Common Questions

What is the MSCP program?

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) at Idaho State University is a postdoctoral master's degree designed for licensed psychologists and doctoral psychology trainees who wish to gain advanced training in neuroscience, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and psychopharmacology.

The curriculum is consistent with national training standards for prescribing psychology and prepares graduates for pursuing prescriptive authority in states where it is authorized.

Why pursue training in clinical psychopharmacology?

Psychologists pursue advanced psychopharmacology training for many reasons, including:

• Improving collaboration with medical providers
• Better understanding medication effects and side effects
• Enhancing patient education
• Strengthening integrated behavioral healthcare practice
• Pursuing prescriptive authority where available
• Expanding expertise in evidence-based treatment

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants typically have:

• A doctoral degree in psychology (PhD, PsyD, or equivalent), or
• Are nearing the completion of a doctoral psychology program

Most students are licensed psychologists seeking advanced training in psychopharmacology.

How much does tuition cost?

Tuition is charged on a per-credit basis and varies depending on residency status and university fee schedules.  The online/asynchronous track charges all students an online program fee.  There is a link to the tuition and costs on our webpage under the Prospective Students tab.  This should give you the most up to date information.

When do courses start?

Our courses align with the Idaho State University Academic Calendar.  With Fall Semester starting in late August and ending in December.  Spring semester starts in January and ends in early May.  We admit students from January to July for a Fall Semester start.

Is the program offered online, or do I have to travel to Idaho?

The MSCP program offers a fully online asynchronous didactic track that allows students to complete coursework from anywhere in the United States.  The online program classes start in the Fall semester in late August and Spring semester in January.  Some students choose to come to Idaho to do some or all of their clinical training.  See next question.

Are clinical training opportunities available?

Yes.  We offer clinical training at our Health Clinic here in Meridian, Idaho or in most cases we can set up affiliations with a medical provider in the student’s current location, and some students do a mixture of both, especially for the 400hr prescribing fellowship.  Students interested in pursuing prescriptive authority would receive training in:

• Physical Assessment Practicum
• Prescribing Fellowships
• Supervised clinical experiences
• Interprofessional training environments

Availability and requirements depend on the student's location and professional goals.

What is the difference between the online didactic track and the prescribing track?

Online Didactic Track (38 Credits)

• Fully online and asynchronous
• Focuses on academic coursework
• Ideal for psychologists seeking advanced psychopharmacology training
• Can serve as preparation for future clinical training
• Clinical training is optional and would be 2 additional credits

Prescribing Track (40 Credits)

• Includes live coursework and additional clinical training experiences
• Classes are held Thursday and Friday from roughly 9-3 PM MT
• Incorporates physical assessment training and supervised clinical experiences
• Intended for students pursuing live instruction and prescriptive authority pathways

We encourage you to reach out if you would like to discuss which option best aligns with your professional goals.

How long does the program take?

Most students complete the program in approximately 2 to 4 years.  The timeline depends on:

• Number of courses taken each semester
• Professional workload
• Clinical training goals
• Individual pacing preferences

Most students take approximately 2–4 courses per semester.

Can I continue working while completing the program?

Yes.  Most students maintain full-time employment while enrolled.

The program was intentionally designed to accommodate practicing psychologists, military officers, faculty members, and healthcare professionals.

Does completing the MSCP automatically grant prescriptive authority?

No.  Prescriptive authority is regulated by individual states and varies substantially across jurisdictions.

Completion of the MSCP degree is often one component of a larger licensure process that may also require:

• Additional supervised clinical experience
• Examinations
• State-specific licensing requirements
• Regulatory approval

Note: Our program primarily prepares students for licensure in Idaho.  Students should review the requirements in the state where they intend to practice to see if any additional requirements will be needed.

Which states currently recognize prescribing psychologists?

Prescriptive authority laws continue to expand and change over time.  Current states include New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Vermont, and Hawaiʻi.

Prospective students should consult current state regulations and can contact us for the most up-to-date information regarding specific jurisdictions.  Prescribing psychologists also work in the military and certain federal institutions, like Indian Health Services.

What topics are covered in the curriculum?

Students receive advanced training in:

• Clinical Psychopharmacology
• Neuroscience
• Human Physiology
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine
• Physical Assessment
• Professional and Legal Issues
• Special Populations
• Rational Prescribing and Deprescribing

The curriculum emphasizes integration of medication knowledge with psychological assessment and treatment.

Is the program accredited?

The MSCP program at Idaho State University has received national recognition through the APA Designation process for education and training in psychopharmacology for psychologists.