Psy.D. Course Descriptions

PSY 701 Foundations of Psychological Assessment
3 credits
This course focuses on the methods used to evaluate the quality of measures, such as psychological tests, that are used in research and applied settings by psychologists and others interested in human behavior. The fundamentals of psychometric theory such as scaling, central tendency and variability, individual differences and correlation, reliability, validity, and the principles of test development and standardization will be examined. In addition, the nature and use of psychological tests, along with different types of tests, will be explored. Issues related to the legal, ethical, and cultural implications of psychological assessment with special populations will be addressed.

PSY 702 Cognitive Assessment
4 credits
This course covers knowledge and skills relevant to the assessment of cognitive functioning in children, adolescents, and adults. The course explores historical as well as contemporary issues in the field of cognitive psychology, including the theoretical frameworks utilized in the development of cognitive assessment instruments and procedures. The major instruments utilized for the assessment of cognition will be discussed (WPPSI-III, WISC-IV, WAIS-III & IV, K-ABC-II, and WJ-III) as well as instruments for the assessment of visual-constructional skill and memory (ROCF, VMI-5, BVMGT-II, WMS-III). Practical, legal, ethical, and socio-cultural issues relevant to the competent practice of psychological assessment are covered, including issues relevant to working with clients from diverse ethnic-linguistic minority backgrounds.

PSY 703 Cognitive Assessment Laboratory
2 credits
This course is the applied companion of PSY 702, and as such, it provides hands-on practice on the administration, scoring, interpretation, and reporting of cognitive assessment tests and procedures. All practice activity will be undertaken with the guidance and supervision of the instructor. Learners may have the opportunity to use some of these instruments and procedures at the discretion of their site supervisors.

PSY 704 Adult Personality Assessment
2 Credits
This course presents the principles and practices of self-report and projective personality assessment. The class focuses on the MMPI-2 and the MCMI-III. Learners will also become familiar with other self-report tests (such as the PAI and 16PF), projective instruments (such as Rorschach and TAT), and structured interviewing techniques (SCL-R-90). The course also addresses related issues such as report writing, test construction, and ethical and diversity issues in testing.

PSY 705 Integrative Assessment
2 Credits
This course will provide learners with a basis for integrating information gained from psychological assessment into a comprehensive narrative psychological report. It explores the meaning of clinical inference in the assessment enterprise. Psychological assessment is the development of diagnostic meaning from a person's history, clinical interviews and observations, records, and psychological tests. The ability to obtain, shape, integrate, and ultimately export meaningful information about a person is the basis of psychological assessment. Available only to learners who have completed PSY 701, 702, 703, & 704.

PSY 706 Introduction to the Rorschach
3 Credits
This course will provide learners with an introduction to the Rorschach Inkblot Method. Learners will be trained in administration, scoring, and interpretation of the Rorschach using Exner’s Comprehensive System. Some emphasis will be placed on the integration of data from various sources to supplement and verify Rorschach findings, and to develop clinical formulations for presentation in reports. Methods: A variety of didactic models will be used. Lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and case presentations will be employed. Learners will engage in practice by recruiting volunteers to serve as subjects for practice test administration. Other projective instruments and methods, such as the TAT, sentence completion, and projective drawings, will also be reviewed. Available only to learners who have completed PSY 701, 702, 703, & 704

PSY 711 Individual Psychotherapy
3 Credits
This course provides both an introduction and in-depth review of some of the major theories and practices of individual therapy. It covers the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes required to engage in psychotherapy as a professional psychologist. Learners develop a flexible, integrated way of conducting treatment, focusing on brief to mid-range therapies. The course emphasizes psychodynamic, behavioral and cognitive-behavioral, existential-humanistic, constructionist, and integrationist approaches. Faculty and learners discuss selected clinical practice and process issues, including the therapist's role, theories of problem formation and change, individual and cultural diversity, treatment duration, and therapist theoretical flexibility. Participants learn ways to plan, conduct, and evaluate psychotherapy, and synthesize their own psychotherapy philosophy and style.

PSY 712 Clinical Psychology and Systems Theory
2 Credits
This course introduces learners to the field of clinical psychology and to systemic thinking. The course will review the foundational components of clinical psychology and introduce the learner to current research and practices, including evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence models. It provides an overview of systems theory and its application, examining a variety of systems configurations, as well discussing the transition from an individual to a systemic to a sociopolitical/cultural perspective.

PSY 713 Group Psychotherapy
2 Credits
This course examines small group formats for therapeutic change, personal development, interpersonal skills training, and relationship enhancement. Ethical and cultural competence issues related to group psychotherapy are explored. Participants will learn effective leadership techniques and procedures for planning, conducting, and evaluating group interaction and progress.

PSY 715 Developmental Psychology
3 Credits
This course reviews major theories for understanding the dual influences of nature and nurture throughout the lifespan. Learners grapple with varied explanations of social, moral, emotional and intellectual development. Learners critique theoretical and practical applications of developmental psychology as they relate to clinical and social issues. Individual development is considered within familial, cultural, and societal contexts. The course places emphasis on "typical" development and on developmental concepts and processes that have high relevance to clinical work and that are not discussed in other courses.

PSY 716 Narrative Therapy
2 Credits
Narrative therapy views problems as separate from people and conceptualizes problems as situated within larger socio-cultural and political contexts. It places importance on the therapist maintaining a position of curiosity in understanding people's values and beliefs and views consumers of therapy as experts regarding their own lives. This course examines the underlying theoretical tenants and practical applications of narrative therapy, with an emphasis on a variety of "maps" of practice with individuals, families and groups. The course includes presentations, live chats sessions, threaded discussions, and practice exercises.

PSY 717 Mindfulness in Clinical Practice
2 Credits
Mindfulness is a method of using focused, conscious attention as a therapeutic tool for wisely working with thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Mindfulness has been called the "third wave" of cognitive-behavioral therapy, and several mindfulness-based therapies are now considered evidence-based approaches. This course covers the theories and applications of mindfulness in clinical settings. The course reviews the use of mindfulness in individual therapy and group approaches, as utilized in the practices of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

PSY 718 Cultural Influences on the Self
2 Credits
This course increases learners’ ability to conduct psychotherapy with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The course focuses on self-examination and consideration of how the clinicians’ and clients’ backgrounds influence the work. Topics covered include race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability and religion.

PSY 719 Cultural Competence in Clinical Practice
2 Credits
This course considers the complex interplay of values, expectations, and social and political forces in psychotherapy. Learners examine and critique cultural literacy, including guidelines for psychotherapy with people from specific cultural groups.

PSY 720 Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Practice
2 Credits
This course addresses issues relevant to the conceptualization and treatment of distress in adult clients from a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) perspective as empirically-supported in the literature. Theoretical issues such as the content-specificity hypothesis and the hierarchical organizational model of personality will be delineated. Clinical issues such as agenda setting, Socratic questioning, eliciting client feedback, homework assignments, dealing with avoidant clients, use of the therapeutic relationship, and termination issues will be addressed. While a variety of techniques including activity scheduling, tests of evidence (reattribution), and
behavioral experimentation are introduced, a special emphasis is be placed on case conceptualization.

PSY 721 Adult Psychopathology
3 Credits
This course examines psychopathology in adults and critically reviews the theory and history of scientific classification of behavioral disorders. Learners acquire mastery of current diagnostic conventions and review basic treatment issues for each major category. Multiple contributions to psychopathology are considered including physiological and social influences.

PSY 722 Child & Adolescent Psychopathology
3 Credits
This course reviews the etiology, diagnostic criteria and developmental course of the psychiatric disorders most commonly diagnosed during childhood and adolescence. It also examines the difficulties that children with those disorders and their families typically experience. The contribution of contextual factors, such as family composition and sociocultural and economic conditions to the development, manifestation and treatment of children with psychiatric disorders, will be emphasized. Learners gain basic knowledge of: diagnostic categories in the DSM IV-TR, clinical assessment procedures and case formulation. Evidence-based treatments for disorders of childhood and adolescence are reviewed, and their usefulness and limitations are examined.

PSY 723 Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior
3 Credits
This course is designed to introduce students to basic human cognitive and affective processes. Specific topics include attention and perception, long-term and working memory, learning, executive function, decision-making, problem-solving and creativity, and language. The course will examine the affective, motivational, and cultural influences on basic cognitive processes in supplemental empirical journal articles.

PSY 724 Social Bases of Behavior
3 Credits
This course is an advanced introduction to the psychological study of social behavior. The emphasis of the course is upon the scientific examination of social cognition, influence, interaction, judgments, relationships and other relevant topics, with specific attention paid to social psychological theories, methods and current issues. This course will also emphasize the study of individual experience and behavior in relation to social situations.

PSY 725 Biological Bases of Behavior
3 Credits
This course examines physiological influences on normal and abnormal human behavior including the role of the central nervous system, sensory processes, memory, neurobiology and psychopharmacology. The course focuses on recent developments in the field that are most relevant to the practice of clinical psychology, particularly recent findings in neuroplasticity and epigenetics.

PSY 726 Clinical Psychopharmacology
2 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the principles of pharmacology, particularly the interaction of chemistry and biology to produce behavior, and the use of psychotropic medications for a range of populations and disorders. This will include an examination of the pharmacological features of different drugs and their biological effects, drug interactions, and the psychological impact of medications in therapeutic contexts. Also addressed will be a review of regulatory and governmental control issues, and the role of the psychologist in collaborating with physicians and other primary healthcare providers. This course is not intended to prepare the student for a primary role of prescribing, administering or overseeing the use of medications. Available only to learners who have completed PSY 725.

PSY 727 Sex Therapy
2 Credits
This course examines sexuality in the adult years, the nature and origin of sexual challenges and difficulties, and approaches to sex therapy and sexual enhancement. Participants will learn how to conduct a psychosexual history, diagnose sexual dysfunction, plan effective techniques of intervention, and evaluate therapeutic progress. They will learn appropriate interventions for individuals, couples, and groups, and they will learn when it is appropriate to refer a client to another healthcare provider. Ethical and cultural competence issues related to sex therapy will be explored.

PSY 728 Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
2 Credits
This course provides an examination of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for treating individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The empirical basis of the treatment will be reviewed, and learners will develop knowledge and skills in the following areas: the biosocial theory of BPD; dialectical theory; individual DBT and its use of validation, contingency management, diary cards, and behavioral analyses; group DBT and the four DBT skills modules (core mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness); and the roles of telephone coaching and the DBT consultation team. Instruction modalities will include lecture, class discussion, role-play, and video-recorded sessions.

PSY 730 Statistics
3 Credits
This course focuses on the principles and techniques of descriptive and inferential statistical methods and their application to research in psychology. During the course we will also emphasize statistical applications in psychological research. Students will learn to select and apply appropriate simple parametric tests and non-parametric statistical methods, and to interpret statistical results and their implications. This course also covers the analysis and presentation of statistical data using the computer program: Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

PSY 731 Qualitative Research in Clinical Psychology
3 Credits
This course provides a theoretical and practical grounding in qualitative research methods and their application to clinical psychology. Data gathering approaches include individual and focus group interviews, observational research, clinical case studies, grounded theory, and participatory action research. Learners acquire the skills needed to design studies and collect, analyze, and present qualitative data.

PSY 733 Quantitative Research Methods
3 Credits
This course provides a foundation for quantitative research methods, which forms the basis for psychological theory and models. We consider common research paradigms; the scientific method; causal inference; refining the research question; and formulating hypotheses. Then we will explore a range of research designs and methodological techniques that are available for empirical research. Topics include: sampling; survey and experimental designs, including simple 2-variable and multivariate designs; advantages and limitations of designs; selecting appropriate research instruments; criteria and recruitment of human subjects; collecting data and presenting it in tables and graphs; and understanding statistical measures used in quantitative research reports. Examples from health, education, clinical, and social psychology will be utilized in critical reviews.

PSY 740 - Special Topics in Clinical Psychology
2 Credits
This course provides an examination of applied issues in selected aspects of clinical psychology. Topics will vary and may include family assessment, workplace and the family, forensic evaluation/assessment, current and emerging family interventions, working with specific populations in the context of the family, family evidence-based practices, substance abuse, trauma and domestic violence, professional issues, mind-body interactions, etc.

PSY 741 Community Psychology
3 Credits
This course presents the theory and practice of community psychology, including primary prevention and the delivery of related health, education and human services. The course examines actual programs addressing areas including mental health, juvenile delinquency, community violence, and family support.

PSY 751 Professional Development Seminar I: Social Justice and Ethics in Clinical Psychology
3 Credits

PSY 752 Professional Development Seminar II: Social Justice and Ethics in Clinical Psychology
3 Credits

PSY 753 Professional Development Seminar III: Social Justice and Ethics in Clinical Psychology
2 Credits
The first year Professional Development Seminar introduces learners to the field of clinical psychology and to the multiple roles of professional psychologists. Through readings, videotape presentations, classroom discussions, individual and group presentations, role-plays, clinical simulations, and online interactions, learners gain knowledge of ethical and legal issues, state licensing laws and rules, professional standards, and diverse interpretations and applications of social justice in clinical psychology. Learners develop a working knowledge of basic clinical concepts and skills in preparation for the first practicum. Throughout the year there is attention to "self-in-role" issues such as boundary management, supervision, and the roles and responsibilities of psychologists-in-training.

PSY 754 Professional Development Seminar IV: Clinical Conceptualization
3 Credits

PSY 755 Professional Development Seminar V: Clinical Conceptualization
3 Credits

PSY 756 Professional Development Seminar VI: Clinical Conceptualization
2 Credits
The second year Professional Development Seminar focuses on the conceptualization of psychotherapy cases and intervention strategies while integrating the best available research with clinical expertise in an evidence-based approach to the practice of psychology. Through readings, videotape presentations, classroom discussions, role plays/simulations, individual and group presentations, and online interactions, learners will develop increased skills in applying clinical theory and best practices to the development of therapeutic relationships, the diagnostic process, assessment procedures; and to the design and execution of clinical interventions in their practica. They will also learn skills in preparing and reporting clinical experiences. These courses are taken in conjunction with PSY 801-803 Practicum I-III.

PSY 757 Professional Development Seminar VII: Clinical Presentations
3 Credits

PSY 758 Professional Development Seminar VIII: Management and Supervision
3 Credits

PSY 759 Professional Development Seminar IX: Clinical Review
2 Credits
The third year Professional Development Seminars focus on clinical conceptualization, assessment, report writing, oral case presentations, preparation for the capstone comprehensive Clinical Review competency evaluation, clinical supervision, consultation on cases, integration of theoretical and applied clinical practices, and clinical self-review for readiness for internship. Through readings, video presentations, report writing, classroom discussions, role plays/simulations, individual and group presentations, and online interactions, learners will develop increased skills in applying clinical theory to the development of therapeutic relationships, the diagnostic process, and the design and execution of clinical interventions in practica. They will also learn skills in preparing and reporting on clinical cases, both written and verbally. They also will have opportunities to provide peer consultation to their colleagues. These courses are taken in conjunction with PSY 804-806 Practicum IV-VI.

PSY 764 Family Psychotherapy
3 Credits
This course examines the intervention techniques and major theories, models, and schools of couples and family therapy. The course uses a systemic perspective to consider both traditional and recently developed family treatment models, including empirically supported treatments. Ethical, gender, and cultural competence issues related to family therapy are explored.

PSY 765 Family Violence and Trauma
3 Credits
This course explores psychological aspects of family violence and trauma. Issues include the demographics and dynamics of family violence, and treatment of the victims and perpetrators of family violence. The course also examines approaches to trauma in individuals, families, and communities.

PSY 766 History and Systems of Psychology
3 Credits
This course explores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of modern psychology. The course examines major schools of thought in psychology concerning human nature, the self, and modes of inquiry. These include, but are not limited to: structuralism, functionalism, psychoanalysis, and behaviorism. This review will include major contributions to the study, practice, and methods of psychology. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking in relation to how controversies and issues facing the psychology have and will shape it. This course will also focus on the evolution of psychology as a research, evidence-based discipline.

PSY 767 Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
2 Credits
This course examines the relevant therapeutic and developmental considerations in treatment with children and adolescents. This course provides an overview of the major evidence-based approaches and the basic therapeutic interventions when working with children and adolescents. This course will emphasize the importance of case conceptualization and intervention within family, school and community systems. Available only to learners who have completed PSY 715 & 722.

PSY 768 Education, Consultation and Organizational Development
3 Credits
This course presents theory and practice concerning consultation and management including organizational assessment and analysis, diversity within organizations, group dynamics, systems theory, managing resistance, and intervention theory. Learners develop practical skills in organizational consultation and training including conducting meetings, making presentations, entering and analyzing organizations, team building, executive coaching, transition management, and diversity training. The course also provides skills needed for clinical consultation to schools, community agencies and organizations.

PSY 771 Dissertation Proposal Development I
2 Credits

PSY 772 Dissertation Proposal Development II
3 Credits

PSY 773 Dissertation Development I
3 Credits

PSY 774 Dissertation Development II
2 Credits
During this four term sequence, learners research and develop a topic for their dissertation, determine appropriate methodology, prepare a proposal, and then conduct the research for their doctoral dissertation. These courses review the stages of dissertation proposal development and differentiate among the various types of dissertation designs. These courses help learners conceptualize their dissertations, choose an approach to study their chosen topic, and begin their dissertation proposals. These courses include presentations, small group exercises, individual consultations with the instructor, and review and feedback on initial proposal ideas. By the end of this course sequence, many learners will either have completed or will have made significant progress on their dissertation.

PSY 799 Independent Study (Elective)
1-3 Credits
An Independent Study allows the learner to expand and individualize her/his academic program by focusing on identified areas of interest or of perceived training needs. Learners engage in independent study to acquire or deepen knowledge and/or skills in a specific area of psychology under the supervision of a faculty member. Learners are limited to a maximum of four (4) credits of Independent Study during the length of their program.

PSY 801 Practicum I
1-3 Credits

PSY 802 Practicum II
1-3 Credits

PSY 803 Practicum III
1-3 Credits (Total per year may not exceed 6 credits)
This practicum course provides the first year of clinical training at a Psy.D. learner placement site. The placement includes a minimum of 600 hours of training, including individual supervision, with 50% of the learner's time spent in direct contact with clients doing psychological assessment/testing, individual, group and family psychotherapy, community action, and psychoeducation. The remaining time may be spent in report writing, clinical conferences, group and peer supervision, professional development, and other related indirect services of a psychological nature. Practicum I-III is taken in conjunction with PSY 754-756 Professional Development Seminars I-III.

PSY 804 Practicum IV
1-3 Credits

PSY 805 Practicum V
1-3 Credits

PSY 806 Practicum VI
1-3 Credits (Total may not exceed 6 credits)
This practicum course provides the second year of clinical training at a Psy.D. learner placement site. The placement includes a minimum of 600 hours of training, including individual supervision, with 25% to 50% of the learner's time spent in direct contact with clients doing individual, group and family psychotherapy, community action, and psychoeducation. The remaining time may be spent in report writing, clinical conferences, group and peer supervision, professional development, and other related indirect services of a psychological nature. Practicum IV-VI is taken in conjunction with PSY 757-759 Professional Development Seminars IV-VI.

PSY 807 Advanced Practicum I
1-3 Credits

PSY 808 Advanced Practicum II
1-3 Credits

PSY 809 Advanced Practicum III
1-3 Credits (Total may not exceed 6 credits)
This advanced practicum course corresponds to the third or fourth year of clinical training at Psy.D. learner placement sites. The placement is optional to learners who have completed a minimum of 1200 hours of practicum training. This time can be spent in direct contact with clients doing individual, group and family psychotherapy, community action, psychoeducation, report writing, clinical conferences, group and peer supervision, professional development, and other/or related indirect services of a psychological nature.

PSY 830-835 Clinical Internship
0 Credit
The program requires the completion of a clinical internship totaling 2,000 hours (typically taking place over 12-24 months). Clinical internships prepare learners for the general practice of psychology, through training that increases in difficulty in both clinical acumen and level of responsibility. The internship should be appropriate both to the Psy.D. program's training model and to the learner's individual program of study. Learners choosing the emphasis in family psychology are encouraged, but not required, to have an internship that provides training in this area. Learners are considered full time equivalent when registered for this course.

Course Extensions and Dissertation Supervision

CEX 776 Dissertation Proposal Extension
0 Credit
This course is for the completion of the dissertation proposal.

CEX 799 Dissertation Research and Writing Extension
0 Credit
This course is for research and completion of the dissertation, under the supervision of the Dissertation Chair for each learner, after the seven year program limitation. Learners are not considered full time equivalent when registered for this course.

PCX 799 Program Completion Extension
0 Credit
Completion of dissertation, post completion of dissertation defense oral exam. This course is for final editing of dissertation and completion of the program. Learners are not considered full time equivalent when registered for this course.

DIS 778-783 Dissertation Supervision
0 Credit
This course is for research and completion of the dissertation, under the supervision of the Dissertation Chair for each learner. Learners are considered full time equivalent when registered for this course.

Note: Electives in the program are to be determined on an annual basis and will total 16 credit hours.