Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) 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
Fundamental Clinical Practice Skills
Year One
Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
Clinical Seminar I*
Lifespan Development
Psychological Assessment I
History and Systems: Foundations of Psychology I
Social Bases of Behavior: Foundations of Psychology II
Statistics
Year Two
Learning Theory
Clinical Seminar II*
Introduction to Family Theory
Humanistic Psychological Theories
Introduction to Psychodynamic Theory
Research*
Year Three
Doctoral Project I & II
Ethics, Standards and Professional Practice
Systems: Theory and Practice
Year Four
Advanced Clinical Seminar: Theory and Practice of Supervision
Doctoral Project III & IV
Cross Cultural Requirement
Taken Any Year
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Advanced Theory and Intervention Requirement
Taken during Year 3 or 4 (2 courses)
Clinical Practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies
Advanced Family Theory
Advanced Theory Groups: Practice/Therapy
Advanced Psychodynamic Theory
Biological Bases of Behavior Requirement
Taken any year
Physiological Psychology
Psychological Measurements Requirement
Psychological Assessment I
In addition, students must complete one other Assessment course among the following:
Personality Assessment
Projective Methods I & II*
*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)
Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence
Adult Psychopathology
Field Placement
Field Placement: Practicum I*
Field Placement: Practicum II*
Field Placement: Internship I*
Field Placement: 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:
Students will complete the field training and associated course work requirements by selecting one of three program options:
Option 1
Four Year Program with Four Half Time Field Placements
Option 2
Four Year Program with a 4th Year APA Internship Substituted for Internship 2
Students electing this option must register for all required fourth year courses while completing the Full Time APA Internship. These courses will include: Advanced Clinical Seminar: Theory and Practice of Supervision, Doctoral Project III (fall), Doctoral Project IV (spring), and any other remaining courses required for completion of the Psy.D. Degree. Students who do not register for and successfully complete these courses will not be credited for their 4th year internship. Thus, this option may be taken only for APA Internship sites that are within commuting distance of MSPP.
Option 3
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 |
Full Time APA 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 completion of the Full Time APA Internship.
Students wishing to consider a departure from this policy must consult with their advisors and submit a petition to the Academic Council. The Academic Council will review any requests for departures from or waivers of policy based on individual student needs.
Updated 11/14/07
