Program Quick Facts
Expert Faculty
We’re the only U.S. program whose full-time training director is a prescribing psychologist.
Choose Your Track
With both clinical and non-clinical tracks available, the program can be customized to fit your needs.
Affordable Tuition
NMSU Global Campus offers competitively priced tuition and scholarship opportunities.
Prepare for the PEP with Our Online Psychopharmacology Degree
The post-doctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) program at NMSU Global Campus combines a rigorous, evidence-based curriculum with real-world training to ensure you’re highly prepared for the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP). Our graduates consistently achieve strong PEP passing rates — proof of this NMSU program’s academic excellence and clinical relevance.
This clinical psychopharmacology degree equips licensed psychologists with the advanced knowledge and clinical skills to:
- Recommend psychotropic medications
- Enhance interdisciplinary collaboration in integrated care settings
- Provide informed consultations in both mental health and medical environments
- Safely prescribe medications, where authorized by state law
Designed for working professionals, this MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology blends flexible online learning with required in-person training sessions to meet licensure and practical experience requirements. If you’re a licensed psychologist ready to expand your scope of practice, NMSU Global Campus offers the path forward.
Apply NowMSCP Career Pathways
With a Master’s in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP), you’ll be well-prepared to advance your career in the evolving mental health and integrated care landscape. This specialized degree expands your clinical scope and opens doors to advanced roles in both psychological and medical settings. Graduates of the MSCP program may pursue roles such as:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Mental Health Counselor
- Physician Assistant (with additional credentials)
- Prescribing Psychologist (where licensure laws permit)
- Psychiatrist (requires separate medical degree, but relevant for interdisciplinary collaboration)
“I really enjoyed my time at NMSU. The instructors and training director really cared about providing high-quality education and training for prescribing psychologists to help the underserved people of New Mexico. I cannot fully express how grateful I am for the training I received. My preparation allowed me to quickly pass the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists and then move into applying for my conditional prescribing license.”
Dr. Jonathan L., Ph.D., LP, MSCP, Class of 2018
The post-doctoral MSCP program provides hands-on, experiential training in neurosciences, pathophysiology, physical assessment, and cultural diversity. This flexible, affordable program offers both clinical and non-clinical tracks, giving you the opportunity to tailor your degree to fit your professional goals.
The non-clinical degree track includes two years of coursework and requires the PEP. The clinical degree track includes two years of coursework, embedded supervised clinical fieldwork, and a final Capstone Examination/Project.
The MSCP is an APA-Designated Postdoctoral Psychopharmacology Education and Training Program, one of only three university programs in the country with this designation status, and our dynamic program changes with the field. It’s been modified according to recommended revisions of the American Psychological Association, most recently in 2019. This nationally recognized program equips you with the current knowledge and professional skills you need to take your medical career in an exciting new direction.
Delivery Format: Online with residency – online and in-person classes
Program Credits: 33 (non-clinical track), 39 (clinical track)
Program Length: 3 years, full-time
Cost Per Credit Hour: $444.40**
Active Military Cost Per Credit Hour: $250*
College: Health, Education, and Social Transformation
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The post-doctoral MSCP program consists of 33 credits for the non-clinical track and 39 credits for the clinical track for licensed psychologists.
NMSU Global Campus admits qualified students into the post-doctoral MSCP degree program every two years, with new students beginning the program in odd years. Prospective clinical psychopharmacology degree applicants are required to complete the MSCP degree program pre-screening process.
Training sessions take place on weekends periodically during the two-year curriculum, and summer courses are also required. Students must also complete intensive supervised clinical fieldwork and a capstone examination as additional clinical psychopharmacology degree requirements.
| Sample Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| RXPP 6110: Introduction to Psychopharmacology for Psychologists I | 3 |
| RXPP 6210: Clinical Psychopharmacology I | 3 |
| RXPP 6310: Pathophysiology for Psychologists I | 3 |
| RXPP 6410: Psychopharmacological Treatment in Special Populations I | 3 |
| RXPP 6510: Supervised Experience in Psychopharmacology I | 3 |
The post-doctoral MSCP degree program prerequisites include the following:
- A doctoral degree in clinical, counseling, or school psychology
- A current active, unrestricted state license as a psychologist
- Verification of good standing from that state’s Board of Psychology, including licensed professional practice with no ethical violations
- Potential students must practice before and throughout the program as a “Health Services Provider (Psychologist),” as defined by the state law, where applicable, or as defined by the American Psychological Association (APA)
You must also provide unofficial transcripts for every degree you have. If you would like more information on how to apply, please visit the department’s Prospective Students and Admissions webpage.
For international students, NMSU adheres to the standards of practice and licensure of your host country, but you should contact the program before applying.
At NMSU Global Campus, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
Many MSCP students receive significant outside scholarships. Students in the MSCP degree program at NMSU Global Campus are also eligible for several endowed scholarships, including the following:
– The American Psychological Foundation Scholarships, Grants and Awards. Learn more information and how to apply from the APF.
– The Dr. Timothy Fjordbak Endowed Scholarship. Learn more information and how to apply from the College of HEST.
NMSU and NMSU Global Campus students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: globalFA@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.
*Terms and conditions apply.
**For NMSU Global Campus programs and courses, the per credit hour cost is listed above. Special tuition agreements (Western Undergraduate Exchange, Descubre, etc.) are not applicable to NMSU Global Campus programs. Course fees still apply and are charged separately. Textbooks, uniforms, equipment, etc., are additional program costs. Additional per credit costs might be charged by the program, department or college.