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    Dec 08, 2024  
American University Catalog 2023-2024 
    
American University Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Clinical Psychology (PhD)


Offered by the Department of Psychology , College of Arts and Sciences , the Clinical Psychology (PhD) program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association Committee on Accreditation (COA) and has been accredited since 1972. COA is part of the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation (OPCA).

OPCA contact information is as follows:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: 202-336-5979
TDD/TTY: 202-336-6123
Fax: 202-336-5978
Email: apaaccred@apa.org
https://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Admission to the Program


In addition to meeting the minimum university requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit a completed graduate application form, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for the General examination (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic) and Advanced Psychology test, three letters of recommendation, and copies of all college transcripts. The GRE Advanced Psychology test is recommended but not required. Those applicants to the Clinical Psychology program judged to be among the top applicants are invited for an interview, and the final selection is based on all information, including the interview. Students are admitted for full-time study only.

Degree Requirements


  • 72 credit hours of approved graduate work
    • Students who have been admitted to the doctoral program in psychology but do not have an MA in psychology that has been accepted by the department must complete the degree requirements for the Psychology (MA)  (thesis option; thesis seminar not required) before they can be awarded the doctorate
  • One tool of research is required but does not result in course credit toward the degree. The tool requirement is defined as the dissemination of a research tool. Please see the Department of Psychology  for further information
  • Two comprehensive examinations, which involve students in the kinds of activities they will later engage in as professional psychologists. The written comprehensive is an examination on supervision and consultation. The oral comprehensive is a specialty examination, which involves a clinical presentation
  • Dissertation: A written proposal for the dissertation must be submitted and signed by the student’s dissertation committee before the student can apply for internship. The dissertation, when completed, must be accepted by the dissertation committee, the department chair, and the university
  • As part of the doctoral requirements, clinical students serve a one-year externship and a one-year internship in an appropriate setting outside the university

Course Requirements


Practicum Sequence (6 credit hours)


Complete one of the following practicum sequences:

Electives (7 credit hours)


  • 7 credit hours from approved electives

Internship (0 credit hours)


Complete the following while away on internship (in addition to PSYC-899 Doctoral Dissertation (9) ):

Dissertation