The 69-72 credit PhD in Clinical/Counseling Psychology prepares you to become a licensed psychologist. This program operates from a scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing that academic scholarship and research are inseparable from clinical practice. Training integrates models traditionally associated with clinical psychology (health, wellness, and psychological science) and counseling psychology (strength- and asset-based, social justice-oriented, and multicultural perspectives), which together equip you to be a multi-faceted and culturally informed psychologist.
Core Course Sequence
The PhD in Clinical/Counseling Psychology core curriculum features foundations in psychological science, such as research design and neuropsychology of behavior, as well as psychological theories and skills, including multicultural counseling and ethical and professional issues. You’ll then apply these knowledge and skills in actual practice, both with research and clinical assessment and intervention work.
Sample Electives
You’ll have the opportunity to take several research and clinical electives. Research electives may include qualitative research design, advanced statistics offerings, or utilizing mixed methods designs. Clinical electives may include additional clinical theoretical orientations (like cognitive-behavioral therapy or brief dynamic psychotherapies) or work with specific populations (like therapies with children and adolescents or LGBTQ+ populations).
Culminating Experience
The PhD in Clinical/Counseling Psychology culminates in two applied experiences: the dissertation and the clinical internship. The doctoral dissertation integrates the research knowledge and skills you gained throughout the research program, contributing unique knowledge to the literature of psychology. The clinical internship is a yearlong, full-time placement in a mental health setting (like a hospital, college counseling center, or community mental health center), where you’ll apply clinical knowledge and skills to the full range of applied clinical work conducted by psychologists.
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