Curriculum, Tracks, & Degree Requirements | Clinical Psychology PsyD

Curriculum

Sample sequence for students entering with a bachelor’s degree.  Sequence includes MA degree in clinical psychology coursework earned at Pacific University -- (The MA and PsyD degrees typically can be completed in five years of full-time study [four years in residence devoted to coursework, research, and practicum, and one year away on doctoral internship.] The MA degree is not designed as a terminal degree, but earned along the way to the PsyD degree. Students entering with a Master's degree may transfer some coursework, but this will not decrease the 5-year full-time requirement.)

Total credits for PsyD: 100 + additional track-specific credit requirements and full-time clinical internship*

First Year Second Year Third Year Fourth Year Fifth Year
FALL FALL FALL FALL FALL
  • Coursework
  • Coursework
  • Practicum I
  • Doctoral Research I
  • Coursework
  • Practicum II
  • Doctoral Research II
  • Coursework
  • Advanced Practicum
  • Internship Application
  • Internship
SPRING SPRING SPRING SPRING SPRING
  • Coursework
  • Coursework
  • Practicum I
  • Doctoral Research I
  • Coursework
  • Clinical Competence Course
  • Practicum II
  • Doctoral Research II
  • Coursework
  • Advanced Practicum
  • Internship Interviews
  • Internship
SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER SUMMER
  • Coursework
  • Pre-Practicum
  • *Diversity Conference
  • Coursework
  • Practicum I
  • Doctoral Research I     (Proposal)
  • *Diversity Conference
  • MA awarded
  • Coursework
  • Practicum II
  • Doctoral Research II    (Defend)
  • Internship Application
  • Coursework
  • Advanced Practicum
  • Internship
  • PsyD awarded

For detailed course descriptions and degree requirements, please see the current Academic Catalog             

Tracks

Varied faculty interests provide students with exposure to a broad range of theoretical perspectives and assessment, intervention, research/evaluation, consultation/education, and management/supervision skills. Four tracks within the generalist program allow students to focus training on a specific area with its own defined curricula, research programs, and clinical practica.

Adult Track
Child Track
Health Psychology Track
Neuropsychology Track

Application for the primary tracks take place during admissions. Some tracks accept applications from advanced students (provided space/resources are available).

Degree Requirements

Students entering the PsyD program without a master's degree must complete requirements for the master of arts (MA) in clinical psychology en route to the PsyD. The MA and PsyD degrees typically can be completed in five years of full-time study (four years in residence devoted to coursework, research, and practicum, and one year away on doctoral internship). The MA degree is not designed as a terminal degree, but earned along the way to the PsyD. Students entering with a Master's degree may transfer some coursework, but this will not decrease the 5-year full-time requirement.

Doctoral Research Project

The doctoral research project provides evidence of scholarly competence representing an original contribution to psychology. In keeping with the practitioner-scholar model of the School of Graduate Psychology, doctoral research projects are not confined to traditional experimental studies, but may use a variety of formats:

  • Single case experimental designs
  • Case studies of individuals, groups or systems
  • Program development or evaluation
  • Experimental or correlational research
  • A synthesis and extension of scholarly literature

The complete doctoral research project is defended in a public oral examination or presentation. Students are expected to work within the realm of our faculty's expertise.