Psychology Master's Alumni Testimonials
Studying psychology at MSU taught me how to become a leader and to understand how people think, feel, and act in different situations. I used what I learned to get a job where I turn creative ideas into real results. The skills I gained through my coursework, department events, and faculty guidance enable me to build stronger relationships, motivate my team, and help move the company forward.
"I am very thankful for my experiences in the Clinical Psychology Master's Program at Murray State because it gave me a strong basis to succeed in any psychological position. During my time in the program I built up my clinical knowledge, and became competent in assessing and treating a population I was highly interested in before attending MSU. The professors assisted me in tailoring my education to this population but also helped me gain the necessary skills and confidence to work in any environment. The courses were taught by professionals that had experience with the subjects so I was able to understand the material from a real life perspective. I was also given the opportunity to be involved in engaging research experience through my thesis and several other research opportunities that helped me grow in my knowledge of research design, statistics, and technical writing skills. Overall, the Clinical Psychology program at MSU is a wonderful program that I will continue to recommend for motivated and hardworking individuals."
Carrie Blackeye-Hall, M.S. (Clinical Psychology)
Clinical Therapist
Maryhurst, Louisville, KY
"I am currently working as a counselor (dual focus in mental health and substance use) and run the professionals program at my company. I believe the clinical psychology graduate program at Murray State University has, in some ways, almost over-prepared me for the real world - and I mean this in the most positive way possible. I am still in the early stages of my career, but I believe that I have been trained and prepared in a way that exceeded my expectations for the real world. I just wanted to thank all of the professors at MSU for giving me the education and training that has molded me into the clinician I am today."
Amber Eagan, M. S. (Clinical Psychology)
"I can honestly say that my experiences and curriculum in the Clinical Psychology Master's Program at Murray State prepared me exceptionally well for my Ph.D. program. The rigorous coursework in all bases of psychology along with the practicum in the clinic equipped me with skills to take what was learned in the classroom and apply those concepts in the clinic. The faculty encouraged independence in acquiring knowledge but were incredibly supportive by providing guidance with assessment, treatment, and curriculum when need be. The requirement of a Master's thesis advanced my knowledge and application of research but also created a desire to continue research and pursue these opportunities in my doctorate program. I would highly recommend the Clinical Psychology Master's Program to anyone with a passion for helping others to thrive, overcome distress, and to reach their full potential in life."
Brooke Schmitt, M.S. (Clinical Psychology)
Ph.D. Student in School Psychology
Indiana University, Bloomington
"I truly believe my master’s in General Experimental Psychology from Murray State prepared me extensively for the next level in my graduate education. During my time there I refined my abilities and in the end transformed into a better researcher. The faculty will work with you closely to produce quality projects you can use to submit for conferences and academic journals later, and the core curriculum established a secure foundation on which to base those research projects. In short, whichever your end goal – whether it be higher education or industry – Murray State’s program can get you there. "
Sarah Lee, M. S. (General Experimental Psychology)
Ph. D. Student in Experimental Psychology and Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Texas at Arlington
"I have nothing but great things to say about Murray State's Clinical Psychology program. My favorite thing about the program was the small class sizes. I felt that I got a great one-on-one learning experience in every class that I took. I was also able to develop a close relationship with my professors and fellow classmates. There’s nothing better than going to class and feeling comfortable with everyone in the room! In addition to the great classroom experience, I absolutely loved putting my skills to good use during the clinical practicum. I learned a lot from working with different supervisors who pushed me, challenged me, and provided me the guidance I needed. I also felt that I got to meet with a diverse group of patients, enabling me to learn a variety of different clinical skills. The Clinical Psychology program also taught me to be a competent researcher. I love that the program has an equal emphasis on scientific research and clinical practice. These skills helped me to land a job that I love and find highly rewarding!"
Kaitlin Arnold, M. S. (Clinical Psychology)
Behavioral Health Clinician
Valley Professionals Mental Health Center, Terre Haute, IN
I cannot recommend the General Experimental Psychology program at Murray State University enough. The classes expanded my knowledge and research experience, and the electives available cater to the various interests that students often have. Having those electives available helped me realize which branch of psychology I wanted to be involved in for the rest of my career. I was also able to form excellent relationships with my professors through the small class sizes and their open office hours. The professors encourage your research and professional interests, and bring real examples into their lectures. The faculty and students are a close knit family, and I'm so glad I chose to continue my studies at Murray State. I will always recommend their programs to my friends and colleagues."
Jenny Wilkins Owens, M.A. (General Experimental Psychology)
Mental Health Associate
River Valley Behavioral Health, Owensboro, KY
"The coursework was well-rounded and gave me the confidence to practice across different settings and populations. The faculty genuinely cares about the success of their students and their future endeavors."
Danielle Witkowski, M.S. (Clinical Psychology), LPC
Milwaukee, WI
"I feel like Murray State's program prepared me very well for a career in psychology. The class sizes are small ... and I feel like I got to know my professors well and develop relationships with them. The professors challenged me academically and I feel like they genuinely cared for me both in and out of the classroom. Even after graduation, my professors at Murray State have been available to help me with professional issues or questions that have arisen. I feel like the program does a superior job training students to be clinicians...I enjoyed the program because I was able to see clients with many different disorders which helped me pinpoint what type of clientele I enjoyed working with most... Additionally, the program allows student the opportunity to practice their research skills through the completion of a thesis. I feel like Murray State's Clinical Psychology program is a wonderful program and would recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing a career in psychology."
Brian Belva, M. S. (Clinical Psychology), Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Pediatric Psychological Associates, Louisville, KY
"Because of the knowledge and experience that I obtained at Murray State, I was able to secure a job that I absolutely love working in my chosen field and putting all the skills I learned to good use."
Tara Luellen, M. A. (Clinical Psychology)
Lighthouse Lab Services, Holly Springs, NC
"The General Experimental grad program at Murray State provided me with exactly what I needed to finally have the career I’d always wanted. The faculty members there genuinely care about the success of students and are readily available to provide any mentoring and guidance you may need. The experiences I had at Murray State provided me with a solid foundation which I continue to use. In fact, I currently work closely with two very accomplished researchers (both have Ph.D.s) who have commented more than once about the amount and quality of knowledge I received from the Murray State program. The program will challenge you and perhaps even test your limits, but it will undoubtedly pay-off in the long-run."
Pamela Stafford, M. A. (General Experimental Psychology)
Associate Director, Office of Research Integrity
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
"Clinical psychology has opened up more opportunities for success and satisfaction than I could have imagined. Murray State's master’s program laid the groundwork through its curriculum and knowledgeable, accessible professors. The professors not only provided the education requirements, they supported and mentored me to ensure I was competent, ethical and prepared to provide psychological services, while getting to know me personally. In addition, the curriculum and practicum allowed me to explore and better understand my areas of interest and prepared me for various job opportunities. Although I never expected to work with people with intellectual disabilities, I now serve this population and love going to work. Despite not having worked with this population prior to my current position, my employer knew that with my education from Murray State I possessed the skills to be successful. I love knowing that I have various opportunities available in this field, and that I get to work with people daily thanks for Murray State's graduate program in clinical psychology!"
Jodi Martin Bauer, M.A. (Clinical Psychology)
Licensed Psychological Practitioner/Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Behavior Associates, LLC (Outwood), Owensboro, KY
"I was immediately put at ease by the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the faculty and current graduate students in the psychology graduate program. The faculty treated me as a colleague rather than just a student. In fact, I still have relationships with the faculty even after having graduated...The program was very demanding, but the faculty were always there to provide guidance and assistance when you needed it...The doctoral level psychologists with whom I work frequently compliment Murray State University’s clinical psychology program due to the intense training I received and knowledge I have as a result of having attended graduate school there."
Scott W. Cockrum, M.S. (Clinical Psychology)
Associate Psychologist II
Bryce Hospital, Tuscaloosa, AL
"At first, you will be surprised how intense the program is. After you graduate, you will be even more surprised how well the program prepared you as an excellent clinician and a researcher."
Koun Eum, M.S. (Clinical Psychology), Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
LaGuardia Community College, Queens, NY
"I am a proud alumna of Murray State's psychology program. The education and clinical skills I gained while obtaining my Master's degree gave me knowledge and confidence to be successful in the field. And, the clinical staff has continued to be supportive long after my graduation."
Jillian Payne Carden, M.A. (Clinical Psychology), Psy.D.
Psychologist
Communicare, Elizabethtown, KY
"The Murray State Clinical Psychology graduate program prepared me to enter a job market that is competitive. With the skills I acquired, I am now working as both an administrator of a non-profit service agency and a therapist. The knowledge base I now have positions me to be effective in meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals working in psychology. "
Mary E. Foley, M.S. (Clinical Psychology), LPA
Executive Director
Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center, Paducah, KY
"The Master's in Clinical Psychology program at Murray State really prepared me for doctoral study, my pre-doctoral internship, and my post-doctoral residency. I felt very competitive and competent, especially in my therapy and assessment skills, when compared to graduates from other schools."
Allison K. Bradshaw, M.A. (Clinical Psychology), Ph.D., HSP
Licensed Staff Psychologist
Assessment Coordinator
Vanderbilt University Psychological & Counseling Center, Nashville, TN
"Murray State's graduate program prepared me well to work with a variety of populations. I am comfortable competing for jobs with graduates from any program in the country. The faculty is diverse, but more importantly, really want to see students succeed. A short drive from the big cities, Murray State offers a world-class educational experience in a small-town setting.""
Leslie Page Donner, M.S. (Clinical Psychology)
Private Practice Clinician
Paducah, KY
The Department of Psychology at Murray State provided me with a big program, quality education within an ever-encouraging, small city environment. The faculty was always open to my questions and concerns and I really had the sense that everybody - from Martha the secretary to my professors - really cared about my educational and personal progress. Ultimately, however, the worth of any degree is how well it prepares you for future endeavors, and as I sit here today, I have earned a doctorate degree and a great job in large part, I believe, due to those professional qualities impressed upon me by this great faculty. "
Adam F. Gambouras, M.S (Clinical Psychology), Ph.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Interior Health Authority, British Columbia, Canada
"I received thorough hands-on training in therapy, psychological testing, and report writing that was provided by skilled clinical psychologists who supervised us with the utmost commitment and highest expectations. The professionalism, knowledge, and diligence that was instilled in me during my graduate training in these areas is still commented on today in my current profession."
Kathleen B. O'Neill, M.S. (Clinical Psychology)
School Psychologist