Note on Licensure – MS in Clinical Psychology
The MS in Clinical Psychology program is designed to meet the academic licensure requirements of some state boards that license mental health professionals at the master’s level. Please note the MS in Clinical Psychology General Program meets state licensure eligibility requirements in the following states: Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Tennessee and the District of Columbia. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide general guidance on licensure issues, state-by-state educational requirements, and internship and practicum requirements; however, it remains the student’s responsibility to evaluate and understand the licensure requirements for the state in which he or she resides, as requirements vary widely. Walden makes no guarantee that its MS in Clinical Psychology program with a State Education specialization will meet the licensure requirements in any state.
Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide general guidance on licensure issues, state-by-state educational requirements, and internship and practicum requirements; however, it remains the student’s responsibility to evaluate and understand the licensure requirements for the state in which he or she resides, as requirements vary widely. Walden makes no guarantee that its MS in Clinical Psychology program with a State Education specialization will meet the licensure requirements in any state.
Prospective students enrolling in licensure-leading programs are advised that relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification, or other credential in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate, and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.
The MS in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis meets mental health professional state licensure eligibility requirements in the following states: Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Tennessee and the District of Columbia. The MS in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) program also meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirement that is needed to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (restricted) examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination, including meeting the fieldwork requirement. In the MS Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis, students can earn field experience hours in applied behavior analysis; however, students will need to earn additional hours to meet the total hours required for eligibility to sit for the BCBA exam. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide information relating to national certification exams; however, it remains the individual student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she intends to practice. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information on applying for certification from BACB, visit www.bacb.com/bcba. BCBA certification may be a requirement to obtain licensure to practice applied behavior analysis, for more information on professional licensure visit www.waldenu.edu/professional-licensure-disclosure.
Note on Licensure – MS in Applied Behavioral Analysis
The MS in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) program has been verified that it meets the behavior-analytic coursework requirement which is needed to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (restricted) examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination including meeting the fieldwork requirement. Walden University does not offer the fieldwork experience required for eligibility to sit for the BCBA exam. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide information relating to national certification exams; however, it remains the individual student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she intends to practice. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information on applying for certification from BACB, visit www.bacb.com/bcba. BCBA certification may be a requirement to obtain licensure to practice applied behavior analysis. For more information on professional licensure, visit www.waldenu.edu/about/accreditation/state-authorization-and-program-licensure.
Note on Certification – MS in Psychology
The MS in Psychology program’s Applied Behavior Analysis specialization has been designed to offer acceptable graduate coursework in behavior analysis (Verified Course Sequence as approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International and accepted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board) and prepare students to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam, which is administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). Walden University does not offer the fieldwork experience required for eligibility to sit for the BCBA exam. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide information relating to national certification exams; however, it remains the individual student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification exams for the state in which he or she intends to practice. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information on applying for certification from BACB, visit www.bacb.com/bcba/.
Please note: Currently, students who reside in Washington state must take the MS in Psychology Capstone and may not enroll in the Field Experience option.
Note on Licensure – PhD in Clinical Psychology
The PhD in Clinical Psychology program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for psychology licensing exams. This program is designed to meet the academic licensure requirements of some state psychology boards. However, Walden University’s PhD in Clinical Psychology program is not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and has not received designation by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Register (ASPPB/NR), which are requirements for licensure in some states. Learn more about professional licensure.
Note on Licensure – Other Psychology Programs
The following are not licensure programs and do not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional:
BS in Psychology
MS in Developmental Psychology
MS in Forensic Psychology
MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
MS in Psychology
PhD in Developmental Psychology
PhD in Forensic Psychology
PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
PhD in Psychology
PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership