS 366: Psychological Interventions with Children
• PSY-GS 396: Psychobiology of Stress and Coping
• PSY-GS 396: Special Topics Seminar in Clinical Psychological Assessment
• PSY-GS 396: Special Topics Seminar in Clinical Psychological Intervention
• PSY-GS 323: Practicum in Psychological Assessment

Clinical Practicum

Students will complete a clinical practicum during their second year of training, working alongside licensed psychologists in the community. Various clinical assessment experiences are available, allowing students to pursue areas of personal interest.

Final Comprehensive Exam

This written exam is taken after all of the coursework and practicum work is completed. This exam will cover all of the course work and practicum experiences that students have completed.

Requirements

Applications to the M.Ed. program in Clinical Psychological Assessment can be submitted online. The deadline for consideration in this program for the fall semester is December 31. 

Transcripts

Please scan and attach your unofficial transcript(s), or a copy of your official transcript(s), to your application. Note: Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application. We understand that requesting official transcripts can be expensive, so we only require official, sealed transcripts if you are admitted and enroll at Peabody College.

Standardized Tests

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required as part of the application process. Your application may be reviewed with unofficial/self-reported test scores. You will only need to submit official test scores if you are admitted and choose to enroll in the program.

Applicants whose native language is not English must also present the results of either the TOEFL or IELTS with the application, unless they have demonstrated competence while attending an American accredited institution. As with the GRE, your application may be reviewed with unofficial/self-reported test scores. You will only need to submit official test scores if you are admitted and choose to enroll in the program.

Interests and Goals Statement

A letter or statement of academic interests and professional goals is required. This is crucial in providing information about your personal background, intellectual interests, career goals, ability to take advantage of unique opportunities offered by the program, academic and research experiences, and relevant work or practical experience. Be as specific as you can regarding your interests and goals.

Reference Letters

You should submit at least three letters of recommendation from professors, research supervisors, or others who can assess your potential for advanced graduate work. Please ask your recommenders to be as specific as possible about issues directly relevant to advanced graduate study. Although there are forms for the letters of recommendation, references are invited to provide additional pages if necessary.. Each letter must have an original signature to be considered valid, unless it is sent by a college placement service. Letters should be sent directly to:

Vanderbilt University

Center for Data Management

PMB 407833

2301 Vanderbilt Place

Nashville TN 37240-7833

Scholarships

Every professional student applicant is considered for merit aid. There is no separate application to complete and students will be notified in their admissions letter if they have been awarded merit aid.

Peabody Honors Scholarship (PHS) 

The Peabody Honors Scholarship (PHS) is the most competitive and prestigious award a student can receive from Peabody College. It covers 75% of a student’s tuition for up to three years,depending on the requirements of the program, and provides exclusive access to specialized lectures and social events with faculty and academic deans. A recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student for each semester unless it is her/his final semester. A student must maintain a minimum 3.75 GPA in all coursework to retain the scholarship.

Dean's Tuition Scholarship (DTS) 

The Dean's Tuition Scholarship (DTS) is a competitive scholarship that recognizes high-achieving students who will greatly contribute to their program of study. This award covers 50% of a student’s tuition for up to three years, depending on the length of the program. Recipients may enroll as full or part time students. However, since there is a time limitation on the award, students will want to complete their program of study before the three year award expires. Continuous enrollment and good academic standing (minimum 3.0 GPA) are required for renewal of this award.

Scholastic Achievement Scholarship (SAS) 

The Scholastic Achievement Scholarship (SAS) is a competitive scholarship that recognizes high-achieving students who will greatly contribute to their program of study. This award covers 25% of a student’s tuition for up to three years,depending on the length of the program. Recipients may enroll as full or part time students. However, since there is a time limitation on the award, students will want to complete their program of study before the three year award expires. Continuous enrollment and good academic standing (minimum 3.0 GPA) are required for renewal of this award.

Iris Scholarship 

The Iris Scholarship is a competitive  one-year award only that recognizes academic achievement.  This award varies from $1,000 to $4,000 and is equally distributed between the fall and spring semesters of the first year only. A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be obtained in the fall semester for this award to continue in the spring semester. This award is not renewable.

Virginia Haynes Redfield Scholarship 

The Virginia Haynes Redfield Scholarship is a competitive one-year award onlythat recognizes academic achievement of underrepresented students.  This award varies from $1,000 to $4,000 and is equally distributed between the fall and spring semesters of the first year only. A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be obtained in the fall semester for this award to continue in the spring semester. This award is not renewable.