Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

Curriculum

The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program at West Chester University of Pennsylvania is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in clinical psychology, preparing them for careers as licensed psychologists.

Course List

The program consists of 114 credits, including:

• Required Courses
  • PSY 600: Research Report 1 (3 credits)
  • PSY 601: Introduction to Statistics/Research Methods (3 credits)
  • PSY 602: Advanced Statistical Methods (3 credits)
  • PSY 605: Biological Bases of Behavior (3 credits)
  • PSY 607: Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior (3 credits)
  • PSY 608: Developmental Bases of Behavior (3 credits)
  • PSY 609: Advanced Social Psychology (3 credits)
  • PSY 700: Adult Psychopathology (3 credits)
  • PSY 701: Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3 credits)
  • PSY 705: Multicultural Clinical Psychology (3 credits)
  • PSY 708: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Psychotherapy (3 credits)
  • PSY 710: Psychotherapy I: Cognitive and Behavior Therapy (3 credits)
  • PSY 712: Psychotherapy II: Interpersonal and Psychodynamic Theory (3 credits)
  • PSY 714: Psychotherapy III: Child and Family Therapy (3 credits)
  • PSY 716: Psychotherapy IV: Group Dynamics/Group Interventions (3 credits)
  • PSY 720: Assessment I: Psychoeducational Assessment (3 credits)
  • PSY 721: Personality Assessment (3 credits)
  • PSY 730: Clinical Skills Practicum (3 credits)
  • PSY 732: Consultation and Supervision in Clinical Practice (3 credits)
  • PSY 731: Clinical Supervision 2 (1 credit)
  • PSY 733: Psychology Clinic Practicum 2 (2 credits)
  • PSY 734: Advanced Clinical Practicum 3 (2-6 credits)
  • PSY 740: Research Practicum 4 (3 credits)
  • PSY 742: Program Evaluation (3 credits)
  • PSY 800: Dissertation (3 credits)
  • PSY 890: Pre-Doctoral Clinical Internship 5 (3-12 credits)
• Electives
  • Select four courses from the following:
    • PSY 680: Advanced Health Psychology
    • PSY 750: Community Interventions
    • PSY 752: Clinical Neuropsychology
    • PSY 760: Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
    • PSY 761: Infant Mental Health
    • PSY 770: Trauma and Treatment
    • PSY 780: Trauma Interventions for Children and Adolescents
    • PSY 781: Ecological Contexts of Trauma

Sample Course Plan

The following is a sample suggested course sequence for this program:

• Year One
  • Fall: PSY 700, PSY 705, PSY 710, PSY 720, PSY 730 (15 credits)
  • Spring: PSY 701, PSY 708, PSY 712, PSY 721, PSY 731, PSY 733 (15 credits)
  • Summer: PSY 600, PSY 731, PSY 733 (4 credits)
• Year Two
  • Fall: PSY 601, PSY 608, PSY 714, PSY 731, PSY 733, PSY 740 (15 credits)
  • Spring: PSY 602, PSY 609, PSY 716, PSY 731, PSY 733, PSY 740 (15 credits)
  • Summer: PSY 600, PSY 731, PSY 733 (4 credits)
• Year Three
  • Fall: PSY 605, PSY 732, PSY 734, PSY XXX (12 credits)
  • Spring: PSY 607, PSY 734, PSY 742, PSY XXX (12 credits)
  • Summer: PSY 600, PSY 734 (4 credits)
• Year Four
  • Fall: PSY 734, PSY XXX (6 credits)
  • Spring: PSY 734, PSY 800, PSY XXX (9 credits)
  • Summer: PSY 890 (1 credit)
• Year Five
  • Fall: PSY 890 (1 credit)
  • Spring: PSY 890 (1 credit)

Outline:

The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at West Chester University is a five-year, 114-credit doctoral program designed to train students in the science and practice of clinical psychology. The program's mission is to prepare students to be competent, ethical, and culturally sensitive psychologists who are able to provide evidence-based psychological services to diverse populations. The program emphasizes the development of strong clinical skills, a solid foundation in psychological research, and an understanding of the ethical and legal issues involved in the practice of psychology. The program's curriculum includes coursework in the following areas:

• Biological bases of behavior
• Cognitive-affective bases of behavior
• Developmental bases of behavior
• Advanced social psychology
• Adult psychopathology
• Child and adolescent psychopathology
• Multicultural clinical psychology
• Ethical, legal, and professional issues in psychotherapy
• Psychotherapy I: Cognitive and behavior therapy
• Psychotherapy II: Interpersonal and psychodynamic theory
• Psychotherapy III: Child and family therapy
• Psychotherapy IV: Group dynamics/group interventions
• Assessment I: Intellectual assessment
• Assessment II: Personality assessment
• Clinical skills practicum
• Consultation and supervision in clinical practice
• Research practicum
• Program evaluation
Students are also required to complete a dissertation and a pre-doctoral clinical internship. The program's faculty are experienced clinicians and researchers who are committed to providing students with the highest quality education possible. The program also offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in research, clinical work, and professional development.

West Chester University

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Overview:

West Chester University is a public university located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, fostering a vibrant campus community with a strong emphasis on student engagement and personal growth. The university prides itself on its commitment to providing students with a transformative educational experience that helps them discover their passions and find their element.

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Services Offered:

Academic Advising:

Students have access to academic advisors who provide guidance on course selection, program requirements, and career planning.

Financial Aid:

The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students afford their education.

Student Resources:

West Chester University provides a comprehensive range of student resources, including career services, tutoring, counseling, and health services.

Housing:

The university offers a variety of on-campus housing options for students, including residence halls and apartments.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

West Chester University boasts a vibrant and active student life with over 300 clubs and organizations. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, from academic and professional organizations to social and recreational clubs. The university also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, sporting events, and cultural programs.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Diverse Academic Programs:

With over 180 academic programs, students can find a program that aligns with their interests and career goals.

Strong Faculty:

West Chester University has a dedicated and experienced faculty who are committed to student success.

Vibrant Campus Community:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive campus community where students can connect with peers and faculty.

Location:

West Chester University is located in a charming town with easy access to major cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington D.C., offering students opportunities for cultural experiences and internships.

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Academic Programs:

West Chester University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts & Humanities:

English, History, Music, Theatre, Art, and more.

Sciences & Mathematics:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and more.

Business & Public Management:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

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Other:

Location:

West Chester University is located in a picturesque town with a rich history and a vibrant downtown area.

Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus with modern facilities and a variety of green spaces.

President's Message:

The university president emphasizes the importance of student belonging and happiness at West Chester University.

Media Guide:

The university provides a media guide featuring faculty experts in various fields.

Upcoming Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including move-in for returning students, welcome week, and summer session.