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Education and Psychology

The Combined Program in Education and Psychology doctoral program is supported through a collaboration of the Marsal Family School of Education and the Department of Psychology in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. You will have the opportunity to work with faculty from both schools to research processes in development, learning, and motivation in the context of schools, families, and communities.

The program focuses on processes related to cognition and instruction in school content areas, particularly literacy, math, and science, as well as the cognitive processes involved in teaching and learning. This area blends a focus on individuals’ cognition with a focus on social learning and sociocultural theories. Much work includes the development and use of innovative technologies to foster cognition and learning and to study teaching and learning.

The study of self-regulatory processes emphasizes understanding links between motivation and cognitive development. Students drill down to explore individual, peer, and classroom characteristics that influence motivation, including cultural, cross-cultural and international comparative perspectives.

Students consider processes related to the promotion of positive academic, social, and psychological development across the life-span. Students gain understanding of how some individuals considered “at risk”—socially, cognitively, economically, and/or psychologically—overcome the odds to show positive academic, social, and psychological adaptation outcomes.

Moreover, you will understand the development of the self and identity within and across contexts and over the life-span. They study links among personal and social identities and human achievement. This also includes psychosocial achievement outcomes, such as social competence, socio-emotional development, civic engagement, and psychological well-being.

• Learning Experience Design Certificate

Requirements

Proseminar credits.

Students complete the following courses:

• EDBEHAVR 800 (PSYCH 861) – Proseminar in Education and Psychology I
• EDBEHAVR 801 (PSYCH 862) – Proseminar in Education and Psychology II

CPEP core credits

• EDUC 708 (PSYCH 708) – Cognition and Instruction in the Classroom
• EDUC 721 (PSYCH 723) – Human Development and Schooling

Education and psychology core credits

• One core course in Education
• One core course in Psychology
• A third core course in either Education or Psychology

Introductory methods/statistics credits

Students choose from the following courses:

• PSYCH 613 – Advanced Statistical Methods I
• PSYCH 614 – Advanced Statistical Methods II
• EDUC 792 – Methods of Educational Research: Qualitative
• EDUC 793 – Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Educational Research

Students typically complete these credits in year one.

Methods of research credits

Students choose courses focused on a range of methodological approaches offered in education, psychology, and other academic units.

Professional Issues in Psychology credits

• PSYCH 506 – Professional Issues in Psychology (1 credit)

This required course for all University of Michigan graduates is usually taken in the first year (Winter term).

Post-candidacy credits

• EDUC 898 – Professional Development Seminar (1–2 credits)
• EDUC 716 – Advanced Seminar on Issues in Education and Psychology (3 credits)

Students typically complete these credits in year four or five.

Candidates must be enrolled in the following courses in the full term in which their oral defense of their dissertation is given:

• EDUC 995 / PSYCH 995 – Dissertation, Candidacy (8 credits; may be elected more than once)

Frequently Asked Questions

Combined Program in Education and Psychology

Connect with cpep.

(734) 763-0680 [email protected]

610 E. University Avenue Room 1413 Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1259

Office Hours

Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Application Deadline

Application process.

To submit a successful application for admission, you need to provide the following:

• Academic Statement of Purpose
• Personal Statement 
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Resume or CV
• English proficiency scores (for non-native speakers of English only)
• GRE Test Scores are not required for admission

Create an account with Rackham Graduate School.

This program, like all of the Marsal Family School of Education's graduate programs, is administered through the University of Michigan's Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies. Rackham offers a host of resources and administrative support to help see you through from submitting your application to completion of your degree.

• After completing page 5 of the application, you will receive an e-mail with your U-M ID. A U-M ID number will be issued to you via email within 5 business days of completing pages 1-5 and advancing to page 6 of the ApplyWeb application. Having your U-M ID number to include on all your application materials ensures accurate and timely processing, so we encourage you to complete pages 1-5 early in the process.
• If you need to submit your application before you receive your U-M ID number, you may still complete the application. Include your date of birth and the program’s name on your application materials.
• Current and former U-M Ann Arbor students, alumni and employees: You do not need to obtain a new U-M ID number. Use your previously obtained U-M ID number.
• If your personal information has changed (for example, legal name, gender), make sure the personal information you submit with your application matches your previous Ann Arbor campus record. If your previous Ann Arbor campus record does not display your current personal information, contact the Registrar’s Office or the Shared Services Center to change your personal information before you apply.

Include at the top of each document:

• The type of document (Academic Statement of Purpose, Personal Statement, or Curriculum Vitae or Resume)
• The name of the graduate program
• Your 8 digit U-M ID (if known)

Make sure margins are at least one-inch so nothing is cropped when you upload the documents to the application.

• Information regarding English Proficiency tests and exemption guidelines can be found on the Rackham Graduate School website . 
• GRE test scores are not required for admission , but scores (valid 5 years from test date) can be included with your application.
• Provide ETS with the U-M Institutional Code of 1839 and your scores will be sent directly to the university.
• Test scores must be sent directly from the testing center to the Rackham Graduate School. We recommend starting this process early as it can take up to two weeks for the scores to be received. 
• A scanned/electronic copy of the official transcript will be used for initial review by our admissions committee. You will be required to have your official transcript sent to the Rackham Graduate School only if you are recommended for admission.
• Information for submitting transcripts can be found on the Rackham Graduate School website .
• Check the status of your letters of recommendation, change a recommender, or resend the notification email to your recommender using the ApplyWeb Activity Page
• Please reach out to [email protected] if there are any questions regarding the submission of the letters of recommendation.

Check on your application status . If you’ve been accepted, you will receive an email with information on how to send your official transcripts.

• If you have been accepted, congratulations! You may accept or decline the offer of admission in your U-M Friend Account .
• For international students that accept offer of admission, Rackham prepares immigration documents for visas.

For questions regarding the doctoral program application in Education and Psychology:  Phone: 734.647.0626 [email protected]

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Home // Academics // Doctoral Degree

• Director’s Message
• PsyD Admission Criteria
• PsyD Clinical Training
• PsyD Degree Requirements
• PsyD Licensure
• PsyD Program Curriculum

The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) is a post-master’s professional degree for those pursuing the highest level of practice in clinical psychology. Utilizing the practitioner-scholar model, the doctoral program provides discipline-specific knowledge and profession-wide competencies to ground curriculum, clinical training, dissertation research, and scholarship. The program fosters an educational environment that values cooperative and collaborative learning and promotes professional development and personal growth.

The program is supported by the institutional mission which is to educate psychologists today who will transform our world tomorrow. Dynamic relationships and strong academic rigor foster the development of psychologists who make significant contributions to their communities and the mental health profession by delivering expert clinical services with integrity and respect for diverse populations.

Doctoral program faculty have responsibility for the integrity of the academic program. Faculty continually assess and enhance the program’s content and requirements to meet the needs of the field of psychology.

PsyD Program Aims

MSP’s PsyD program in clinical psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA).

*Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: 202.336.5979 Email: [email protected] Website: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

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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

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.

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).

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)

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).

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 *

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

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).

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).

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).

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)

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).

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

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).

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).

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).

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).

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

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

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)

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 545 or PSYC 575

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

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).

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

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).

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)

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)

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

APA-accredited Internships in Clinical Psychology

The mary a. rackham institute's psychology internship program is accredited through 2027 by the office of program consultation and accreditation, american psychological association: 750 1st st. ne, washington dc, 20002. phone:  (202) 336-5979.

We use the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) National Match to find eligible applicants for the internship.

We are strongly committed to the training of highly competent clinicians who are able to provide a full range of evidence-based, outcomes-informed professional psychological services to a clinically diverse patient population. To learn more, scroll down or download our Psychology Internship Brochure.

The following resources provide additional information about the internship:

• Internship Admissions, Support and Initial Placement Data - 2024  (PDF).
• Other Training Outcomes and Intern Satisfaction Data (PDF).

Events and Open Houses

Each year we offer opportunities to learn more about the internship and other training programs at MARI. Please see: Training Events for upcoming related events.

2024 Open House:

• Friday, June 7, from 12 to 1 p.m., EST.
• Visit umich.zoom.us/j/92535833059 .

_________________________

How to Apply

The following items are required:

• Online AAPI application
• Letter of interest
• Curriculum vitae
• 3 recommendation letters
• Graduate school transcript

All materials need to be submitted through the APPI Online Applicant Portal to be considered.

The deadline is Nov. 1 each year.

Get a Sense of MARI Training

We built a page to help you get a better sense of MARI training. On the Get to Know Us page, you'll have the opportunity to get to learn more about MARI, the training mentorship and supervisor team, former interns and where they are now, and what life in Ann Arbor is like. 

MARI APA-accredited Internship Program Specifics

The internship program is based in one of the two outpatient mental health training clinics within our Institute: the University Psychological Clinic (serving adults) and/or the University Center for the Child and Family (serving children, adolescents and families; UCCF). The Psychological Clinic and UCCF are housed together in comfortable facilities in downtown Ann Arbor, just one block off the University of Michigan central campus. The internships begin in mid-August and run for one year.

Interns match to one of our three training tracks:

• Adult Track (full time at our adult clinic)
• Child/Adolescent Track (full time at our child clinic)
• Autism-Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Track (full time in our child clinic's University of Michigan-Autism and Consultation Services (UM-ACTS) Program)

Clinical, Counseling, or School Psychology graduate students from accredited doctoral programs are eligible to apply. The annual internship stipend is $31,200. Benefits include medical insurance and generous paid time off (see brochure for details).

For more information about our internships, download the MARI Clinical Psychology Internship Handbook.

Training Model and Culture

We espouse a scientist-practitioner model that emphasizes the importance of integrating scientific data and inquiry into our training and clinical work; training in a wide variety of evidence-based treatments; immersion in clinical services including individual, group, and couples psychotherapy, as well as psychological testing; broad training across the age span, across a wide variety of clients with varying diagnoses and presenting problems, and across a wide array of evidence-based and theoretically varied intervention techniques; the importance of providing intensive and varied supervision; and training in a supportive, multidisciplinary setting with supervisors dedicated to this task, and among a large cohort of fellow trainees at various levels.

Interns are integral members of our highly experienced, multidisciplinary treatment teams. They participate in staff meetings and discussions, and their suggestions and observations about our service delivery system are seriously considered. Trainees’ skill levels and clinical interests are carefully considered in designing and tailoring clinical assignments and training experiences to the professional development of each trainee.

Our training fosters the development of clinical competencies from basic to professional psychology. We train our interns to develop the skills and attitudes that are expected of well-qualified, humane, and ethical professionals. Our internship program offers graduate students great opportunities to build upon their education with professional, real world experience. We offer:

• Psychotherapy and assessment experiences with a wide variety of clients, treated with a broad range of evidence-based interventions; expert supervision from varied perspectives;
• Theoretical perspectives; all within a high-quality, multi-disciplinary behavioral health organization.
• Our goal is to train highly competent clinicians who will be able to provide a full range of evidence-based, outcomes-informed professional psychological services to a clinically diverse client population.

We offer 4-6 internships positions each year.

Commitment To Diversity

We have a strong commitment to creating an environment that is positive and supportive of growth around individual and cultural differences. We welcome applicants from all minority groups.

More Details about Internship Training Settings

The University Center for the Child and Family (UCCF) assesses and treats children, adolescents, couples and families from our campus and community.

• UCCF was established in 1988, and over the past 25 years has established itself as a respected center for psychology training, as well as a valued community resource for the provision of high quality mental health assessment and treatment for local children, adolescents and families.
• Interns gain experience working in all of the basic areas of child and family work, integrating a wide range of perspectives when assessing and treating clients. The studied perspectives include biological, behavioral, cognitive, attachment-based, family systems, and community / cultural approaches.

Interns provide a range of therapeutic services, including:

• Parent, couples and family treatments
• Individual therapy
• Parent behavior management training
• Psycho-educational groups
• Community consultation
• Specialized Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism-Spectrum Disorders

The University of Michigan Psychological Clinic is a large, multi-discliplinary outpatient mental health clinic. It focuses on the assessment and treatment of adult individuals and couples from our campus and community.

• The Psychological Clinic was established in 1938 and has been committed to training in psychology for 80 years.
• Psych Clinic Interns work within a wide scope of evidence-based treatment approaches, including interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-bases, emotion-focused, couples / systems, biological / psychiatric, and brief psychodynamic approaches.
• Interns treat a wide range of adult outpatients, including those with anxiety, depression, interpersonal problems, adjustment difficulties, emotion dysregulation, and the full range of other outpatient presenting concerns.
• Interns work with individuals, couples, and groups using a range of therapeutic approaches, including:
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Emotion-Focused Psychotherapy for individuals and couples (EFT)
• Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy (IBCT)
• Integrative, multi-theoretical approaches

More Internship Program Details

The internship offers strong supervision and seminar programs, including four hours or more of combined individual and group supervision per week, and weekly multidisciplinary case consultation and disposition meetings. Both units provide experience in  formal ADHD/Learning Disability testing as well as individual and group psychotherapy.

The training staff at both centers consists primarily of psychologists, but also includes social workers and consulting psychiatrists. Training occurs in a multidisciplinary setting that includes psychology practicum and social work students, MSW fellows, psychology postdoctoral fellows, and psychiatry residents. We host an atmosphere that welcomes individual and cultural differences, and we encourage members of ethnic and racial minority groups to apply.

A multi-theoretical, evidence-based approach to training and treatment is practiced at both sites, and a multicultural, diversity-infused perspective is infused in our setting and all of our work.

These two centers are located next to each other within a single building within one block of U-M’s central campus.

Michigan Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs and Resources

Below is a list, ranked by affordability, of colleges in Michigan that offer postgraduate psychology degree programs. There are 13 schools offering 48 psychology degree programs.  The following are areas of study: psychology, psychological science, applied behavior analysis, experimental psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, social-personality psychology, evolutionary and comparative psychology, educational psychology, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, industrial/organizational behavior management, clinical behavior psychology, counseling psychology, sports psychology, school psychology, psychological services, applied experimental psychology, cognition and cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, community psychology; and school and community psychology. The resource table at the bottom of the page highlights websites with local psychology information. The states that border Michigan that offer graduate psychology programs include Wisconsin , Indiana and Ohio .

Michigan Master’s in Psychology Programs

Michigan Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Michigan Psychology Resources

Michigan Psychology Related Podcasts

64: Neil Lewis, Jr., PhD – Dual Appointed Associate Professor at a Research One University Shares his Advice and Journey & Discusses his Multifaceted Job

54: Hannah Schacter, PhD – Assistant Professor of Psychology at Wayne State University Shares Copious Practical Advice While Discussing her Academic and Professional Journey

52: Janeé Steele, PhD, LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified CBT Therapist, and Walden University Core Faculty Discusses Her Journey and New Book Black Lives Are Beautiful

51: Char Newton, PhD – Psychologist, Assistant Professor, and Author Shares her Journey and Advice and Explains how she Found her Niche in the Field of Psychology

30: Steven O. Roberts, PhD – Recently Promoted and Tenured Associate Professor of Psychology Shares his Journey, Experiences, and Advice

18: Malissa A. Clark, Ph.D. – Well-known Researcher and Professor in the Growing Field of I/O Psychology Offers Practical Advice to Students

16: Robert A. Bjork & Elizabeth L. Bjork, Ph.D. – Dynamic Duo and Pillars of Cognitive Research in Psychological Science

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Earn Your Psychology Degree Online with UM-Flint

Our psychology program’s online format accommodates the learning styles and schedules of busy students like you—whether you are starting college with us or transferring from another institution.

Student Support for Both In-Class & Online Students

Students in the online psychology program enjoy the same faculty mentorship, professional advising, and academic support services as in-classroom students. Those resources include a First Year Experience  course designed to help you excel in an online environment, 24/7 access to library resources, and online tutoring. The UM-Flint Psychology Program prepares students for a wide range of careers including Business, Education, Law, Medicine, Social Work, and bachelor’s-level psychology positions. It is also excellent preparation for continuing education as a master’s or doctoral student in psychology.

Free Tuition with the Go Blue Guarantee!

UM-Flint students are automatically considered, upon admission, for the Go Blue Guarantee, a historic program offering free tuition for high-achieving, in-state undergraduates from lower-income households. Learn more about the  Go Blue Guarantee  to see if you qualify and how affordable a Michigan degree can be.

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Welcome to the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan!

Students must apply to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). After completing pre-requisite courses, students may then declare one of our two majors.

Want a real student story? Meet a  BCN and Psychology major and read about their paths within LSA and beyond.  

If you are interested in scheduling a prospective student appointment, please complete our Prospective Student Meeting Request Form  and an advisor would be happy to meet with you to answer any questions you may have. 

Please find resources below to guide you on a tour of our department, the curriculum, and many of the opportunities that are available for our students.

Majors and Other Opportunities

Majors we offer.

Psychology is a valuable liberal arts major, allowing one to explore, develop, and expand their interests in the field. Undergraduate courses in psychology give students an opportunity to learn what research has shown about how behavior is motivated; how we perceive, learn, and think; how individuals differ from one another; how the personality develops from infancy to maturity and is expressed by behavior; and how interpersonal factors affect human relationships in the home, on the job, and in the community.

Areas: Biopsychology, Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Personality and Social Contexts, Social

If you are considering a more specific major within Psychology that focuses on the most natural science related areas and has ties to both cognitive science and neuroscience, the Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) major may be appropriate for you. The overall goal of the BCN major is to provide a course of study that integrates natural science components including neuroscience, cognitive science, and evolutionary approaches to the study of behavior.

Areas: Biopsychology, Cognitive, some Developmental, plus possible courses from other natural science areas 

Areas of Psychology

Biopsychology: The neural, hormonal, and evolutionary influences on behavior.

Clinical: Biological and behavioral influences on psychopathology.

Cognitive: Mind, brain, thinking, and language.

Developmental: Changes in behavior from infancy and childhood throughout the lifespan.

Personality and Social Contexts: Individual differences and environmental influences on behavior.

Social: Interpersonal interaction, groups, and cultural influences on behavior. 

Opportunities

The department offers opportunities for students to develop the necessary skills to succeed both in the classroom and in the work world. The department's faculty are well recognized for their contributions to the field. This allows students to not only be taught by the top experts in the field, but also gives them the opportunity to work hands-on with faculty as research assistants or undertake independent study. Senior students have the chance to work more independently on advanced research such as an honors thesis .

We also offer unique opportunities to gain skills necessary to be competitive in today's job market such as working as a peer advisor , participating in experiential  service learning opportunities , and joining any of our  student organizations . We also strongly recommend studying abroad to gain a global perspective.

Curriculum & Credit

Curriculum:

Psychology and BCN Curriculum Information : Find out classes required for each major

Courses Per Term Charts : Charts showing how courses count towards each major by term 

Beyond-the-Box Feature : Contains a number of minors and specialties of study in other LSA and non-LSA departments which Psychology and BCN students commonly pursue. While it is not required to declare a dual major or minor, exploring courses and programs in other areas is an excellent way to develop interests and transferable skills.

AP Credit: A score of 4 or 5 on the Psychology Advanced Placement Examination will give you credit for Psychology 111 (Introduction to Psychology). Have your high school or testing agency send your score to the UM Admissions Office.

Office of Admissions AP & IB Guidelines

Careers and Graduate School

CAREER OPTIONS

"What can I do with a Psych/BCN major?" While Psychology and BCN are not applied majors leading to a specific career (i.e. Accounting), both majors, within a Liberal Arts  education, will prepare students for a variety of careers. Use our Career Exploration section to find out what our recent graduates are up to and view alumni videos and profiles. Still unsure? Let Liberal Arts by the Numbers  show you the power of a liberal arts education.

GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL

Our majors are competitive candidates for a variety of graduate and professional programs both within psychology as well as other fields. The top 3 programs our students report pursuing are Medical School, Master's of Social Work, and PhD programs in psychology. Survey data from our recent graduating class can be found on the Career Exploration page. Preparing for Graduate School will give you common options within and outside of psychology. 

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