Grow as a clinician and collaborator in the field of psychopharmacology
The online M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology is a two-year graduate degree program designed to educate you in psychopharmacology and medical conditions relevant to mental health care and psychological disorders—preparing you to pursue prescriptive authority. The program trains current and aspiring practitioners to integrate medical approaches into their client care through applied case-based learning. By working with persons who are prescribed psychotropic medications, you will become more competent in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention, and enhance their collaborative practice skills.
This program includes two tracks:
- M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology Coursework Only Track (31 credit hours)
- M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology Illinois Prescriptive Authority Preparation Track (67 credit hours)
The Clinical Psychopharmacology online master's program has been granted designation by the American Psychological Association (APA) Designation Committee for Postdoctoral Education and Training Programs in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Authority.
You may not represent yourself as having comÂpleted the APA Model Education and Training Program in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Authority until such time as you have completed the didactic, supervised clinical experiÂence, and capstone components of the program.
Gerardo Rodriguez-Menendez, PhD, MSCP, ABPP
Admissions Requirements
Students applying to the Online M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology program must submit the following:
- Completed application
- $50 application fee
- A Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from an accredited institution is required for admission to the psychopharmacology graduate program
- Applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools where a degree was earned. It is recommended that transcripts be submitted from all schools where credit was received to enhance their applications.
- Applicants who have not yet completed a doctoral degree program in clinical psychology or who have been admitted to a doctoral degree program in clinical psychology must submit a transcript of any coursework completed. If no courses have yet been completed, applicants must submit an official letter of admission.
- Applicants in the Illinois Prescriptive Authority Preparation Track must be licensed or eligible for licensure as a clinical psychologist in Illinois.
Accreditation & Licensure
Accreditation
The Clinical Psychopharmacology online masters program has been granted designation by the American Psychological Association (APA) Designation Committee for Postdoctoral Education and Training Programs in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Authority.
Licensure
The online M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology program is designed to meet the educational requirements for prescriptive authority for licensed psychologists. For information on whether a program at The Chicago School meets or does not meet licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit our licensure disclosures page.
Fieldwork Opportunities
Students in the Illinois Prescriptive Authority Preparation Track gain real-world experience applying their knowledge with clinical populations through intensive supervised training. During the 36-credit hour clinical rotations, students will integrate academic knowledge with clinical skills and demonstrate the effective and ethical use of these skills in clinical practice. Additionally, The Chicago School assists students in finding clinical rotation opportunities in:
- Emergency medicine
- Family medicine
- Geriatrics
- Internal Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
Students in the Illinois Prescriptive Authority Preparation Track will also complete a capstone project, where they are required to present a written clinical case report to two faculty members who will examine the student on the case.
Sample Courses
Clinical Anatomy and Integrated Science
This course is designed to emphasize the concepts and structures of human clinical anatomy. Students will receive lecture and/or lab instruction providing clinical anatomy terminology with general concepts of the musculoskeletal system, the organ systems of the thoracic and abdominal cavities, the vascular system, the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. A description of the functional properties of each of these areas is also discussed. The course is designed to provide the psychopharmacology student with a clinical anatomy perspective which they can integrate into their basic science studies of physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, neuroscience and clinical studies.
Advanced Pathophysiology
This course is designed to offer students in psychopharmacology a physiologic understanding of normal organ and system function and disease processes. Cellular physiology, immunology, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine physiology and hepatic and renal functions, as well as pertinent disorders in each area, will be studied. Clinical cases will be presented throughout the course to highlight pathophysiological conditions and their interaction with mental and emotional functioning.
Clinical Biochemistry & Neurochemistry
Introduction to those aspects of chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry, which are needed for the study of clinical psychopharmacology. General concepts of chemical compounds, bonds and valances will be reviewed. Biochemistry principles such as biomolecules of proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids, as well as chromosomal theory and genetic code, enzymes and metabolism will be covered. Neurochemistry will focus on families of neurotransmitters (catecholamines, indolamines) and neurotransmission relevant to understanding and predicting pharmacological methods of action. Neurochemistry will discuss critical themes that will recur throughout the program of study, such as drug-receptor interactions, which are the basis of pharmacodynamics.
Online Student Experience
Through the convenience of the online programs at The Chicago School, your life is able to remain intact. Our online Global Student Dashboard is where you will find the coursework and assignments for your online psychopharmacology courses, interact with fellow students, and engage with your instructor.
Psychopharmacology Career Pathways
Clinical psychopharmacology provides psychologists with proficiency in clinical or health service psychology.
In addition to the settings in which clinical psychologists work, prescribing psychologists work in a variety of clinical settings, including but not limited to:
- Community mental health centers
- Correctional facilities
- Hospitals
- Medical centers
- Private practices
- Active duty military
- University clinics
- Pharmaceutical companies
Career Outcomes
The Chicago School prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. The Chicago School is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions representative.
Financing Your Education
The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.
Fellowship
The Fellowship in Psychopharmacology was established for students accepted into the online M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology program to recognize their pursuit of new and innovative training in the fields of psychology and integrated health care. Fellowship eligibility is determined at the time of acceptance to the program. Click here to learn more.
M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology FAQs
Does the Clinical Psychopharmacology online master's degree qualify you to prescribe medication?
The M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology Illinois Prescriptive Authority Preparation Track is designed to prepare students for prescriptive authority for licensed psychologists in the state of Illinois. The coursework-only track does not prepare students for licensure. Learn more about the Illinois licensure requirements.
Is Clinical Psychopharmacology M.S. 100% online?
The clinical psychopharmacology coursework is completed 100% online. However, for students preparing to pursue licensure, an in-person fieldwork component must be completed in Illinois. This includes clinical rotation opportunities and a capstone project.
What are common job titles within Clinical Psychopharmacology?
Common career paths post-graduation from the clinical psychology master’s degree include becoming a physician assistant, psychiatrist, mental health counselor, clinical psychologist, and researcher. Learn more about these potential career paths in psychopharmacology.
How much does a clinical psychologist make?
The average salary for a clinical psychologist in the U.S. is $78,200 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary ranges from $45,240 to $132,670 depending on the level of experience, state of employment, and industry within clinical psychology.
6:00pm - 7:00 pm
