Program Information ◊ Degree Requirements

The Program requires:

1. The completion of 95 points of academic credit during three to four years of residence at the College.
2. A full-time, twelve month clinical internship during the fourth or fifth year of study.
3. An original piece of empirical research, which also serves as a qualifying paper, to be completed during the second year of study.
4. A passing grade on the certification examination (on Research Methods) during the third year of study.
5. A case presentation and accompanying paper during the third year, demonstrating the student’s ability to integrate theory, research, and practice.
6. A doctoral dissertation, which must be completed no later than the seventh year after matriculation.

First Year

During their first year of study, doctoral students typically take the following didactic courses: Ethical and Professional Issues in ClinicalPsychology; Psychological Measure-ment; Applied Regression Analysis; Research Methods; Child Psychopathology; Adult Personality and Psychopathology; Development and Psychopathology; and Dynamic Approaches to Psychotherapy. Students also take two semesters of psychological testing and a course in clinical interviewing. Many students begin working with faculty members on research during this first year.

Second Year

During their second year, students’ didactic courses include: Brain and Behavior; Linear Models and Experimental Design; Emotion, Culture and Health; Psychotherapy with Children; History and Systems; Cognitive, Behavioral and Interpersonal Therapies; the Evolution of Freud’s Psychological Theories; and Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy. In addition, students sign up for a full year of research practicum with a faculty member (culminating in an empirical Second-Year Project) and a full-year clinical practicum.

Third Year

Third year didactic courses include Group Dynamics; Family Therapy; Clinical Issues in Working with Diverse Populations; Empirical Bases of Psychotherapy; and Dissertation Seminar. There is also a full year clinical practicum. Most students also elect to take a full year clinical externship.

Fourth and Fifth Year

Fourth year features an optional clinical practicum but is typically devoted to work on the dissertation. Year five is usually spent on a full-year clinical internship.

Elective courses for all students include Forensic Psychology; Advanced Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Women and Mental Health; Family Counseling and Therapy; The Psychology of Loss and Trauma; Psychotherapy, Religious Diversity, and Spirituality; and Assessment and Treatment of Alcohol and Chemical Dependency.

The program allows only 12 points of graduate work from another institution to be transferred. No transfer credits are awarded for practica, workshops, or independent study.