MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology
The program is available in a hy-flex model with either in-person or distance learning options.
The MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) is a post-doctoral program designed to provide licensed psychologists with training in the use of medication as part of the treatment of psychological disorders. Prospective applicants should be licensed psychologists who have earned a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program and institution.
The MSCP program at ISU has been granted American Psychological Association (APA) designation. This makes ISU the 4th program in the country to achieve APA designation and is professional recognition that ISU’s education and training program meets the highest level of academic and training standards.
For distance learning, campus visits are required during the program. In person instruction is offered at Idaho State University-Meridian Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center. The two-year program combines traditional classroom coursework with supervised clinical experience during the summer semesters.
A non-traditional, part-time route is also available for current practitioners. If a non-traditional route is desired, students should contact the program training director to determine an appropriate schedule to complete requirements, keeping in mind prerequisites and co-requisites.
Curriculum
In the first year of the program, students will complete foundational courses in pharmacology and physical assessment. In the second year, students will complete integrated coursework in pharmacology and therapeutic treatment. Content in law, ethics, research, writing, and practice management will also be covered. Based on the requirements of Idaho state law and APA training recommendations, supervised clinical experiences will be required in both years of the curriculum.
Goals and Outcomes
Vision
To enhance access to safe and evidence-based mental health services as the foremost training and research program in psychopharmacology.
Mission
We train psychologists to deliver comprehensive services in interprofessional settings and through research, further the understanding of psychopharmacology.
Values
Access: Serving underserved and rural communities
Collaborative: Interdisciplinary education and practice
Rigor: Undiluted standards for academics, professional training, and ethical behavior
Innovative: Impact learning and research utilizing advanced technology and best practices in teaching
Safety: Prioritize patient well-being
Relationships: Forging partnerships promoting excellence in everything we do
Finances/Scholarships
Visit: https://www.isu.edu/graduate/funding-and-support/
ISU MSCP Optum Scholarship
Optum Idaho has provided the Idaho State University’s Masters of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) program with funding opportunities for psychologists seeking clinical psychopharmacology training.
Financial support of up to $20,000 is available for up to 5 Idaho Behavioral Health Plan (IBHP) credentialed psychologists interested in acquiring the training offered through ISU’s MSCP program.
2021-2022 MSCP Cost of Attendance
Fees per semester
Graduate Full Time Student |
Resident |
Non-Resident |
Full Time (9 Credits or More) per semester |
$4,190.00 |
$12,917.00 |
Mandatory Consolidated Fees per semester |
$971.98 |
$971.98 |
Total Tuition and Consolidated Fees per semester |
$5,161.98 |
$13,888.98 |
Graduate Part Time Student |
Resident |
Non-Resident |
Part Time per credit |
$458.00 |
$741.82 |
Mandatory Consolidated Fee per credit |
$66.97 |
$66.97 |
Total Tuition and Consolidated Fee per credit |
$524.97 |
$808.79 |
Scholarship Link: https://isu.academicworks.com/opportunities/17800
Eligibility Criteria
Idaho licensed psychologists who are credentialled and participating in the Optum Idaho Behavioral Health Plan.
Contingent on admission to the MSCP program.
Prospective applicants to the MSCP program must have:
- A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program and institution
- Current licensure as a psychologist and have practiced as a health services provider as defined by state law, where applicable, or by the APA
- A minimum graduate GPA of 3.0
- Transcripts
- Current CV
- Two letters of professional recommendation from faculty or professional colleagues
- A letter of intent with a brief statement explaining why the candidate wishes to pursue this degree at Idaho State University and how this would help them attain their professional goals
- GRE scores (scores can be waived if the student graduated from a doctoral program in psychology with a 3.5 GPA or above)
To apply to the MSCP program, begin by creating an account at https://www.isu.edu/apply/graduate/
Awards
Up to $20,000 in tuition support to complete the two-year training and supervision track for credentialing of prescription privileges.
Scholarship Application
Are you an Idaho licensed psychologist?
Are you credentialled and participating in the Optum Idaho Behavioral Health Plan?
Do you have doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program and institution?
Name of Institution and year of graduation
Idaho License Number?
Graduate GPA?
Current Work Setting?
Essay: MSCP Intent
A brief statement explaining why the candidate wishes to pursue this degree at Idaho State University and how this would help them attain their professional goals. 250 Word Limit
Essay: Fostering Recovery and Resiliency in Idaho
ISU and the MSCP program share a vision with Optum Idaho in the role licensed psychologists will have with integrated healthcare in Idaho. A critical component of that vision is the shared goals of recovery and resiliency in mental health treatment in Idaho. The MSCP program training will enhance access to
More Information

Eric Silk, PhD, MSCP
Department Chair of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Clinical Associate Professor
Prospective applicants to the MSCP program must have:
- A doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program and institution
- Current licensure as a psychologist and have practiced as a health services provider as defined by state law, where applicable, or by the APA
- A minimum graduate GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts submitted with application materials (any coursework completed more than 7 years prior to applying to the program, will require special review and may not be accepted)
- Two letters of professional recommendation from faculty or professional colleagues
- A letter of intent with a brief statement explaining why the candidate wishes to pursue this degree at Idaho State University and how this would help them attain their professional goals
- GRE scores (scores can be waived if the student graduated from a doctoral program in psychology with a 3.5 GPA or above)
We are now accepting applications!
To apply, begin by creating an account at https://www.isu.edu/apply/graduate/
Select Graduate Degree Seeking for Application Type and Masters/Post-Masters for Degree Type. Choose Clinical Psychopharmacology for the Program Selection.
The application will require a Letter of Intent briefly explaining why you wish to pursue this degree at Idaho State University and how this would help you attain your professional goals.
Additional application materials include:
- Copies of transcripts
- Names and contact information for 2 professional references
- GRE test scores
- Resume/curriculum vitae
- Proof of current licensure and practice as a health service provider
The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding the application process.
Student Handbooks
2019-2020 MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology Student Handbook
2020-2021 MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology Student Handbook