The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is a Purdue University degree offered in the Department of Psychology.
The Ph.D. in clinical psychology prepares students for careers as researchers, educators, direct service providers, and administrators. Although the program offers the opportunity for strong clinical training, its primary emphasis is on the methods of behavioral science, and the program offers unusually rich opportunities for research and training.
The program requires a full-time commitment for five years of study, including completion of six academic semesters of course work, a minimum 800 hours of practicum experience, a master's thesis, a preliminary examination to admit a student to doctoral candidacy, a dissertation, and a one-year internship. In addition to the basic coursework, students take additional courses, gain focused research experience, or gain practicum experience specific to one of our three areas of emphasis: clinical health psychology, severe mental illness/psychiatric rehabilitation, or substance use. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is a member of the Council of Clinical Health Psychology Training Programs.
Our program addresses the psychological and social consequences of physical and mental disabilities. As scientists, we study behaviors, experiences, and attitudes of persons with disabilities and their families, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment interventions. Youll learn to assess individuals and their environment, plan and implement psychosocial interventions, and monitor their progress over time. Our program focuses on a wide variety of social, psychological, and practical problems, such as social functioning, emotional well-being, family relationships, activities of daily living, employment, and independent living.
Understanding the degree requirements
You will complete a minimum of 90 semester hours of graduate work.
Clinical Psychology (33 credit hours)
Courses include two semesters each of intervention and assessment, coursework in ethics and multicultural counseling, psychopathology, and the proseminar, and four advanced courses chosen from such topics as (1) health psychology, (2) neuropsychology, (3) schizophrenia, and (4) psychopharmacology.
General Psychology Core (12 credit hours)
One course in each of the four core areas (biological, cognitive-affective, social, and psychopathology).
Statistics and Methods (12 credit hours)
Two courses in basic statistical techniques and one course each in measurement theory and research design.
Clinical Practicum (12 credit hours)
A minimum of 800 hours of supervised training in local clinical and healthcare settings with hands-on experience in assessment and intervention.
Electives (9 credit hours)
Three courses of the students choice from the psychology department or from other departments within the university, pending approval of the students plan of study committee.
Master's Thesis (3 credit hours)
Dissertation (9-18 credit hours)
Clinical Internship (0-2 credit hours)
A minimum of 2000 hours of supervised training at an approved site.
Teaching Experience (1-2 credit hours)
A teaching seminar and supervised experience.