Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

PSY 500. Ethics and Professional Issues. 3 Credit Hours.

Ethical principles and professional guidelines are thoroughly examined and reviewed with a particular focus on the APA Ethics Code. Students practice the application of ethical decision-making models to case studies and professional practice.
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 501. Psychological Assessment I: Intellectual. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers the administration, scoring, and interpretation of major intelligence and achievement assessments. Emphasis is placed on administration and report writing skill development. Factors such as individual and cultural diversity issues impacting assessment are also covered.
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 502. Adult Psychopathology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course presents a broad overview of adult psychopathology, including, but not limited to, psychosis, mood, anxiety and personality disorders Course participants will examine and review critically the major historical and current perspectives regarding the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of adult psychiatric disorders and will apply these to evidence-based clinical practice. Students will learn about the DSM and ICD classification systems, their controversies, and how to use these systems in clinical practice to use a common diagnostic language to facilitate assessment and treatment. The course will also examine the impact of socio-cultural variables on the development, personal experience, and meaning of psychiatric illness.
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 503. Clinical Skills I. 3 Credit Hours.

A laboratory-based clinical skills course designed to introduce students to foundational and science-informed principles in applied clinical psychology. develop foundational interviewing and intervention skills essential to obtaining relevant clinical information, determining appropriate diagnoses, assessing and managing suicide risk, establishing an effective therapeutic relationship, and promoting behavior change. In addition, this course examines psychotherapy as a change agent. Attention is directed to an examination of the therapeutic processes encountered in clinical practicum; and emphasis is placed on the integration of theory to practice, the role of personal factors in psychotherapy, and multicultural competence. Clinical Skills Intensive I. focuses on factors associated with the establishment of the therapeutic alliance, diagnosis, and case conceptualization. Students are engaged in a minimum of 10 hours per week of clinical activity in field placements.
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 504. Clinical Skills II. 3 Credit Hours.

A laboratory-based clinical skills course designed to build upon foundational and science-informed principles in applied clinical psychology. Attention is directed to an examination of the therapeutic processes encountered in clinical practicum. The empirical foundations of psychotherapy are addressed with an emphasis on practice implications of current therapy research on readiness for change, efficacy and effectiveness, client-therapist variables and the therapeutic relationship. Clinical Skills Intensive II. focuses on implementing treatment plans, assessing the effects of therapeutic interventions, and addressing strains within the therapeutic alliance. Students are engaged in a minimum of 10 hours per week of clinical activity in field placements.
Session Cycle: Every Spring Semester.

PSY 505. Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an overall introduction to psychopathology and diagnostic clinical work with children and adolescents. It includes an overview of classification, the context of normal development, diagnostic procedures and techniques, issues of culture and diversity in regard to assessment and diagnosis, as well as some of the biological underpinnings of psychological development (genetics, temperament, etc.).
Session Cycle: Every Fall.

PSY 506. Research Design and Methods. 3 Credit Hours.

Quantitative and qualitative research designs (randomized groups, correlated groups, mixed, single subject, quasi-experimental, ethnography, case study) are examined in detail through written critiques of published research studies. Types of research (ex post facto, laboratory experiments, field experiments and studies, surveys, ethnography and case studies) and methods of observation and data collection (interview and interview schedules, objective tests and scales, projective methods and content analysis, observation of behavior, semantic differential and Q methodology, and psychophysiological methods) are reviewed in detail. Consideration is also given to sex and gender issues and legal and ethical issues in clinical research.
Session Cycle: Every Spring Semester.

PSY 507. Psychological Assessment II: Personality. 3 Credit Hours.

This course covers the administration, scoring, and interpretation of major objective and projective assessment techniques. Emphasis is placed on administration and report writing skill development. Factors such as individual and cultural diversity issues impacting assessment are also covered.
Session Cycle: Every Spring Semester.

PSY 508. Developmental Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will provide an overview of developmental theory and research relevant for clinical work with individuals through the life span. Developmental processes of the prenatal period, infancy, toddlerhood, early and middle childhood, adolescence, emerging adulthood, and middle and late adulthood will be examined along with ways to apply developmental knowledge to clinical assessment, intervention, and analyzing ourselves as developing individuals.
Session Cycle: Every Summer Session.

PSY 509. Cognitive/Affective Bases of Behavior. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will review core theories examining how humans process information and organize their knowledge and emotional experiences. Core theories of cognition and affect will be evaluated based on research relevant to various aspects of thinking and feeling and they influence behavior. Students will be able to see how cognition and affect are multi – dimensional in nature and address specific topics ranging from memory, categorization, language, reasoning and problem solving.
Session Cycle: Every Summer.

PSY 510. Group Psychotherapy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to provide basic understanding of groups through didactic and experimental learning by providing an overview of the history, principles, theories, and dynamics of group psychotherapy.
Session Cycle: Every Fall.

PSY 511. Biological Bases of Behavior. 3 Credit Hours.

A study of the biological foundations of behavior. Topics include anatomy and physiology of the mammalian nervous system; sensory, motor, and neural mechanisms; and the techniques of studying brain structure and function. Where possible, application made to content and practice of clinical psychology.
Session Cycle: Every Fall.

PSY 512. Psychological Statistics I. 3 Credit Hours.

This course deals with the principles and techniques of descriptive and inferential statistical methods applied to psychological research and program evaluation. Students learn when and how to apply simple parametric tests and some non – parametric statistical methods. The course places a major emphasis on the interpretation of results and their implications for practice and/or policy.
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 513. Assessment Practicum and Seminar I. 3 Credit Hours.

Students gain supervised assessment experience in an approved clinical setting for 15-20 hours per week per semester. Concurrent participation in the assessment practicum seminar course is required. The seminar focuses on psychological report writing, assessment and diagnostic skills.
Prerequisites: PSY 500 Ethics and Professional Issues, PSY 501 Psychological Assessment I and PSY 507 Psychological Assessment II
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 514. History and Systems of Psychotherapy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides a comprehensive historical review of the origins and cultural influences that have shaped modern psychology and psychotherapy. Students will explore the development of major psychological theories, research, and practices over time, with an emphasis on critical examination of contemporary counseling and psychotherapy models. The course analyzes the relationship between theoretical frameworks, human development, and counseling practice across diverse settings. Core elements include interviewing techniques, case conceptualization, and the nature of the counseling process. Students will examine various models' approaches to understanding human behavior and facilitating change, while also developing their own personal theory of counseling. Additionally, the course addresses current challenges and ethical issues facing the profession in the 21st century.
Session Cycle: Every Spring Semester.

PSY 515. Psychological Statistics II. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to increase students understanding of advanced analytical techniques in statistics, particularly as they pertain to psychology. The course material will emphasize the feasibility, application, and utilization of these analyses and their application to psychological and psycho-legal issues. Students will develop computer analytic skills to assist in answering professionally relevant questions.
Prerequisites: PSY 506 Research Design & Methods and PSY 512 Psychological Statistics I
Session Cycle: Every Spring.

PSY 516. Diversity and Individual Differences. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the impact of diversity, power, and privilege on human behavior. Diversity is broadly defined to include all aspects of individual and group identity such as gender, age, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, culture, ability status, religion, and socioeconomic status.
Session Cycle: Every Spring.

PSY 517. Assessment Practicum Seminar II. 3 Credit Hours.

Students gain supervised assessment experience in an approved clinical setting for 15-20 hours per week over the spring semester (with option of summer). Concurrent participation in the assessment practicum seminar course is required. The seminar focuses on refining competencies in psychological report writing, assessment and diagnostic skills.
Session Cycle: Every Spring Semester.

PSY 518. Research Practicum Seminar. 3 Credit Hours.

The Research Practicum is a supervised, hands-on learning experience designed for PsyD students, requiring a commitment of 10 hours per week in a community-based research setting. This course provides students with the opportunity to apply research methods and techniques in real-world contexts, engage with community stakeholders, and contribute to meaningful projects addressing psychological and social issues. This immersive experience is designed to enhance their understanding of real-world research applications, ethical considerations, and the integration of scientific methods to address community needs. The course aims to prepare students for their doctoral research project.
Prerequisites: PSY 500 Ethics & Professional Issues; PSY 506 Research Design & Methods; PSY 512 Psychological Statistics I; PSY 515 Psychological Statistics II
Session Cycle: Every Summer Term.

PSY 600. Psychopharmacology. 3 Credit Hours.

This is an introductory course designed to acquaint students with the fundamentals of psychotropic drugs. Basic topics in neurophysiology and psychopharmacology will be covered. The material will be presented with a clinical lifespan orientation.
Prerequisites: PSY 511 Biological Bases of Behavior
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 601. Social Aspects of Behavior. 3 Credit Hours.

The course explores the social behavior of individuals and groups. Social psychology theories and empirical research will provide a foundation and framework for examining and studying social phenomena scientifically. How individuals think about the world, how they understand themselves and others, how they formulate perspectives on the world, as well as the development of prejudice and stereotypes are addressed. Specifically, social psychological research on social perception and social cognition, attitude formation, persuasion, obedience and compliance, prosocial behavior, and fairness in social relationships will be examined to provide a deeper understanding of contemporary clinical and social psychological issues related to class, culture, sexuality, and race.
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 602. Intervention Practicum and Seminar I. 3 Credit Hours.

Supervised intervention experience in an approved clinical setting for 15-20 hours per week over the fall semester. Students concurrently participate in the intervention practicum seminar. Case conceptualization, treatment plans and intervention skills are the focus of this seminar.
Prerequisites: PSY 500 - Ethics & Professional Issues, PSY 513 - Assessment Practicum & Seminar I; PSY 517- Assessment Practicum & Seminar II
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 603. Family Systems. 3 Credit Hours.

This course offers an integrated psychotherapy framework by examining various modalities of treatment based on a family systems conceptualization. The cultural, class, and spiritual context of family life will be emphasized throughout the semester with critical reflection on how socially embedded factors including race, class, gender, and sexual orientation impact family functioning, resilience, and development.
Session Cycle: Spring.

PSY 604. Assessment and Treatment of Severe & Persistent Mental Illness. 3 Credit Hours.

This course will provide an overview of the etiology and symptomatology of thought disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and severe personality disorders such as borderline and antisocial personality disorders. Special focus will be placed on varied approaches to the treatment of severe psychopathology.
Session Cycle: Every Spring Semester.

PSY 605. Intervention Practicum and Seminar II. 3 Credit Hours.

Supervised intervention experience in an approved clinical setting for 15-20 hours per week over the spring semester (with option of summer). Students concurrently participate in the intervention practicum seminar. The seminar focuses on refining competencies in case conceptualization; treatment plans and intervention skills are the focus of this seminar.
Session Cycle: Every Spring Semester.

PSY 606. Doctoral Research Project: Proposal. 3 Credit Hours.

Students will develop their Doctoral Research Project proposal under the supervision of their project advisor and present it to the graduate committee for approval to begin their project.
Prerequisites: PSY 500 - Ethics & Professional Issues, PSY 506 - Research Design & Methods, PSY 512- Psychological Statistics I and PSY 515 - Psychological Statistics II
Session Cycle: Summer.

PSY 607. Business of Behavioral Health. 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to the business aspects of working in the behavioral health field. This course will focus on necessary skills to function effectively in various settings, including large institutions, large and intermediate-sized group practices, and individual practice. Basic approaches to marketing, budget management, employment law, and other aspects of behavioral health practice will be covered.
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 608. Doctoral Research Project I. 3 Credit Hours.

Under the guidance of their project advisor, students begin the design and initial implementation of their doctoral research project.
Prerequisites: PSY 606: Doctoral Research Project: Proposal
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 609. Advanced Practicum and Seminar I. 3 Credit Hours.

Supervised clinical experience in an approved clinical setting for 15-20 hours per week over the fall semester. The focus of this practicum experience may be in assessment, evidenced-based treatments, consultation and/or supervision. Participation in the advanced practicum seminar is required and will focus on developing and refining advanced assessment, intervention and clinical skills.
Prerequisites: PSY 513 Assessment Practicum & Seminar I and PSY 517 Assessment Practicum & Seminar II; PSY 602 Intervention Practicum I & PSY 605 Intervention Practicum II
Session Cycle: Every Fall Semester.

PSY 610. Consultation and Supervision Seminar. 1 Credit Hour.

Supervision is a distinct professional practice employing a collaborative relationship that has both facilitative and evaluative components, that extends over time, which has the goals of enhancing the professional competence and science-informed practice of the supervisee. We address the following domains of supervision: supervisor competence, diversity, supervisory relationship, professionalism, assessment/ evaluation/ feedback, problems of professional competence, and ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations. Students will have the opportunity to discuss and integrate the subject matter of this course with their practicum experiences.
Session Cycle: Every Spring Semester.

PSY 611. Doctoral Research Project Seminar II. 3 Credit Hours.

Students continue the development and execution of their doctoral research project with ongoing support from their project advisor.
Prerequisites: PSY 608 Doctoral Research Project Seminar I
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 612. Advanced Practicum and Seminar II. 3 Credit Hours.

Supervised clinical experience in an approved clinical setting for 15-20 hours per week over 10-12 months of the academic year. The focus of this practicum experience may be in assessment, evidenced-based treatments, consultation and/or supervision. Participation in the advanced practicum seminar is required and will focus on developing and refining advanced assessment, intervention and clinical skills.
Prerequisites: PSY 513 Assessment Practicum & Seminar I and PSY 517 Assessment Practicum & Seminar II; PSY 602 Intervention Practicum I & PSY 605 Intervention Practicum II; PSY 609 Advanced Practicum I
Session Cycle: Spring Semester.

PSY 613. Doctoral Research Project Seminar III. 3 Credit Hours.

Students advance toward the final stages of their doctoral research project, working closely with their project advisor to complete the research. A formal oral defense must be conducted in front of the designated doctoral research project committee.
Prerequisites: PSY 611 Doctoral Research Project Seminar II
Session Cycle: Every Summer Session.

PSY 614. Comprehensive Examination I. 0 Credit Hours.

The purpose of the Comprehensive Examination Part I is to establish high standards of mastery for the integration of knowledge representing what should be known by professional psychologists. Part I is comprised of a general exam and essay and is completed during summer of Year 2.
Session Cycle: Summer Term.

PSY 615. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 3 Credit Hours.

Foundations in cognitive-behavioral therapy are taught in this course with a focus on basic concepts of cognitive, behavioral, and cognitive-behavioral theories. Students are introduced to evidenced-based applications and techniques of various models.
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 616. Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is an in-depth examination of cognitive-behavioral therapy skill application in a variety of settings with a variety of psychological disorders. Practice-oriented clinical skills as well as background research will be covered as regards mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, substance use disorders, and ADHD, among others. Students will learn essential techniques, they will learn how to use them individually and in combination, and they will learn how to proceed when the techniques do not work. Consideration will also be given to forging a therapeutic alliance, cognitive-behavioral assessment, work with parents, and the integration of cognitive-behavioral treatment with other methods.
Prerequisites: PSY 615 Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 617. Psychodynamic Approaches to Therapy. 3 Credit Hours.

An overview of the theories and practice of psychodynamic approaches to therapy. The course topics include contemporary psychodynamic approaches such as object relations, ego psychology, and self-psychology.
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 618. Couples and Family Therapy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course works with the couple's dynamics and history and with the therapist’s technical and affective experience in addressing the need of couples and families. The course is designed to evolve clear strategies for intervention in couples’ and families work. Particular attention will be paid to the couple’s session as a microcosm of the relationship and to the therapist’s interventions in the session.
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 619. Trauma Focused Interventions. 3 Credit Hours.

This course addresses the history, etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of trauma-related diagnoses, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder (ASD), and common comorbid conditions. Students will be exposed to major research-supported treatment modalities to address trauma-related symptoms.
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 620. Dialectical Behavior Therapy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the theory, application, and practice of DBT. Students will gain an understanding of the four primary modules of DBT: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The course will delve into the integrative nature of these modules and their application in diverse clinical settings.
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 621. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course delves deeply into the theoretical foundations, practical applications, and clinical interventions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Students will explore the fundamental principles of ACT, including defusion, acceptance, self-as-context, contact with the present moment, values, and committed action. The course will address the historical and theoretical underpinnings of ACT, drawing connections to its empirical support and theoretical integration within the broader spectrum of clinical psychology.
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 622. Health Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course explores the theory base of clinical health psychology. The seminar begins with a stress and health exploration of the biological bases of health and disease and includes an overview of psycho-neuroimmunology stress and health. The course emphasizes the biopsychological model in understanding health and disease.
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 623. Assessment in Health Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

Students develop skills in assessments specific to medical settings. These include focused clinical interviews, mental status examinations, and brief measures. The course emphasizes providing feedback in medical settings to multidisciplinary teams.
Prerequisites: PSY 622 Health Psychology
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 624. Interventions in Medical Settings. 3 Credit Hours.

This course is designed to prepare students to provide interventions to patients in medical settings based on major scientific theories and models of health behavior. The course emphasizes primary and secondary prevention as well as training in intervention strategies that target specific behavior change and lifestyle.
Prerequisites: PSY 622 Health Psychology
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 625. Chronic Pain/Illness Management. 3 Credit Hours.

Conceptual models and psychological assessment and intervention techniques that have been effective in working with those experiencing chronic pain and/or illness will be reviewed. Particular attention will be spent on supporting individuals with chronic pain/illness to decrease the impact it has on their mood, social functioning, lifestyle, and productivity.
Prerequisites: PSY 622 Health Psychology
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 626. Pediatric Psychology. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides a conceptual overview of the field of pediatric psychology. Students will learn about the roles of pediatric psychologists in medical settings and the connections between psychological and medical services. The course will also look at the assessment and treatment of children who experience adjustment difficulties due to a medical diagnosis.
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 627. Child and Adolescent Assessment. 3 Credit Hours.

This course focuses on assessment of cognitive, emotional, and social functioning of children and adolescents. Issues related to assessment of children and adolescent such as clinical interviewing and impact of environment experience will be explored.
Prerequisites: PSY 505 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 628. Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy. 3 Credit Hours.

This course provides a foundation in psychotherapy techniques for interventions with children and adolescents. The course will focus on the development of intervention skills specific to children and adolescents such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and family systems interventions.
Prerequisites: PSY 505 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 629. Advanced Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. 3 Credit Hours.

An in-depth exploration of the major psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence. The course will look at the biological, psychological, and social underpinnings of child and adolescent psychopathology and discuss differential diagnoses.
Prerequisites: PSY 505 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 630. Comprehensive Exam II. 0 Credit Hours.

The purpose of the Comprehensive Examination Part II is to demonstrate, both in written and oral form, the ability to assess, formulate, treat and evaluate their work on a clinical case. Part II is comprised of a case presentation completed during summer of Year 3.
Session Cycle: Summer Term.

PSY 632. Supplemental Practicum. 3 Credit Hours.

Supervised clinical experience in an approved clinical setting. Participation in the supplemental practicum seminar is optional and is designed for students to accrue additional supervised clinical hours. This course is offered fall, spring and summer semesters.
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 633. Research Field Work. 3 Credit Hours.

This course offers students the opportunity to participate in off- campus, community-based research relevant to clinical psychology. Students will collaborate with community partners around research that addresses mental health needs and promotes evidence-based interventions in diverse settings.
Session Cycle: Varies.

PSY 700. Internship I. 1 Credit Hour.

Students must participate in a one-year, full-time 2000-hour internship. The internship is the capstone clinical experience of the doctoral program and must be completed at an APA Accredited or APPIC Member site.
Prerequisites: Program Director Approval.

PSY 701. Internship II. 1 Credit Hour.

Students must participate in a one-year, full-time 2000-hour internship. The internship is the capstone clinical experience of the doctoral program and must be completed at an APA Accredited or APPIC Member site.
Prerequisites: Program Director Approval.

PSY 702. Internship III. 1 Credit Hour.

Students must participate in a one-year, full-time 2000-hour internship. The internship is the capstone clinical experience of the doctoral program and must be completed at an APA Accredited or APPIC Member site.
Prerequisites: Program Director Approval.