Clinical Psychology, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychology

The mission of graduate training in clinical psychology is to provide quality doctoral training in the scientist-practitioner model within a small private university setting. Science and practice are regarded as inseparable elements. Practice is regarded as the application of the theories, methods, and results of scientific psychology to clinical problems. The science of psychology is construed broadly, and students are expected to develop familiarity with a wide range of psychological theories, methods, and results. We encourage students to understand the limits of human perception, reason, and intuition, and to appreciate scientific methods as correctives to the flaws and biases of natural human judgment.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Ph.D. program in clinical psychology has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association (750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242; 202-336-5979) since 1991. The program prepares graduates to become scientist practitioners of clinical psychology. Students develop a broad range of skills for the identification, evaluation, and resolution of human problems in agency, health-care, consulting, academic, or private practice settings. Training is based on the assumption that practice involves application of the theories, methods, and findings of scientific psychology to clinical problems.

General Requirements

Program requirements are officially described in The Handbook for Graduate Programs in Clinical Psychology at The University of Tulsa. The doctoral program requires 90 credit hours of graduate work beyond the baccalaureate. Students complete a 15-hour core in general psychology, a 24-hour clinical core, nine hours of courses in methodology and statistics, at least 12 hours of practicum, at least one hour of dissertation research, and the remainder of the program’s credit hours in seminars, electives, and research. Specialized issues in clinical psychology are addressed in topical seminars that are offered each semester. Students must pass a comprehensive examination for the Ph.D. consisting of a general written and a clinical oral portion. Although a master’s thesis is not required, students must demonstrate research competence through completion of the pre-candidacy project, the proposal for the dissertation, and the doctoral dissertation. Students must pass a final oral examination on the dissertation. Flexibility exists in the choice of electives and practicum training experiences, allowing students to tailor the program to meet their individual needs. In addition to the 90-hour program, all students are required to complete a one-year predoctoral internship in a setting and training program approved by the clinical program committee. The doctoral training program at The University of Tulsa does not provide this internship. It is the responsibility of the student to apply for and be accepted by an internship that meets the training requirements listed in The Handbook for Graduate Programs in Clinical Psychology.

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Clinical Psychology, Ph.D.