Degree Requirements

Once enrolled, students are assigned a member of the faculty of the psychology department as an academic advisor with whom they are expected to work during the first year on various research-related tasks on a noncredit basis. In consultation with the advisor, students work out a program of course work, practice and research activity that builds on their experience and interests in preparation for a career of the kind they prefer within the broad, emergent field of human services psychology. The doctoral program is planned as a five-year program, including an internship for clinical students. The doctoral degree requires a minimum of 75 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, but it may range upward to 90, depending upon individual tailoring of programs and area combination.

Students are required to take a set of core courses, consisting of four courses in research methodology (Data Analytic Procedures I and II, Research Methods and Measurement of Behavior or an approved methods of inquiry course); an integrative two-course core sequence covering behavior, learning and cognitive aspects of behavior, social aspects of behavior and individual differences; and a course each in Human Diversity and Ethical Issues in Psychology. Students are required to take a minimum of five courses in their specialty area (including at least one advanced seminar) and five elective courses. To foster the broad, integrative perspective expected of graduates of the HSP Program, students are expected to take at least one elective from each of the sub-program areas.

A minimum of 18 credit hours of research is required, divided between six hours for a required predissertation research competency project or master’s thesis and 12 hours for the doctoral dissertation for all HSP students. Students focusing in clinical psychology (including combined areas of foci that include clinical psychology) are also required to take at least six credit hours of practicum and an internship of at least 1,500 hours. Core course, practicum and research credit requirements may be adjusted for students entering the program with master’s degrees or acceptable graduate course credit from other institutions.

Admission to candidacy for the doctoral degree is based upon completion of the requirements for the master’s degree and passing a qualifying examination usually administered during the summer preceding a student’s third year of full-time study or its equivalent.