Online Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology

• Assess patients regarding the risks and benefits of pharmacotherapeutic, psychotherapeutic, and combined treatment of mental health disorders and medical comorbidities.
• Appropriately prescribe medications and implement a safe and effective individualized monitoring plan for efficacy and toxicity of medications in individuals with mental health disorders.
• Include individual patient factors in the decision-making process for determining appropriate pharmacotherapy in individuals with mental health disorders.
• Provide inclusive care and demonstrate cultural competence in caring for individuals with mental health disorders.

• Utilize pharmacologic, physiologic, anatomical, and pharmaceutical understanding in the selection of pharmacotherapy for patients.
• Demonstrate the ability to understand scientific and regulatory information, applying evidence-based scientific data in therapeutic decision-making.
• Evaluate and analyze drug and medical literature to improve patient care and engage in effective research.

• Apply the Interprofessional Education Collaboration competencies as a member of the interprofessional care team.
• Utilize all members of the interprofessional healthcare team, capitalizing on the expertise of each profession, in designing and implementing pharmacotherapeutic, psychotherapeutic, or combined treatment plans.

• Adhere to all American Psychological Association professional and ethical codes and standards.
• Understand and abide by all laws, rules, and regulations related to providing psychological care and the prescribing of medications.

You can find course titles and hour requirements below. For full course descriptions, please review our Drake Catalog listing for the MSCP program.

Core Curriculum - 30 Hours

Psychologists seeking credentials for prescribing medication must complete an experiential fellowship. This consists of a one-credit-hour course to be taken after completing the online MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology degree. Responsibility for the fellowship will be that of the individual student with oversight from Drake. The psychologist fellow and supervising prescriber will be responsible for providing the necessary documentation to the state for certification as a prescriber.

You will find the basic steps for applying below. In depth details, such as information for international students and where to send your transcripts, can be found at the bottom of this section under the dropdown titled “Application Step Details”.

1. Click here to open the graduate application portal.
2. Create or log in to an existing account.
3. Fill out the information required on the application. Please be prepared to provide information such as basic personal details, previous institutions attended, and your most current employment.
4. Submit copies of transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
   Unofficial transcripts may be used for admittance. Upon acceptance, applicants will need to supply official transcripts into the application portal within 30 days after the start of the first course.
5. Submit an electronic copy of your résumé or curriculum vitae.

For psychologists planning to pursue a certificate of prescriptive authority in a US state, province or territory that allows for this through their respective scope of practice law, the psychologist must additionally complete a fellowship that is sponsored by Drake University. To apply for fellowship, the psychologist must:

• Hold and maintain a current, unrestricted license as a psychologist
• Practice as a “health service psychologist” as defined by state law, where applicable, or as defined by the American Psychological Association.

Transcript Information

Mail transcripts to:

Drake University
Attn: Drake Online & Continuing Education
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311

Or email:

drakeonline@drake.edu

International Students

If a student earned her/his undergraduate degree outside of the United States, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required. Scores dated within the last two years are acceptable and must be reported directly from the testing agency. Minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 213 on the computer-based exam, 550 on the paper-based exam, or 79-80 on the Internet-based exam. Minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5. Minimum scores on each section of reading, writing, speaking and listening may be required.

Duolingo test also accepted (minimum score of 110).

Drake University is committed to providing a high-quality education at an exceptional value. Our online Master's in Clinical Psychopharmacology, priced at $600 per credit hour, equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to advance your career. This investment ensures you graduate with the expertise needed to stand out and make a meaningful impact in your field.

Tuition Details