Course of Study

The program consists of a series of 10 courses specifically designed and developed for psychologists seeking to expand their knowledge of psychopharmacology. A sequence of core courses provides the basic science foundation and knowledge base in pathophysiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology for clinical applications. A professional issues course addresses the legal and ethical considerations and related standard of care topics. The didactic program concludes with a series of treatment courses addressing specific categories of mental disorder and the related psychopharmacological issues. These courses provide psychologists with important knowledge of the treatment of mental disorders with medication. A Clinical Practicum Elective is available for those practitioners who desire to practice the management of psychopharmacotherapy in a supervised clinical experience.

In addition to required readings and videotapes lectures, students participate in online discussions and weekly chats. These chats represent the only weekly requirement that is scheduled; all other activities occur at the convenience of the participant.

The didactic portion of the program is divided into five 15-week semesters. Two courses are completed each semester. Courses run sequentially to allow participants to focus on one topic at a time.

Course Credit

The M.S. Program in Clinical Psychopharmacology is sponsored by the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Psychology. Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. Upon successful course completion, each course in the program is approved for 45 Continuing Professional Education Credits for Psychologists. In addition, passing the course results in 3 graduate credits towards the Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology, a 30-credit master's degree.

Courses 1 & 2: Biological Foundations of Psychopharmacological Practice I and II
(7.5 weeks each)

These courses present an integrated approach to the study of primary body systems (respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, hematologic/immunologic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, reproductive, musculoskeletal, and dermatologic) that correlates fundamental knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of a specific body system with the clinical applications (health assessment, physical examination, laboratory assessment) pertaining to that system. Exploration of clinical medicine concepts will utilize a problem-solving approach. The goals of these two courses are to enhance the student’s recognition of signs and symptoms of medical conditions requiring collaboration with and referral to other health professionals and to provide knowledge about the psychological, biological and medical correlates of disease. Medical sequelae of psychotropic agents and familiarity with standard medical treatment of common disease states are addressed. Each course is approved for 45 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

Course 3: Neuroscience (7.5 weeks)

This course focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, beginning at the cellular level. Knowledge of principles of neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology, and neuropathology will serve as a foundation for the understanding of neurotransmitter systems and their role in the etiology and treatment of mental disorders. Approved for 45 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

Course 4: Neuropharmacology (7.5 weeks)

This course introduces the knowledge base pertaining to pharmacology and psychopharmacology. It includes continued study of neurotransmitter systems and other factors in the psychopharmacological treatment of mental disorders, as well as an introduction to classes of psychotropic medications. Approved for 45 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

Course 5: Clinical Pharmacology (7.5 weeks)

This course presents major classes of drugs (excluding psychotropics) and their uses in clinical settings. It includes an examination of the social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of prescribing medications. Approved for 45 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

Course 6: Professional Issues and Practice
Management (7.5 weeks)

This course reviews issues in prescribing from the perspective of a professional healthcare provider. Legal and ethical issues, as well as standards of care ranging from informed consent to documentation, are addressed. Interprofessional relationships and aspects of collaborative practice, as well as practice enhancement strategies such as computer-based aids, will provide learners with a solid foundation for the continued integration of psychopharmacology into their practices. Approved for 45 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

Courses 7-10: Treatment Issues in Psychopharmacology:
A Case Study Approach (7.5 weeks each)

This treatment-focused series of sessions provides students with access to virtual clinical experiences through didactic information and case studies addressing specific categories of mental disorders. Each case addresses the following: diagnosis/differential diagnosis; etiology/biological basis of disorder; psychopharmacological treatment options, including mechanism of action, side effects, adverse reactions, polypharmacy, drug interaction, and patient education. The integration of treatment strategies as well as the empirical basis for treatments is presented. Disorders covered will include the mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, cognitive disorders, substance abuse and chemical dependency, chronic pain, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as well as others. Each course is approved for 45 CE Credits plus 3 academic credits.

The Comprehensive Exam

To verify mastery of the material, there is an on-line comprehensive exam offered upon completion of coursework. Students can opt to complete the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP) instead. The latter option is particularly appropriate for individuals who are interested in pursuing prescriptive authority in the near future. Upon passing the Comprehensive Exam the student receives the degree Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology. To find out more about the PEP Exam, click here.

Clinical Practicum Elective

Practitioners who successfully complete the 10 didactic courses will be eligible to enroll in the Clinical Practicum. This is part of the supervised clinical experience described in the APA model curriculum leading to mastery of a series of clinical competencies. Each participant will identify, arrange with, and recommend a clinical supervising preceptor (M.D. or D.O.) to be approved by Fairleigh Dickinson University. This experience may be arranged within the student's local community. The Director of the program will assist in the identification of an appropriate preceptor if needed, but cannot guarantee a placement.