Clinical Program PhD Requirements
This is an overview of the minimum requirements for the PhD from the Clinical Psychology. For a detailed list of requirements see the Clinical Psychology Program Student Handbook.
Graduate training is only offered for the PhD. There is no terminal master's degree. Graduate training occurs on a full-time, three-term, year-round basis. Unless noted otherwise, all courses are three credits and one term in duration.
A mentorship model of training is employed in which students work closely with their faculty advisor. It possible to change advisors at any time and often students work with other faculty in addition to their advisor.
Required Core Courses
- Principles in Psychopathology
- Developmental Psychopathology
- Neuroscience and Psychopathology
- Research Methods in Clinical Psychology
- Statistical Analysis I and II
- Clinical Cognitive Assessment
- Clinical Psychopathology Assessment
- Psychological Treatment: Systems and Principles (Six-week module)
- Psychological Treatment: Cognitive and Behavioral Methods (Six-week module)
- Either (1) Psychological Treatment: Child and Family Interventions or (2) Psychological Treatment: Behavioral Medicine Interventions (6 wk modules)
Required Clinical Practica
- Professional Issues (one credit/three terms): Seminar series on clinical and professional issues (e.g., ethics, law).
- Psychology Clinic Practicum (six terms): Supervised experience in the program's on-site psychology clinic beginning in summer of first year through third year.
- Advanced Clinical Practica: Supervised experience either in the psychology clinic or in any of 25 specialty clinics during or after the third year.
Special note for applicants and students in the Clinical Psychology Program. Consistent with Pennsylvania law, all students in the Clinical Psychology Program must satisfactorily pass required background checks that are intended to protect children from contact with individuals who have abused children or have been convicted of certain felonies (including drug felonies), as is further explained here: http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/ChildWelfare/ChildAbuseAnnualRpts/2007ChildAbuseRpt/003677559.htm. FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse clearances must be completed during the fall term of the student’s first year. Students may not continue in the Clinical Psychology Program if they fail any of these background checks or decline to submit applications to obtain them. Cost of the clearances is to be covered by the student.
Required Breadth Courses
- An approved course on cognitive psychology and learning
- An approved course on social psychology
Elective Courses
Four elective courses are required. These may be selected from any area in consultation with your advisor or may be used to satisfy course requirements in another program (e.g., developmental psychology, health psychology).
Research Milestones
- First-Year Research Practicum. During their first year, students are required to work with their advisor on research.
- Master's Thesis. The master's thesis is an empirical study that is proposed and defended to a faculty committee.
- Specialty Paper. The specialty paper is a review of scientific literature on a specific question that is proposed and defended to a faculty committee.
- Dissertation. The dissertation is an independent empirical study that is proposed and defended to a faculty committee.
Teaching Requirement
Students are required to teach at least one course.
APA Accredited Clinical Internship
Students are required to complete successfully a clinical internship that has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).