Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) In Clinical Psychology Program

Curriculum

The fundamental paradigm of the MSPP curriculum is the comprehensive integration of the theory and practice of psychology. Throughout a required four year period (at least two of which must be in residence), course work is coordinated with field placement experiences, which together provide the academic and experiential base for understanding and treating human problems.

The first two years of the curriculum provide each student with a broad base of theoretical knowledge and clinical experience. The second two years enable the student to become a competent practitioner able to diagnose and treat psychological problems.  These latter years reinforce the student’s commitment to his/her professional development and the sharing of that knowledge with others.

The MSPP curriculum evolves in response to the standards of the American Psychological Association, the state licensing requirements, and the School’s assessment of what constitutes the strongest preparation for its students.

Required Courses

Orientation Week
CLI CP500—Fundamental Clinical Practice Skills

Year One
CLI CS600—Clinical Seminar I*
CLI LS659—Lifespan Development
CLI PA501—Psychological Assessment I: Foundations of Cognitive Theory and Testing
CLI PS600—History and Systems
CLI PS603—Social Bases of Behavior
CLI RS526—Statistics

Year Two
CLI BX500—Learning Theory
CLI CS700—Clinical Seminar II*
CLI FX515—Family and Systems Theory
CLI HU520—Humanistic Theory
CLI PT700—Psychodynamic Theory
CLI RS525—Research*

Year Three
CLI CA601—Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
CLI PR800—Doctoral Project I
CLI PR801—Doctoral Project II
CLI PS800—Ethics, Standards and Professional Practice
CLI ST810—Systems Theory and Practice: Psychological Interventions in the Community

Year Four
CLI CS900—Advanced Clinical Seminar IV: Theory and Practice of Supervision
CLI PR901—Doctoral Project III
CLI PR904—Doctoral Project IV

Cross Cultural Requirement
Taken Any Year
CLI CC522—Diversity and Cross Cultural Psychology

Advanced Theory and Intervention Requirement
Taken during Year 3 or 4 (2 courses)
CLI BX700—Clinical Practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies
CLI FX615—Clinical Practice of Family and Systems Therapy
CLI GR523—Clinical Practice of Group Therapy
CLI PT800—Clinical Practice of Psychodynamic Therapy

Biological Bases of Behavior Requirement
Taken any year
CLI PP520—Physiological Psychology

Psychological Measurements Requirement
CLI PA501–Psychological Assessment I: Foundations of Cognitive Theory and Testing
In addition, students must complete one other Assessment course among the following:
CLI PA520—Personality Assessment
CLI PM600—Projective Methods I: Rorschach Scoring with the Comprehensive System*
CLI PM601–Projective Methods II: Interpretation Strategies Using The Rorschach and Other Projective Tests*

*If the student decides to take Projective Methods then it must be taken as a year-long sequence. with Projective Methods II meeting the requirement.

Psychopathology Requirement
Taken Any Year (2 courses)
CLI PY521—Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence
CLI PY522—Adult Psychopathology

Field Education
CLI FP600—Field Education: Practicum I
CLI FP700—Field Education: Practicum II
CLI FP800—Field Education: Internship I
CLE FP900—Field Education: Internship II

Electives

The remaining credits required for graduation are met by completing elective course work and/or directed studies. A course which has not been used to fulfill any other graduation requirement is considered elective. Students may take up to 10 electives credits in the form of directed studies.

Program Completion Options

The philosophy and policies of the MSPP Psy.D. Program embrace an Integrative Model of Training.  Specific coursework is paired with specific levels of field training.  These pairings are required and are as follows:

Field Training Level	Associated Course
Practicum 1	Clinical Seminar 1
Practicum 2	Clinical Seminar 2
Internship 1	Ethics, Standards and Professional Practice and/or Systems: Theory and Practice: Psychological Interventions in the Community
Internship 2	Clinical Seminar IV: Theory and Practice of Supervision

Students will complete the field training and associated course work requirements by selecting one of two program options:

Option 1
Four Year Program with Four Half Time Field Educations

Year in Program	Field Training	Associated Course
1st Year	Practicum 1 (16 hours/week)	Clinical Seminar 1
2nd Year	Practicum 2 (20 hours/week)	Clinical Seminar 2
3rd Year	Internship 1 (25 hours/week)	Ethics, Standards and Professional Practice and/or Systems: Theory and Practice: Psychological Interventions in the Community
4th Year	Internship 2 (25 hours/week)	Clinical Seminar IV: Theory and Practice of Supervision

Option 2
Five Year Program with 5th Year APA Internship

Year in Program	Field Training	Associated Course
1st Year	Practicum 1 (16 hours/week)	Clinical Seminar 1
2nd Year	Practicum 2 (20 hours/week)	Clinical Seminar 2
3rd Year	Internship 1 (25 hours/week)	Ethics, Standards and Professional Practice and/or Systems: Theory and Practice
4th Year	Internship 2 (25 hours/week)	Clinical Seminar IV: Theory and Practice of Supervision
5th Year	Optional APA/APPIC Internship (Full Time)	Extended Internship

Students electing this option must complete all requirements for the Psy.D. Degree, including the four years of part time training indicated above, all coursework and the doctoral project before beginning the Full Time APA Internship.

For those electing a 5th Year Full Time Internship, the Psy.D. Degree will be granted after successful completion of the Full Time APA Internship.

Students wishing to consider waivers or a departure from policy must consult with their advisors and submit a petition to the Dean of the Department of Clinical Psychology.

Updated 8/25/11