Psychology in Education: General Track MA

Master of Arts in Psychology in Education

For students interested in the field of Clinical Psychology


Our Master of Arts degree is formally titled “Psychology in Education” for historical reasons, but is widely known as the premier MA program for students interested in the field of Clinical Psychology. The program provides foundational knowledge of psychopathology, treatment, theory, and research methods, with a range of courses in areas such as trauma, forensics, women's mental health, global mental health, and mindfulness practice. It is ideally suited for applicants who are looking to strengthen their academic background prior to applying to doctoral programs such as the Psy.D. or Ph.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology.

Please note: This program is not intended to prepare students for the independent practice of professional psychology and will not lead to licensure in New York State. Applicants interested in a license-eligible Master's level education are encouraged to consider the department's M.Ed. program in Mental Health Counseling.

The Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology at Teachers College is a world-renowned training ground for researchers and clinicians, particularly known for innovation in research, pedagogy and clinical practice. Students within the M.A. program experience the demands of a graduate-level education in Clinical Psychology while also exploring the multiple avenues available in the ever-growing mental health field beyond. Our mission is to provide students with a platform to clarify their interests and then direct themselves toward their next professional goals. The M.A. program exposes students to diverse perspectives and populations, and supports them with intensive academic advisement, so that they may discover the best fit for their unique abilities as they prepare for the next major step in their career development.

During their tenure, students are closely guided by M.A. program advisors, who are current Ph.D. students in Clinical Psychology. Advisors help students to clarify their academic goals, to gauge progress, and assist with professional development. Through the innovative M.A. program curriculum, which includes a combination of didactic instruction and experiential learning, students develop the critical thinking skills needed to interpret scientific knowledge, review traditional and contemporary treatment models, and engage in innovative research at research centers throughout New York City. By the end, students are abundantly prepared for the transition to doctoral level education in their chosen area of expertise.

A master's degree in psychology is a critical step toward the attainment of a doctoral degree. Our M.A. program is intended to focus a student's passion for clinical psychology in a direction that will help to realize their goal of attaining a doctoral degree. Our 10 concentration areas are designed to provide students with intensive didactics, and the Integrative Project allows students to pursue competence in a chosen topic area in earnest.

The M.A. program student body draws students from all over the world with the current class comprising students from over 30 countries and almost every state in the Union. Students are typically serious about pursuing doctoral degrees, and are excited by the opportunity to prove themselves in a rigorous learning environment.

The program has many dimensions; and is appropriate for students who have obtained undergraduate degrees in Psychology as well as for those with a limited exposure to the field. Some students use the program to enhance their current work (e.g., neuroscience, global mental health), while others use it to distill their interests within psychology (e.g., forensic psychology, computational methods). The M.A. program celebrates that our students are not of one voice. This diversity of perspectives is considered necessary to solve the very real-world problems they will encounter upon graduation. Each student has a unique contribution to make.

A graduate student has an animated conversation with his peers at TC.

Admissions Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024, and Fall 2024 terms.

Master of Arts

  • Points/Credits: 36
  • Entry Terms: Fall Only

Application Deadlines

  • Spring: N/A
  • Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
  • Summer/Fall (Final): April 1

Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments

Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2023-2024)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Summer 2024 terms.

View Full Catalog Listing

The program for the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Psychology in Education requires 36 points of coursework and the Integrative Project. The program has a simple structure, in which 18 credits (6 classes) must be completed within the Psychology in Education program (CCPX). An additional 9 credits (3 classes) of Breadth Requirement must be taken at Teachers College in other Programs or Departments (e.g,, Statistics in HUDM). Nine additional credits of Electives (3 classes) may be taken anywhere at Columbia University, including the Psychology in Education Program. Students typically take 3 classes per semester, over a period of 4 semesters. Although the degree can be completed in less time (e.g., 2 semesters, and 2 summer periods) it is advisable for students to allow themselves time to focus on independent research. Students may take up to five years to finish the degree program.

Transfer credits from courses taken outside of Teachers College are not accepted toward any M.A. degree program at Teachers College. Some CCPX classes may be restricted to doctoral students only. Please refer to the course schedule to determine which courses are open to M.A. students.

All students matriculating in the M.A. degree program are given a copy of the Student Handbook for the specific academic year in which they matriculate. The Handbook outlines these requirements in detail.

The Curriculum:

18 credits in Psychology in Education (within CCPX) 9 credits of Breadth (outside CCPX)

9 credits of Electives (Any graduate program at Columbia University)

 Integrative Project (Independent research project)

The Integrative Project

The Integrative Project is intended to be the culmination of a student's development in the Master's degree program and represents a substantial contribution to the field. Students are encouraged to meet with the Program Director as early as possible in the development of their project to review their proposal and to identify an appropriate Sponsor, who will be the person primarily responsible for evaluation of the finished work. For more information on the Integrative Project, please see the Student Handbook.

*The Program Director or the M.A. Program Assistants are available for consultation about course selection and about the Integrative Project.

*Please note: Clinical required and elective ‘topics’ courses (CCPX 4199) change each year. Information about these courses can be found in the M.A. Handbook but not in the Teachers College Catalog.

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