Program code: CNPCHH-PSYD
The Psychology Department offers a Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) that places emphasis upon professional applications of psychology based on a solid grounding in the scientific knowledge base of psychology.
The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation. Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Phone: 202-336-5979
E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org
The program is designed to meet the academic requirements of licensure and to provide the student with background to immediately assume responsibilities in appropriate professional settings.
Admission Criteria
The following criteria are used in the evaluation of application materials: (a) overall grade point average and grades in psychology courses (3.0 minimum in both areas); (b) training in research methodology; (c) prior clinical experience in practicum or employment (d) the applicant’s statement of goals; (e) three letters of recommendation; (f) results of a personal interview.
Breadth of undergraduate training is preferable to narrow specialization. Weaknesses in one area may be offset by strengths in another area, although the Admissions Committee gives preference to applicants with some demonstrated strengths in all areas. Students may be required to make up deficiencies.
The deadline for receipt of all application materials is December 1. The Admissions Committee will then select a pool of qualified applicants who will be invited to the campus for personal interviews. Announcements of final admissions decisions will be made around April 1.
Philosophy
The PsyD program follows a practitioner or applied model of training of clinical psychologists. Emphasis is placed on professional applications of psychology to a wide variety of human problems. Students receive extensive supervision in the development of skills in interpersonal relations, psychological assessment, psychotherapy, community outreach, and program evaluation and a solid grounding in the scientific knowledge base of psychology.
Program Requirements
The PsyD program is typically completed in four calendar years of full-time study plus an additional year of full-time internship. The curriculum requires a minimum of 99 semester hours of acceptable graduate credit. Each student must complete requirements for (a) core course work; (b) special proficiency/elective course work requirements; (c) practicum, internship, and professional issues; (d) doctoral project; (e) comprehensive academic and professional examinations; and (f) master’s and doctoral candidacy. In addition, a course in Historical Trends and Systems in Psychology is required for graduation.