Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.): Clinical Psychology
The Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology at Oklahoma City University provides advanced training in the scientific practice of professional psychology with commitment to evidence-based practice. This 120-hour degree program prepares students to provide evidence-based psychological services in a variety of settings to address a range of client mental health needs. It also prepares students to become competent professionals who are able to provide a variety of evidence-based mental health services, including comprehensive psychological evaluations, psychotherapy services, supervisory services, and consultative services that can be provided to diverse groups of individuals.
Our rigorous academic curriculum is provided in a supportive, student centered learning environment that fosters intellectual growth, professional behavior, and ethical behavior through active learning and individualized instruction. Upon graduation, our students will have established core foundational knowledge in psychology, have developed strong clinical skills using evidence based interventions and best practices in psychological evaluations, clinical supervision, and consultation, and be able to apply their knowledge and skills in a range of settings while adhering to APA ethical guidelines.
Upon completion of this degree and required postdoctoral licensure hours, students will be able to apply for licensure as psychologists where they can work in both the private and public sectors, including hospitals, community agencies, clinics, and private practice. While licensure requirements may differ by state, it is recommended that individuals check the licensure laws in the state in which they intend to practice to ensure what is required
Program Aims
By the time students graduate the program, they will have:
- established general knowledge base in core areas of psychology including biological bases of behavior, cognitive affective bases of behavior, social basis of behavior, and development across the lifespan and applicability to clinical practice
- developed clinical skills of evidence-based practice in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders, including understanding and applicability of such practice with diverse individuals and within interdisciplinary settings
- developed fundamental skills conducting psychological research using the scientific method and applying this knowledge to clinical practice
- developed ethical and professional behaviors and can implement such behaviors in professional activities such as research, supervision, consultation, and practice
Doctor of Clinical Psychology Virtual Info Session Dates
For additional information on the program and to meet with faculty, register for a virtual info session!
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Accreditation
The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology is not currently accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The program is, however, designed to satisfy APA criteria. We are following the steps necessary to achieve accreditation in a timely manner and will apply for accreditation as soon as possible. Our application for accreditation on contingency was reviewed by the CoA. We completed our site visit on February 27 & 28, 2023.
Graduation from a non-accredited program may impact eligibility for licensure in the state in which the student intends to practice. All applicants should investigate licensure requirements of the state in which they intend to practice.
More information about APA accreditation:
American Psychological Association's Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: 202-336-5979
TDD/TTY: 202-336-6123
Fax: 202-336-5978
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation
Admission Requirements
Each year, we admit one cohort of students which begin the program in the fall semester. Within each cohort there will be a limited number of openings in the PsyD program, which means that we receive more qualified applicants than what we can admit. Applicants must meet the minimal requirements for application; however, students who are admitted to the program often exceed these requirements.
To be considered for admission, students must:
- Possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Complete 18 hours of psychology courses or their equivalent
- 6 of those hours are courses in research methods and statistics
- 3 of those hours in abnormal psychology or personality
- 3 hours in developmental, social, or cognitive psychology
- 6 hours in psychology electives
- Students must possess an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or an overall graduate GPA of 3.25 or higher. However, it should be noted that student GPA's of 3.5 or higher place students in a more competitive position for admission.
- Complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
- Consistent with OCU's graduate admissions requirement for international students from non-English speaking countries, candidates will demonstrate English proficiency. These requirements can be found in the OCU graduate catalog
- Required application materials
Structure & Curriculum
The PsyD program consists of 120 hours that is comprised of required courses in 3 areas (clinical core, general psychology core, and research core), elective courses, applied experiences (internship/practicum hours), and capstone project hours. A Master of Science degree is conferred after a student has completed their first 2 years of coursework (51 hours) in the program, including successful completion of a master’s research project. The conferral of this degree serves as an indicator of progress toward the PsyD. We do not offer a terminal masters degree that leads to licensure.
Courses
Clinical Core
Psy 5213 Introduction to Evidence Based Interventions
Psy 5313 Adult Psychopathology
Psy 5413 Intellectual Assessment: Theory & Practice
Psy 5513 Ethics & Professional Issues in Clinical Practice
Psy 5613 Diversity in Clinical Practice
Psy 5713 Personality Assessment: Theory & Practice
Psy 5813 Advanced Evidence Based Interventions
Psy 5913 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
Psy 7213 Psychological Consultation & Supervision
Psy 8313 Mental Health Care Administration
General Psychology Core
Psy 6313 Advanced Lifespan Development
Psy 7313 Applied Social Psychology
Psy 7413 Biological Basis of Behavior and Clinical Psychopharmacology
Psy 8513 Cognitive and Affective Basis of Behavior
Psy 8613 History and Systems of Psychology
Research Core
Psy 5113 Advanced Research Design
Psy 6413 Statistical Methods
Psy 7113 Clinical Research Design
Practicums & Internship
Psyc 6173 Clinical Psychology Practicum & Seminar I
Psyc 8173 Clinical Psychology Practicum & Seminar II
Psyc 8273 Clinical Psychology Internship
Electives
Psy 5471 Psychological Testing Practicum
Psy 6213 Psychological Interventions and Health
Psy 6513 Clinical Interventions with Families
Psy 6713 Models of Psychotherapy
Psy 7513 Introduction to Rural Mental Health
Psy 7613 Applied Gerontology: Assessment & Intervention
Psy 7813 Trauma: Assessment and Treatment
Psy 7913 Clinical Perspectives on Trauma
Psy 8113 Addictions: Theory and Research
Psy 8213 Addictions: Assessment and Intervention
Psy 8233 Teaching Practicum
Psy 8413 Advanced Psychological Assessment
Capstone Projects
Psy 6183 Masters Research Project
Psy 8183 Doctoral Research Project
For descriptions of these courses, please see the graduate catalog.
For a sample plan of study, please see this document.
Student Admission, Outcome, and Other Data
Transferability of Credit
Students who have taken graduate-level coursework in a related field within 7 years prior to admission to the program can request to have syllabi reviewed. Syllabi will be reviewed by the members of the Clinical Training Committee in consultation of the instructor who typically teaches the course (e.g. psychology core course taught by experimental faculty) to determine if the course is equivalent to courses in the PsyD program in terms of depth and breadth of coverage. Students will be notified of the decision.
Students cannot transfer in more than 24 hours of graduate coursework in related field that was completed within 7 years prior to admission to the program. Classes which fulfill a DSK or PWC are eligible to transfer except for courses in which the MLA is based on specific elements of a class, and not the overall grade. No practicum or internship hours can transfer. For the course to transfer, students also have to have made a grade of B- or higher in the course. Students may be asked to take a competency based exam in that area where it is expected that a B- or higher will be made.
Diversity
We encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and with diverse life experiences. Consistent with Oklahoma City University’s Nondiscrimination Policy, we pledge to recruit, select, and promote diversity by providing equality of opportunity in higher education for all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. We do not discriminate or segregate based on sex (gender), race, age, ancestry, color, disability, genetic history, national origin, marital status, medical condition, religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, parenting status, status as a veteran, or the perception that a person has one more of these characteristics.
Request Information
For questions or additional information on our PsyD program including handbook, program policies and procedures please contact Melissa Hakman, Ph.D. at (405) 208-5397; [email protected].
For questions regarding admission into the PsyD program or PSYCAS, please contact Graduate Admissions at (405) 208-5351 or [email protected].