Graduate Program

Clinical Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2007

Thesis Director

William Addison

Thesis Committee Member

Anu Sharma

Thesis Committee Member

Ronan Bernas

Abstract

Often times, when considering training and careers in psychology, students have difficulty deciding whether to pursue clinical psychology or counseling psychology as a career. The decision made might be a result of limited or biased information. Additionally, students often fail to make important distinctions between counseling psychology and the professional field of counseling, which has implications for the career path they pursue. The purpose of the current literature review is to provide readers with the range of knowledge and ideas, including contrasting perspectives and viewpoints that have been established in this area.

Students also often fail to make important distinctions between the field of psychology and education. Moreover, there is considerable debate about the characterization of clinical psychology and counseling psychology. Additionally, students often fail to make distinctions between research-oriented fields and professional fields in psychology and education. The "scientist versus practitioner problem," and the implications it has for training constitute a politically charged issue in American psychology. The complex decisional matrix of masters versus doctorate, PhD versus PsyD, and APA-accredited versus nonaccredited programs precludes any simple advice.

The information in this review could facilitate informed choice in the application process, enhance matching between the specialization and the student's interests, and sharpen the respective identities of psychology training programs. In the review, I point out important distinctions in the two fields, and provide information that will help students in the decision-making process.

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