Master of Behavioral Health Psychology Concentrations
The Carroll University Master of Behavioral Health Psychology program allows you to select from one of four specialized concentrations so you can target your studies:
- Clinical Assessment
- Adult and Geriatric Behavioral Health
- Youth Behavioral Health
- Applied Research
Your elective coursework, practicum, internship placements and thesis or comprehensive projects are all tied to your chosen area of specialization. That means you can develop expertise in your chosen area – an opportunity rarely found in programs that prepare clinicians for licensure at the Master’s level.
If you select the Applied Research concentration, you’ll be required to complete an empirically-based thesis that provides an original contribution to the field; students choosing other concentrations are strongly encouraged, but not required, to do so.
In place of an empirically-based thesis, these students complete a comprehensive project related to the student’s chosen concentration area. Graduates selecting all but the Applied Research concentration are eligible for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor In Training (LPC-IT) in the state of Wisconsin immediately after graduation. After completing Wisconsin’s required post-degree supervised experience, graduates are eligible for full licensure. Carroll’s MS in Behavioral Health Psychology conforms to the state of Illinois' requirements for licensing as a Professional Counselor. After acquiring the required supervision hours as a Professional Counselor in Illinois, graduates are eligible for licensing as a Clinical Professional Counselor. While Carroll’s program is likely to meet the licensing requirements for professional counselors in other states, consult your state’s requirements for more information.
Applied Research concentration graduates are well-prepared to apply for seats in psychology-related doctoral training programs or pursue applied research careers. Graduates choosing this focus will not meet state education requirements for licensing as a professional counselor in Wisconsin, Illinois, or many other states.
Clinical Assessment
By choosing this concentration, you'll add depth to your foundational psychological testing knowledge. You will learn how to administer, score and interpret psychological tests and prepare psychological evaluations. Clinical placements will provide the opportunity to apply your skills, and your thesis or comprehensive project will further challenge you to dive into the related science. Your knowledge of widely used intelligence, achievement, personality, and diagnostic tests will prepare you for a career as a psychometrist or expand your clinical practice.
Adult and Geriatric Behavioral Health and Youth Behavioral Health
Building on your lifespan psychology knowledge, you will take a deep dive into the unique experiences of children and adolescents or adults. In classes, you'll explore the research addressing different treatment approaches when working with these populations. In practicals and on internship, we'll work with you to find placements that allow you to practice your clinical skills with clients at these phases in the lifespan. To round out your specialization, your thesis or comprehensive project will focus on your chosen population.
Applied Research
When choosing this path, you’ll gain deep training and experience in the practice of psychological research. Additional research-focused coursework, participation on research teams and the completion of an empirically based thesis prepare you for behavioral research careers or doctoral training. (This concentration does not meet state Master's-level licensing requirements.)