Improve patient outcomes and meet the rising demand for mental health services with Drake University’s online Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology. As one of the few programs of its kind in the state, this advanced program gives you the robust training you need to prescribe psychiatric medication in Iowa and beyond.*

Designed for licensed clinical psychologists, our program positions you to offer patients a full range of counseling and pharmaceutical treatment options, streamlining care and increasing access to essential mental health services. Throughout the program, you will complete online courses, in-person labs, and a post-degree fellowship. Finish your degree in two years or less and qualify for professional advancement as a leader and expert in your field.

When you complete the online MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology program and a required fellowship, you will be qualified to pursue APA licensure for prescriptive practice.* In addition, the pharmacology, physiology, and pathology skill sets you gain in this program can be immediately applied to your practice. After licensure, you can offer your patients a combination of counseling and medication therapy to better meet their mental health care needs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for clinical and counseling psychologists in Iowa was $82,090 in May 2020.¹

This program delivers career-focused competencies in four key areas. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for the following:

• Assess patients regarding the risks and benefits of pharmacotherapeutic, psychotherapeutic, non-pharmacologic treatments, or combined treatment of mental health disorders and any medical comorbidities.
• Appropriately prescribe medications and implement an 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.

• Apply the Interprofessional Education Collaboration competencies as a member of the interprofessional care team.
• Utilize all members of the interprofessional health care 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.

Founded in 1881, Drake University has been providing students with an exceptional learning experience for more than 130 years. Recognized as one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the Midwest, Drake offers a prestigious private education at an excellent value. In addition to highly respected on-campus programs, the University offers convenient online programs to fit the needs of busy professionals.

Drake University is recognized for its exceptional programs that prepare students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship.

As an online student at Drake, your experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students and faculty, and by Drake’s renowned history, accolades, and forward-thinking leaders. Drake has offered communication education for almost 100 years. Drake Law School provides a innovative educational experience and an exceptional relationship with the bench and bar. The College of Business and Public Administration imparts data analysis skills, entrepreneurship, and global perspectives.

• Programs that professionally prepare graduate students for the next step in their careers.
• Committed faculty who serve as mentors to guide the success of students.
• Flexible schedules that allow students to complete their studies as quickly or slowly as needed by fitting classes into busy schedules.
• The convenience of online learning, allowing students to experience a Drake education on their own timeline.
• A global network of more than 75,000 alumni, connecting you to opportunities all over the world.

Drake University works hard to provide financial assistance to help students attain the next level of success. We are committed to providing a high-quality education at an affordable cost. Based on the program you want to pursue and your life situation, there are several financial options to help you earn an advanced degree.

• Federal Stafford Loans: Online graduate students may qualify for subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans, which allows eligible students to borrow money to help cover tuition, living expenses, books, and other costs.
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: As a graduate student, you may be eligible for a Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan. This low-interest, credit-based federal loan provides funds to cover additional educational expenses not met by other types of aid.
• Employer Tuition Support Plan: If your employer reimburses you for all or part of your tuition costs after the end of each semester, you may be eligible for tuition deferment from Drake, allowing you to pay for your tuition upon receipt of funds.
• Veteran Benefits: Drake University is committed to providing our online veteran students with the same support and financial aid resources available to our on-campus students. Eligible students may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation, Dependents Educational Assistance, and the REAP Reserve Educational Assistance Program.

Drake University has been on the approved list of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1913. Since the reorganization of the Association in 2000, Drake University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Drake was granted continuing accreditation in 2008.

Drake is currently seeking American Psychological Association Prescriptive Authority Program Designation for the MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology program with the aim of receiving designation prior to the first graduating class.

Drake University has received numerous national rankings recognizing the University for strengths that range from academic quality to excellent value. Some of Drake’s recent accolades include:

Third in the Midwest for overall quality

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Drake third for overall quality among universities in the Midwest for eight years running.

College that pays you back

The Princeton Review included Drake in its 2017 listing of Colleges That Pay You Back, based on academics, cost, financial aid, graduation rates, and alumni salaries.

Top five in the nation among regional universities

U.S. News & World Report ranked Drake fifth in the nation among the 653 universities in Drake’s rankings category.

Best college value

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranked Drake among the top 40 best values in private education in the country in 2017, comparing cost/financial aid with academic quality.

Best colleges for military veterans

Drake ranked second in the Midwest region on U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 list of best colleges for veterans.

National recognition

The inaugural Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranking of U.S. colleges placed Drake University at 135 in a list of over 1,000 schools nationwide.