Engage in case-based learning that will enhance your collaborative practice skills and knowledge of mental health care.
The M.A. Psychopharmacology program is designed to provide general knowledge of psychopharmacology, specifically for practitioners and leaders who are not psychologists or doctoral psychology students. However, to be successful in this psychopharmacology online master's program, you should have an undergraduate or graduate degree in related fields, such as:
- Mental health counseling
- Marriage and family therapy
- Applied behavior analysis
- Related fields of psychology
With the guidance of practitioner-scholar faculty, you will learn how to increase your current competency in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention, and engage in case-based learning that will enhance your collaborative practice skills. Note that the M.A. Psychopharmacology online program does not lead to prescriptive licensure.
Gerardo Rodriguez-Menendez, PhD, MSCP, ABPP
Admissions Requirements
Students applying to the M.A. Psychopharmacology program must submit the following:
- Completed application
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- $50 application fee
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- An undergraduate (or graduate, if applicable) GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is expected for admission.
- Completion of the following two prerequisites in prior undergraduate or graduate coursework (each course must equal three semester credits or equivalent in quarter credits) with a grade of “B” or better:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Research Methods or Basic Statistics
- 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.
Licensure
The Psychopharmacology masters program does not lead to prescriptive licensure. 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.
Sample Courses
Anatomy I: Medical Anatomy and Physiology
This course will emphasize functional concepts and structures of human anatomy. Students will receive instruction providing anatomical 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 medical anatomy perspective which they can integrate into their basic science studies of physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, neuroscience and psychopharmacology.
Psychiatric Procedural Skills
This course will introduce the student to the various medical and procedural skills necessary for prescribing psychotropic medications such as initial patient assessments, medication checks, prescription writing, pharmacology abbreviations, use of electronic medical records with e-prescribing, working in an interdisciplinary setting, medical collaboration, and documenting informed consent to medical treatment including review/disclosure of potential medication side effects. Students will learn practical medical and procedural skills for facilitating patient care.
Fundamentals of Biochemistry & Neurochemistry
This course will introduce the student to applied aspects of chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry, which are needed for a basic understanding of the structure, function, actions, and metabolism of medications used in 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 neurotransmitter systems (catecholamines, indolamines), their location in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and pathways 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.
Applied Research Project
Capstone Examination: Applied Research Project
In this online program, you will complete a Capstone Examination consisting of an Applied Research Project. You must demonstrate your ability to integrate discipline specific knowledge (e.g., neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, pathophysiology, pharmacology and psychopharmacology) in addressing an area of study. Also examined in this course are: the US Federal drug approval process, the ethical and legal concerns that frame much of the psychiatric literature, methods for evaluating psychopharmacology research, and the translation of that research into professional practice. Students will also review research issues specific to prescribers (e.g., informed consent and assent, standards of care, documentation and record keeping, scope of practice, collaboration, consultation and referral, ethical codes and standards) that pertain to pharmacological practice. You are required to complete an applied research project, which may consist of a paper for presentation at a professional conference, or for use as a publication for a specific human services agency, grant proposal, or professional society.
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 psychopharmacology courses, interact with fellow students, and engage with your instructor.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the online M.A. Psychopharmacology program can emerge with the skills needed to advance their careers within a variety of professional settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Mental health practices
- Integrated care facilities
- Nursing homes
- Rehabilitation facilities
- 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.
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