MA in Clinical Psychology, Psychological Trauma Studies Specialization
Introduction
While always having been a core aspect of psychology practice, there is now recognition that exposure to chronic traumatic events can have a devastating effect on psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Traumatic events can vary in duration, intensity, and impact, but the detrimental effects on the psychological health of those affected is significant and oftentimes debilitating. Whether it’s a result of crime, natural catastrophe, or conflict-related trauma, you will learn how to provide competent, sensitive, and skilled therapy to those suffering.
This degree is offered by Antioch University's Los Angeles Campus.
Program Overview
The impact of trauma has developed in its sophistication within the last two decades.
The Psychological Trauma Studies specialization (PTS) offers core courses, elective courses, and workshops to students interested in learning more about the causes, assessment, and treatments of psychological trauma. In addition, concerns specific to therapists and first responders are explored, including those of burnout and vicarious traumatization. A strong emphasis is placed on the use of evidence-based and evidence-informed treatment protocols to support survivors. Successful completion of the specialization includes field clinical experience in an agency setting providing trauma-related mental health services to the civilian and/or military community.
The Psychological Trauma Studies specialization prepares you to work with those who have experienced such trauma, in an effort to resolve and release its lasting effects. This specialization provides you with the special skills to identify and treat the effects of psychological trauma regardless of its source.
Licensure Information
This program is designed to lead to state licensure.
President's Merit Scholarship
The President’s Merit Scholarships are awarded to new students seeking a master’s degree. Awards are determined by prior academic performance (minimum 3.40 GPA) and work/life experience. Awards of $6000 are distributed equally over the first two academic years of a student’s program. You must remain enrolled full-time, and your academic progress will be reviewed each term. You must complete each course in which you are registered in order to continue receiving the scholarship.
Additional Information
Specialization Courses (17 credits)
- Trauma Assessment and Treatment Across the Developmental Spectrum (3 credits)
- Sexual Trauma and Human Trafficking (2 credits)
- Disasters, Mass Violence, and Psychological First Aid (3 credits)
- Traumatic Grief and Loss (3 credits)
- Ax/Tx of Military and First Responders(2 credits)
- Post-Traumatic Growth (1 credit)
- PTS Electives (3 quarter credits)
Faculty Spotlights
Tenika Jackson, PsyD
Department Chair, Core Faculty
Susan Schuster-Bacon
Clinical Teaching Faculty
Celina Jacques
Adjunct Faculty
Jean Kesnold Mesidor, PhD
Adjunct Faculty
Admissions
How to Apply
- Complete an online application.
- Submit the Application Fee $50. Note: The application fee is waived for anyone attending an information session. Interested in attending? Sign up now!
- Submit an official transcript indicating Bachelor’s degree conferral from a regionally accredited college or university to AULA Admissions.
- Complete and submit the admissions essay. The admissions essay must be typed in 12 pt. font and double-spaced, with your name typed on the top of each page. The admissions reviewer(s) is interested in your capacity for self-reflection and your ability to think critically, as well as your writing ability. Some people may be asked to take steps to improve their writing skills when they enter the program so that they are writing at the graduate level. (Min. 800 words, Max. 1500 words)
- The applicant should choose to respond to one of the following essay prompts in support of the application. 1.) How have your life experiences to this point prepared you for graduate study in psychology? (Please be specific) OR 2.) What does the term social justice mean to you? What is a personal bias you would be willing to address during your participation in the MAP Program?
- OPTIONAL: Applicants can submit one professional letter of recommendation. The letter must come from a faculty member (present/former teacher), employer, or mental health professional. Letters from peer co-workers, friends, relatives, or personal therapists are not acceptable and will not be reviewed. The letter should address the applicant’s potential for success in graduate study in psychology. Please attach the written recommendation to the form when submitting the recommendation. The letter of recommendation must be submitted in either Word or pdf format and we strongly encourage that the letter of recommendation be one page in length.
- After we receive your application materials, we will contact you to make an appointment for a group interview. This interview is an opportunity for you to present your goals and qualifications and to ask questions about Antioch University’s program.
Please submit all materials to: Admissions Office, 5150 W. Goldleaf Circle, Suite 101 Los Angeles, CA 90056 or [email protected]. All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.
Application Deadline
| Quarter | Priority Deadline* | Application Deadline*** |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | February 1 | May 1 |
| Fall | May 1 | August 1 |
| Winter | August 1 | November 1 |
| Spring | November 1 | February 1 |
| *International application deadline is priority deadline | ||
| Please review the Academic Calendar for additional details. | ||
LEARN MORE
Cost
Clinical Psychology (MA) & Psychological Studies (MA)
| Cost per credit | $ 956 |
|---|---|
| View the Cost of Attendance Components | |
Please note: Additional fees for all AULA programs may include (but are not necessarily limited to) charges for materials, late registration, enrollment maintenance, parking, graduation, transcripts, tuition payment plan, late payments, late registration, and returned checks.
LEARN MORE
Financial Aid
A majority of AULA students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants—are right for you. Our staff is here to help you, so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AULA.
LEARN MORE
Start your Antioch Journey
Take your next step - talk to our admissions team to find the right program for you.