Clinical Psychology (PhD)

Description

The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in clinical psychology curriculum is designed to introduce the student to a variety of assessment and treatment skills with an emphasis on the theoretical rationales upon which these skills are based. While the student is exposed to a variety of theoretical orientations, the major theoretical base of the program is psychoanalytic. No curriculum can prepare a student with skills applicable to every area in which a psychologist may practice. It is our hope, however, that with in-depth training in selected areas and familiarity with a number of other areas students will be able to learn the skills required in their work using the basic principles of evaluation and intervention emphasized in the program.

Program Description

Program emphasis may be divided into coursework, practice and scholarship. The courses in the curriculum are designed by content and sequence to fulfill several goals. One goal is to acquire a firm foundation in psychology. A second goal is to acquire breadth and depth of knowledge in clinical skills. Clinical experiences are designed not only to afford an opportunity to learn skills in clinical settings but also to integrate skills and the theories shaping and guiding those skills. Scholarship is demonstrated throughout coursework in the form of examinations and student papers as well as opportunities for research experience. In addition, students, within the context of a comprehensive examination, will be asked to demonstrate their ability to understand, integrate and communicate their knowledge of psychology in general and clinical psychology in particular. The dissertation, which may be experimental or clinically empirical, is an opportunity for students to contribute new knowledge within the field.

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    Admission Requirements

    We accept applications from students with either a baccalaureate or a master’s degree as a terminal degree, who have completed as a minimum the prerequisite courses (on either the undergraduate or graduate level) listed below:

    • a) One term: Statistics
    • b) One term: Theories of Personality
    • c. One term: Abnormal Psychology
    • d) One term: Developmental Psychology
    • e) Two laboratory courses, for example:
      • Learning
      • Physiological Psychology (strongly recommended)
      • Perception Experimental Psychology (strongly recommended)
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    Program Manual/Student Handbook

    Download the PDF of the program manual/student handbook.

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    Application Process

    Applicants should submit, as part of their application, copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, Graduate Record Examination (G.R.E.) scores (verbal, quantitative and analytical) and three letters of recommendation from people familiar with the applicant’s prior achievement and potential for doctoral-level work in clinical psychology. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA in their previous academic work.

    Please submit a letter describing pertinent aspects of your background and your aspiration. In this letter describe your interests, your accomplishments, your interest in psychology, the issues in psychology that have attracted your attention, why you are applying to our program and your goals for your professional life. The purpose of this letter is to give you the opportunity to inject something personal into the application materials. It is often difficult to distinguish among students based on the standard things we ask for, i.e., transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation. This letter helps us see something of the individual who has compiled the indirect indices of achievement that comprise the bulk of the application. Please do not send term papers or theses. Applications are due by January 1st and can be completed through the online application link through University of Detroit Mercy's website.

    The faculty will review completed applications and those who pass this initial screening will be invited in for interviews. Please make sure that you list on your application form the phone number(s) at which you may be reached during the day and the evening. Include your email address, if available.

    NOTE: Students whose application for admission has been declined three times should not re-apply.

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    Financial Aid

    The doctoral program in Clinical Psychology has generally been able to offer half-time tuition credit to students in the first two years of training in exchange for their performing teaching assistant duties. There are a limited number of credits available for clinic positions starting in the second and third years. Students would be expected to pay for the remainder of tuition and other expenses. The Financial Aid Office at the University should also be contacted for further information regarding other sources of financial assistance 313-993-3350.

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    Accreditation

    The program is currently accredited by the Commission on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979.

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    Degree Requirements

    The total program including coursework, practica, comprehensive examinations, internship and dissertation amounts to approximately 96 credit hours. It is designed to be completed in five years. The maximum time for completion is seven years.

    The academic year consists of three, 15-week terms, going from the beginning of September through the second week of August (appropriate vacation times are built in). The psychotherapy practicum begins the first term of the second year and continues for two years (six consecutive terms). This practicum involves students with patient contact and clinical staff conferences at the Psychology Clinic of the University of Detroit Mercy, a University-supported community service training site. The curriculum is outlined below.

    FALL OF YEAR ONE

    • PYC 6540 Theories of Personality (3 credits)
    • PYC 6550 Psychoanalytic Concepts (3 credits)
    • PYC 6600 Statistical Methods I (3 credits)
    • PYC 6700 Psychological Assessment I (3 credits)
    • PYC 7956 Introduction to Clinical Practice (0 credits)

    CREDIT HOURS 12

    WINTER OF YEAR ONE

    • PYC 5040 Advanced Research (3 credits)
    • PYC 6610 Statistical Methods II (3 credits)
    • PYC 6710 Psychological Assessment II (3 credits)
    • PYC 6850 Psychopathology I (3 credits)
    • PYC 6880 Principles of Psychotherapy (3 credits)
    • PYC 7956 Introduction to Clinical Practice (0 credits)

    CREDIT HOURS 15

    SUMMER OF YEAR ONE

    • PYC 5230 Assessment Methods With Children (3 credits)
    • PYC 6500* History and Systems of Psychology (3 credits)
    • PYC 6860 Psychopathology II (3 credits)

    *Offered every other year.

    CREDIT HOURS 9

    FALL OF YEAR TWO

    • PYC 6040 Learning and Memory (3 credits)
    • PYC 6730 Psychological Assessment III (0 credits)
    • PYC 6890 Theories of Psychotherapy (3 credits)
    • PYC 7500 Psychotherapy Practicum (3 credits)
    • PYC 7750 Cultural Diversity (3 credits)

    CREDIT HOURS 12

    WINTER OF YEAR TWO

    • PYC 6730 Psychological Assessment III (0 credits)
    • PYC 6740 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
    • PYC 6930 Ethics and Professional Issues (3 credits)
    • PYC 7500 Psychotherapy Practicum (3 credits)

    CREDIT HOURS 9

    SUMMER OF YEAR TWO

    • PYC 5000 Social Psychology (3 credits)
    • PYC 6730 Psychological Assessment III (0 credits)
    • PYC 7500 Psychotherapy Practicum (0 credits)

    CREDIT HOURS 3

    FALL OF YEAR THREE

    • PYC 6630 Research Seminar (3 credits)
    • PYC 7500 Psychotherapy Practicum (3 credits)
    • PYC 7530 Clinical Practicum (0 credits)

    CREDIT HOURS 6

    WINTER OF YEAR THREE

    • PYC 6510 Physiological Psychology (3 credits)
    • PYC 7500 Psychotherapy Practicum (3 credits)
    • PYC 7530 Clinical Practicum (0 credits)

    CREDIT HOURS 6

    SUMMER OF YEAR THREE

    • PYC 7500 Psychotherapy Practicum (0 credits)
    • PYC 7530 Clinical Practicum (0 credits)

    CREDIT HOURS 0

    Note: In addition, students take 15 hours of elective courses, including a 3-credit directed studies course to complete a second-year research project.

    YEAR FOUR

    • PYC 7530* Clinical Practicum (0 credits  -  3 terms)
    • PYC 7990** Dissertation Research (1-9 credits)

    Comprehensive exams, dissertation work (minimum of 9 credit hours), and additional therapy. Students register for dissertation hours, and may be eligible to register for additional psychotherapy hours during this time frame.

    *Optional

    ** Students must first pass comprehensive exams before registering for PYC 7990; Nine credits of dissertation are required to graduate; students register for credits each term.

    YEAR FIVE

    Internship year – register for

    • PYC 7540* Clinical Internship (0 credits)
    • PYC 7990** Dissertation Research (1-9 credits)

Program Contact Information

Program Director: Barry Dauphin, Ph.D.
Reno Hall, Room 248
McNichols Campus

Email: dauphivb@udmercy.edu
Telephone: 313-993-1650
Fax: 313-578-0516

Program Website

Department Chair: Linda Slowik
Email: slowiklh@udmercy.edu
Telephone: 313-993-1623
Fax: 313-578-0507