Psychology: Clinical PhD

The Clinical Psychology PhD program follows a clinical science model. Clinical science is defined as a psychological science directed at the promotion of adaptive functioning; at the assessment, understanding, amelioration, and prevention of human problems in behavior, affect, cognition, or health; and at the application of knowledge in ways consistent with scientific evidence. We expect our students to contribute to the science of clinical psychology, and to learn to infuse their clinical work with empirical findings and theoretical concepts.

Required courses

A minimum of 72 credit hours, including core cognitive coursework, electives and departmental breadth requirements.

PSY 604SEM - Res Meth Clinical Psych Credits: 3
PSY 605SEM - Introduction of Professional Issues in Clinical Psychological Science Credits: 1
* 2 credits required
PSY 607LEC - Adv Statistics Methods 1 Credits: 3
PSY 608SEM - Adv Statistics Methods 2 Credits: 3 OR
PSY 613SEM - Data Analysis Credits: 3
PSY 609SEM - Multivariate Statistics Credits: 3
PSY 611SEM - History & Systems Credits: 1
PSY 617SEM - Adv Developmental Psych Credits: 3
PSY 624SEM - Psychopathology Credits: 3
PSY 654SEM - Psychological Assessment Credits: 3
PSY 751SEM - Clinical Treatments 1 Credits: 3
PSY 778LEC - Clinical Treatments 2 Credits: 3
PSY 671LAB - Intervention 1 Credits: 3
PSY 672LAB - Intervention 2 Credits: 3
PSY 763LAB - Intervention 3 Credits: 3
PSY 764LAB - Intervention 4 Credits: 3
PSY 799TUT - Applied Skill Supervision Credits: 1 - 6
* 2 credits required

One Clinical Elective

The following electives have been taught over the past 5 years:

PSY 614SEM - Structural Equations Credits: 3
PSY 618SEM - Dev Psycho Pathology Credits: 3
PSY 868SEM - Topics Credits: 3
PSY 868 - Teaching Psychology
PSY 868 - Social Withdrawal, Shyness, and Social Anxiety
PSY 868 - Clinical Psychophysiology

A preliminary requirement consisting of three components

a second-year research project, a third-year research project, and a clinical competency requirement.

A doctoral dissertation and oral defense of the dissertation.

A one-year, APA-approved, clinical internship.

Completion Timeline

The curriculum is sequential and designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the science and practice of clinical psychology.
In the first year, core coursework focuses on the introduction to psychopathology, assessment, and intervention, as well as statistics and research methods in clinical psychology.  
During the second year, core coursework focuses on advanced statistics, psychological interventions with adults and children, and a full year of practicum training in assessment and intervention.  
In the third year, students continue clinical practica and complete all remaining coursework.
Clinical electives also are offered on a variety of topics, and the curriculum includes breadth courses in the history of clinical psychology as well as the biological, cognitive-affective, and social bases of behavior. 
Ethics and diversity are infused throughout the core curriculum. Our program recognizes cross-cultural issues in clinical research and practice and in our curriculum, and welcomes cultural diversity among our students and the clinical populations we serve.
Clinical training places a heavy emphasis on the scientific foundations of clinical psychology; students are trained to use empirically supported assessment and treatment practices. Clinical training occurs in the in-house  Psychological Services Center, a wide range of advanced external practica, and optional lab-based clinical experiences.

Total Credit Hours: Minimum of 72

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

6 Years

Application Fee

$75

Admissions Tests

N/A

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.