Online Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology

Expand Your Practice and Become a Prescribing Psychologist

Lifelong Learning for a Lifetime of Success

Get ready to improve patient outcomes and meet the rising demand for mental health services with Drake University’s online Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology. As the only program of its kind in the state, Drake gives you the robust training needed to prescribe psychotropic medication in Iowa and other locations.*

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. You can finish the didactic component in two years or less and qualify for professional advancement as a leader in your field as a prescribing psychologist.

The MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology program includes live discussion with professors, asychronous recorded lectures, and on-campus lab courses to provide you with hands-on experience. After completing the degree and a required fellowship, you will be qualified to sit for the Psychopharmacology Exam for Psychologists (PEP).

Drake University’s online degree programs prepare students for meaningful lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. You’ll engage in a collaborative learning experience, connecting with expert faculty and other ambitious students while seeking a credential distinguished by Drake’s tradition of excellence.

Flexible Online Learning

Prepare to Sit for the PEP

Finish Coursework in 2 Years

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Complete the form below for additional details about Drake University’s online degree programs. A Drake enrollment advisor will contact you soon to share valuable information and answer your questions.

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Learn to Provide a Range of Counseling and Pharmaceutical Treatment Options

Delivered through Drake’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, the online master’s in clinical psychopharmacology program equips you with a deep understanding of medications and their use when treating psychiatric disorders. You’ll learn from full-time and adjunct instructors with a wide range of academic expertise, clinical research backgrounds, and field experience.

The online master’s in clinical psychopharmacology program delivers career-focused competencies in four key areas:

Assess patients while considering the risks and benefits of pharmacotherapeutics, psychotherapeutics, non-pharmacologic treatments, or combined treatment of mental health disorders and medical comorbidities. This program also prepares you to review individual patient factors when determining the appropriate pharmacotherapy for individuals with mental health disorders.

Use your pharmacologic, physiologic, anatomical, and pharmaceutical knowledge while selecting pharmacotherapy for patients. At the same time, you will learn scientific and regulatory information while preparing to apply evidence-based scientific data in therapeutic decision-making.

Learn to apply the Interprofessional Education Collaboration competencies as a member of an interprofessional care team. This program also prepares you to utilize your team members when designing and implementing pharmacotherapeutic, psychotherapeutic, or combined treatment plans.

Adhere to all American Psychological Association ethical codes and standards. You will also learn about the laws, rules, and regulations related to providing psychological care and prescribing medications.

Experience Drake’s Excellence and Value in a Flexible Format

Discover the excellence found on Drake University’s campus, offered in a convenient format that lets you study wherever you choose. With Drake University’s online degree programs, you’ll take classes on a flexible schedule, completing your program at a pace you can control. Plus, learn from the same faculty as our on-campus students, getting mentorship and guidance that makes a difference for a lifetime.

Access Career Opportunities While Enhancing Your Psychology Practice

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

The median salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Iowa is $88,340, which is 7% higher than the national salary.1

Drake’s Clinical Psychopharmacology Courses

  1. Physiology/Pathophysiology I-II
  2. Pharmacology/Clinical Pharmacology I-II
  3. Neuroscience/Neuropharmacology
  4. Psychopharmacotherapy I-III
  5. Practice Skills and Assessment I-II

Accreditation

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 has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Drake was granted continuing accreditation in 2008.

The MSCP program at Drake University has been designated by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an Education and Training Program in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Authority.  Designation status is professional recognition that the Drake program meets the highest level of academic and training standards. Drake University is the 6th MSCP program in the country to achieve APA designation.

Fuel Your Personal and Professional Growth

Founded in 1881, Drake University has provided exceptional learning experiences for more than 130 years. Recognized as one of the Midwest’s finest institutions of higher learning, Drake offers online degree programs known for prestige, flexibility, and value.

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*The MSCP program at Drake University has been designated by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an Education and Training Program in Psychopharmacology for Prescriptive Authority.  Designation status is professional recognition that the Drake program meets the highest level of academic and training standards. Drake University is the 6th MSCP program in the country to achieve APA designation.