ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ | Doctorate of Psychology: Clinical…

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Doctorate of Psychology: Clinical Psychology

The Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology at ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ provides advanced training in the scientific practice of professional psychology with commitment to evidence-based practice. This 120-hour degree program prepares students to provide evidence-based psychological services in a variety of settings to address a range of client mental health needs. It also prepares students to become competent professionals who are able to provide a variety of evidence-based mental health services, including comprehensive psychological evaluations, psychotherapy services, supervisory services, and consultative services that can be provided to diverse groups of individuals.

Our rigorous academic curriculum is provided in a supportive, student centered learning environment that fosters intellectual growth, professional behavior, and ethical behavior through active learning and individualized instruction. Upon graduation, our students will have established core foundational knowledge in psychology, have developed strong clinical skills using evidence based interventions and best practices in psychological evaluations, clinical supervision, and consultation, and be able to apply their knowledge and skills in a range of settings while adhering to APA ethical guidelines.

Upon completion of this degree and required postdoctoral licensure hours, students will be able to apply for licensure as psychologists where they can work in both the private and public sectors, including hospitals, community agencies, clinics, and private practice. While licensure requirements may differ by state, it is recommended that individuals check the licensure laws in the state in which they intend to practice to ensure what is required

By the time students graduate the program, they will have:

  • established general knowledge base in core areas of psychology including biological bases of behavior, cognitive affective bases of behavior, social basis of behavior, and development across the lifespan and applicability to clinical practice
  • developed clinical skills of evidence-based practice in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders, including understanding and applicability of such practice with diverse individuals and within interdisciplinary settings
  • developed fundamental skills conducting psychological research using the scientific method and applying this knowledge to clinical practice
  • developed ethical and professional behaviors and can implement such behaviors in professional activities such as research, supervision, consultation, and practice

OCU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The OCU PsyD program is accredited, on contingency by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association as of Feb. 28, 2023. A program that is accredited on continency is an APA-accredited program. We will be submitting our self-study with student outcome data by Sept. 1, 2025 in pursuit of full accreditation prior to the ending of contingency status (Feb. 28, 2028).

More information about APA accreditation:

American Psychological Association's 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: [email protected]
Website:

Each year, we admit one cohort of students which begin the program in the fall semester. Within each cohort there will be a limited number of openings in the PsyD program, which means that we receive more qualified applicants than what we can admit. Applicants must meet the minimal requirements for application; however, students who are admitted to the program often exceed these requirements.

To be considered for admission, students must:

  • Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited university
  • Complete 18 hours of psychology courses or their equivalent
    • 3 credit hours of research methods
    • 3 credit hours of statistics
    • 3 credit hours of abnormal psychology or personality
    • 3 credit hours of developmental, social, or cognitive psychology
    • 6 credit hours of psychology electives
  • Students must possess an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or an overall graduate GPA of 3.25 or higher. However, it should be noted that student GPA's of 3.5 or higher place students in a more competitive position for admission.
  • Complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
  • Consistent with OCU's graduate admissions requirement for international students from non-English speaking countries, candidates will demonstrate English proficiency. These requirements can be found in the OCU graduate catalog
  • Required application materials

All PsyD applicants must apply through the online PSYCAS application system (Psychology Central Application Service).

The 2024-25 admissions cycle will open in PSYCAS in early September 2024 and will close December 16, 2024.

  • All application documents must be submitted no later than the deadline.

For information on the use of PSYCAS, please visit the APA’s helpful resource guide for students using PSYCAS

Application Materials

In order to complete the Psy.D. Application, applicants must submit the following:

  • Completed , which includes the following attachments:
    • All Official Transcripts
    • 3 Letters of Recommendation
    • Resume or CV
    • Personal Statement
    • PSYCAS Fee (determined by # of designated programs)
    • Official GRE scores sent directly to ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ’s PSYCAS code (GRE Code 3540)

The PsyD program consists of 120 hours that is comprised of required courses in 3 areas (clinical core, general psychology core, and research core), elective courses, applied experiences (internship/practicum hours), and capstone project hours. A Master of Science degree is conferred after a student has completed their first 2 years of coursework (51 hours) in the program, including successful completion of a master’s research project. The conferral of this degree serves as an indicator of progress toward the PsyD. We do not offer a terminal masters degree that leads to licensure.

Courses

Clinical Core

  • Psy 5213 Introduction to Evidence Based Interventions
  • Psy 5313 Adult Psychopathology
  • Psy 5413 Intellectual Assessment: Theory & Practice
  • Psy 5513 Ethics & Professional Issues in Clinical Practice
  • Psy 5613 Diversity in Clinical Practice
  • Psy 5713 Personality Assessment: Theory & Practice
  • Psy 5813 Advanced Evidence Based Interventions
  • Psy 5913 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
  • Psy 7213 Psychological Consultation & Supervision
  • Psy 8313 Mental Health Care Administration

General Psychology Core

  • Psy 6313 Advanced Lifespan Development
  • Psy 7313 Applied Social Psychology
  • Psy 7413 Biological Basis of Behavior and Clinical Psychopharmacology
  • Psy 8513 Cognitive and Affective Basis of Behavior
  • Psy 8613 History and Systems of Psychology

Research Core

  • Psy 5113 Advanced Research Design
  • Psy 6413 Statistical Methods
  • Psy 7113 Clinical Research Design

Practicums & Internship

  • Psyc 6173 Clinical Psychology Practicum & Seminar I
  • Psyc 8173 Clinical Psychology Practicum & Seminar II
  • Psyc 8273 Clinical Psychology Internship

Electives

  • Psy 5471 Psychological Testing Practicum
  • Psy 6213 Psychological Interventions and Health
  • Psy 6513 Clinical Interventions with Families
  • Psy 6713 Models of Psychotherapy
  • Psy 7513 Introduction to Rural Mental Health
  • Psy 7613 Applied Gerontology: Assessment & Intervention
  • Psy 7813 Trauma: Assessment and Treatment
  • Psy 7913 Clinical Perspectives on Trauma
  • Psy 8113 Addictions: Theory and Research
  • Psy 8213 Addictions: Assessment and Intervention
  • Psy 8233 Teaching Practicum
  • Psy 8413 Advanced Psychological Assessment

Capstone Projects

  • Psy 6183 Masters Research Project
  • Psy 8183 Doctoral Research Project
  • For descriptions of these courses,
  • For a sample plan of study,

Students who have taken graduate-level coursework in a related field within 7 years prior to admission to the program can request to have syllabi reviewed. Syllabi will be reviewed by the members of the Clinical Training Committee in consultation of the instructor who typically teaches the course (e.g. psychology core course taught by experimental faculty) to determine if the course is equivalent to courses in the PsyD program in terms of depth and breadth of coverage. Students will be notified of the decision.

Students cannot transfer in more than 24 hours of graduate coursework in related field that was completed within 7 years prior to admission to the program. Classes which fulfill a DSK or PWC are eligible to transfer except for courses in which the MLA is based on specific elements of a class, and not the overall grade. No practicum or internship hours can transfer. For the course to transfer, students also have to have made a grade of B- or higher in the course. Students may be asked to take a competency based exam in that area where it is expected that a B- or higher will be made.

We encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and with diverse life experiences. Consistent with ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ’s Nondiscrimination Policy, we pledge to recruit, select, and promote diversity by providing equality of opportunity in higher education for all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. We do not discriminate or segregate based on sex (gender), race, age, ancestry, color, disability, genetic history, national origin, marital status, medical condition, religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, parenting status, status as a veteran, or the perception that a person has one more of these characteristics.

Full-time Psychology Faculty

  • Amy Cataldi, Ph.D.: dean; professor of Psychology; experimental faculty
  • Melissa Hakman, Ph.D.: chair and director of PsyD program; professor of Psychology; clinical faculty
  • Lori Holmquist-Day, Ph.D., ABPdN: clinical assistant professor of Psychology; clinical faculty
  • Noel Jacobs, Ph.D.: associate professor of Psychology, clinical faculty
  • Yi Shao, Ph.D.: professor of Psychology; experimental faculty
  • Bill Sharp, Ph.D.: coordinator of clinical training; clinical assistant professor; clinical faculty

Psychology Staff

For questions or additional information on our PsyD program, including handbook, program policies and procedures, please contact Melissa Hakman, Ph.D., at 405-208-5397 or [email protected].


For questions regarding admission into the PsyD program or PSYCAS, please contact Graduate Admissions at 405-208-5351 or [email protected].

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