Return to: Graduate Programs Offered

Professor Motta, Chairperson, 201 Hauser Hall

Professors Kaplan, Kassinove, Levinthal, Metlay, O’Brien, Sanderson, Schare, Schmelkin, Tsytsarev, Valenti
Associate Professors Barnes, Blaine, Cox, Dill, Guarnaccia, Johnson, Meller, Ohr, Serper, Shahani-Denning,
Assistant Professors, Brown, Chaiken, Masnick Shapiro, Theodore

DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

The Psychology Department offers three doctoral programs: a Doctor of Philosophy in Combined Clinical and School Psychology, a Doctor of Psychology degree in School-Community Psychology, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Applied Organizational Psychology. The first two programs are fully accreditied by the American Psychological Association. Further information on this accredidation may be found at the APA Web site www.APA.org/ED/accreditation.

The programs are designed to develop psychologists who have a strong theoretical background in psychology, the ability to translate theory into practice, and the ability to initiate and assume resonsibility for meaningful research.

The doctoral program in Applied Organizational Psychology is a post-master’s program, which is decribed below. The first two years of the doctoral programs in Combined Clinical and School Psychology and in School-Community Psychology provide a foundation of knowledge in psychology so that students may grow, through study and experience, to think scientifically and to develop professional competence. The theoretical course material and the practicum and internship experiences are designed to enhance awareness of the needs and problems encountered in a variety of settings and to stimulate students to originate research in these areas.

The programs have been carefully designed to provide basic knowledge and practicum experience as a foundation for more advanced knowledge and practice. For this reason, courses must be taken in sequence.

At the end of the third year, students in the Clinical and School, and School-Community programs who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for the provisional certification in school psychology through the New York State Education Department.

Each student is evaluated at the end of the first, second and third year based upon the following criteria:

1. Mastery of knowledge in psychology;
2. Competence in the skill sets needed to function as professionals;
3. Development of skills to evaluate and conduct research;
4. Ethical behavior and personal adjustment.

The evaluation is based on grades and recommendations of the faculty of the program and field supervisors. The results of the evaluation are presented to each student. Students must obtain satisfactory ratings on all of these criteria to continue in the program. To proceed beyond the first year, students must pass the qualifying examination. Ph.D. students receive their master of arts degree following Summer Session I of the first year and Psy.D students receive their master of science degree after fall semester of the second year. During the second semester of the third year (Psy.D.) or first semester of the fourth year (Ph.D.), the student is expected to present an acceptable outline of a dissertation proposal to the faculty for approval in order to continue in the program.

An integral part of the programs involves field internships and practica at a variety of locations under professional supervision. The importance of other educational experiences, including both theoretical and applied course work, and the dissertation are kept in balance by permitting no more than 15 s.h. of credit to be accumulated through internship courses. All students in the doctoral programs are expected to abide by the APA Code of Ethics.

Note: Professional Liability Insurance for doctoral candidates: all doctoral candidates in professional psychology are strongly recommended to purchase American Psychological Association sponsored Professional Liability Insurance. This provides coverage while performing professional duties as a psychologist in training. Such coverage should be obtained at the very beginning of training. For information, contact the director of the doctoral program in which you are enrolled, or apply directly through the American Psychological Association.

Return to: Graduate Programs Offered