Psy.D. Degree Requirements

Program Requirements
Union Institute & University conducts its Psy.D. program on a three term, 12-month academic year. Each term is 16-weeks long: Fall (Sept.-Dec.); Winter (Jan.-April); and Spring/Summer (April-August).  The program requires a minimum of three (3) full-time academic years of graduate study at Union Institute & University, including one (1) year of full-time residency at UI&U. The Psy.D. requires 124 credits, including completion of the following:

• Required and Electives Courses
• Practicum (600-800 hours per year for two years)
• Clinical Review
• Internship (2000 hours to be completed in 24 months)
• Dissertation

In addition to the required and elective courses, clinical experiences and research, the Psy.D. program has required activities and evaluative components that assure the successful completion of the above intents and purposes, including the following:

• Initial Orientation (two days at the beginning of the program)
• Fall and Spring/Summer Academic Meetings (five days each, two per academic year, required for three years)
• Professional Development Seminars (ten day-long meetings, required for three years)
• Annual reviews (each year by the advisor)
• Practicum supervisor evaluations (bi-annually)
• Practicum site approval visits by the Director of Clinical Training
• Clinical Review (end of the third year)
• Dissertation meetings with chairperson
• Internship placement supervisor evaluations (bi-annually)
  

For a description of a typical program year by year, see Program at a Glance.

Program Sequence
The following is the sequence of coursework and trainings that a typical learner will take, with the understanding that this may vary for learners who transfer credits into the program (see Transfer Credits).

All learners take a prescribed sequence of required courses as well as electives. The curriculum is designed to provide learners with generalist training preparing them for entry into the field of professional psychology. The Psy.D. program in clinical psychology program is conducted on a three term, 12-month academic year.

During the first three years, learners attend ten (10) Professional Development Seminar meetings, with one meeting at each of the two semi-annual Academic Meetings and eight (8) meetings in either Brattleboro, VT or Cincinnati, OH, depending on the learner’s cohort.  In the first year, learners have seven (7) day-long class meetings on a Sunday following a Professional Development Seminar meeting during the winter and spring/summer terms, plus a weekend in July. These meetings are to further develop their knowledge and skills in Individual Psychotherapy, Foundational Clinical Skills, Cognitive Assessment and Personality Assessment courses.

All learners begin the program with a two-day Initial Orientation followed by the first of their six (6) required Academic Meetings. During Orientation, learners meet with their Academic Advisors and are presented with an overview of all aspects of the program, including presentations by the Psy.D faculty on their areas of interest, current scholarship, practice, and research. Guest speakers are invited to present to the group, demonstrating additional models and roles of professional psychologists.

During years two and three of the program, learners are at a practicum placement for 600-800 hours each year. Practicum placement must be within a five (5) hour drive from either Cincinnati, OH or Brattleboro, VT.  Learners may choose to take an advanced practicum in their fourth year. In year five they are on internship for 2000 hours.  If they do a half time internship, they can do it in years 5-6, completing their 2000 hours within a 24 month period.

For further information contact us at:  admissions.psyd@myunion.edu or 800.336.6794 ext. 8408 or 802.254.0152 ext. 8408.