Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology

Program Mission and Objectives

The goal of our program is to prepare doctoral students to become professionals in the field of clinical psychology. Recent graduates of our program work in various types of settings including medical centers, colleges and universities, independent practice, state and county hospitals, medical schools, school districts, university counseling centers, correctional facilities, and business and industry. The specific objectives of our training program include the following:

• To educate students about the content issues that presently define the knowledge base in clinical psychology;
   
• To train students in the use of scientific methodology applied to the study of human behavior;
   
• To facilitate the development of foundation and functional competencies associated with clinical practice;
   
• To educate students on the role of human diversity as it relates to both the science and practice of clinical psychology;
   
• To promote the integration of science and practice in professional activity;
   
• To facilitate an appreciation of lifelong learning.

Program Description

The doctoral training program in clinical psychology is organized according to a scientist-practitioner model, training students intensively in clinical skills and research. The program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1970. We do not offer the master's degree in clinical psychology as a terminal degree, but only as a step toward the Ph.D. degree.

The program requirements include coursework, clinical practica, independent research, and an internship. Students take a wide range of courses and seminars in clinical psychology, general and experimental psychology, and statistics and research design. Course sequences and practica are required in interviewing, psychological assessment, and intelligence testing. Required course sequences and practica in intervention and therapy may be selected from several offerings: Individual, group, family, child, health, and behavior therapy. Elective clinical coursework is also available in neuropsychology.

Independent research and collaborative research projects with faculty members are encouraged. A master's thesis and doctoral dissertation are required; each of these projects is to be substantive and based upon empirical data. The vast majority of our students present their research at professional conferences and many publish articles in professional journals.

A one-year clinical internship at an APA-approved facility is required prior to graduation. The internship usually is served during the terminal year of the program. (Click here for a list of recent internship placements)

All students receive intensive, broad-based training in general clinical psychology. Within this framework, there are ample opportunities for students to pursue research interests and some clinical students also opt to pursue one of our three tracks. (click here for information about tracks)

A faculty with diverse research interests and clinical expertise, an interface with the experimental program, and the availability of many research and clinical facilities enhance training opportunities. Among the latter are the university's Counseling and Psychological Services; Southeast Psychiatric Hospital, a 60-bed hospital; Woodland Centers, an outpatient mental health center with broad community programming; and several hospitals, schools and other settings in Athens and southeastern Ohio that are used for practicum training. (click here for a list of local community placements that provide training experiences for students)

Although our program can be completed in five years, especially for students who elect to complete one or more of our tracks and/or seek academic careers, the program may take longer to complete. (click here to review relevant program outcome statistics)

Graduates are trained for a variety of professional positions and prepared, with additional postdoctoral experience, for the psychology licensing requirements of all states in the U.S. All of our graduates to date have found suitable positions and many have published articles since graduation.

The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at Ohio University is accredited by the American Psychological Association. For information regarding the accreditation status contact - The Committee on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20002-4242 # (202) 336-5979

Ohio University
Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology
Manual and Forms