PROGRAM IN PSYCHOLOGY

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION WITHIN THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM

Our American Psychological Association (APA)-approved* clinical psychology program emphasizes the scientist-practitioner model. Students participate in an integrated curriculum of basic and applied courses, research activities, and practicum and pre-internship placements. The program’s goal is to prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the science and profession of psychology by instructing them in broad applications of clinical skills and research methods. The program’s key features involve client contact in a broad range of settings and training in the selection and implementation of a variety of therapeutic interventions.Students typically receive their degrees in 5-7 years, which includes the required year-long internship. Below are descriptions of the different sub-specialties that are available for our graduate students to study.


Adult and Gerontology Track

Students can emphasize work with adults by taking the appropriate assessment courses, several year-long adult psychotherapy practica, and pre-internship placements which focus on adult populations. The in-house adult therapy practica involve a weekly seminar with student case presentations, plus weekly individual supervision. The cognitive-behavioral therapy practicum typically involves intervention with adults, although work with adolescents and children is possible. These practica and the two-year pre-internship placements offer students extensive clinical experience with adults.

Students may also elect a subspecialty in adult aging where they gain research and clinical experience related to both the physical and psychological change associated with aging. In addition to the general clinical requirements, the student may take courses and seminars offered by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the School of Nursing, which examine the current research and theories in specific areas of aging. The program's goal is to prepare students for a career in geropsychology that integrates research and clinical practice in the assessment and treatment of elderly adults. Click here to see a typical schedule for an Adult Track student.


Child and Family Track

Students may choose a sub-specialty in clinical child/family psychology. There is a developmental focus, with a goal of integrating research, theory, and practice. In addition to general clinical requirements, trainees also take child development and developmental psychopathology classes. A year-long didactic seminar focuses on intervention approaches with children, families, parents, and couples from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Students participate in and develop child-related research projects. In their third year, they take a year-long seminar where they present child and family cases. There are two child-oriented, pre-internship placements where students acquire experience with a variety of assessment and intervention approaches and different populations such as abused, severely disturbed, and disabled children. Specialized clinical experience relevant to a student's particular interest also may be arranged. Click here to see a typical schedule for a Child/Family Track student.


Pediatric Psychology Track

Students in this program will be trained to conduct descriptive, outcome evaluation, and applied research with a wide range of pediatric populations as well as to conduct and evaluate cutting edge clinical interventions. The program is designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary to become leaders in the field of pediatric psychology: to work with physicians and members of other professions in collaborative research and to make original research and clinical contributions to the field of pediatric psychology. Beyond the general requirements of the graduate program, this program includes a range of opportunities including specialized courses in pediatric psychology.

Our program also recognizes and supports the value of clinical training, especially as it enhances understanding of pediatric populations and practical obstacles involved in implementing applied research, as well as collaboration with other professional disciplines, especially pediatricians. Students in pediatric psychology will gain the opportunity to gain practicum experiences in pediatric settings and to select pediatric populations of primary interest for gaining direct clinical and research skills. Click here to see a typical schedule for a Pediatric Track student.


*Information about program accreditation may be obtained from:
Committee on Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone (202) 336-5979