Program Overview
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology degree program has been designed to educate and train students so that they may eventually be able to function effectively as clinical psychologists. To ensure that students are prepared adequately, the curriculum is designed to provide for the meaningful integration of theory, training, and practice. The PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University | Washington DC is designed to emphasize the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential in the formation of professional psychologists who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services.
Students enrolled in the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University | Washington DC may choose one of five optional concentrations:
- Child & Family Psychology
- Diversity & Multicultural Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Health
- Neuropsychology
Training Model
The program follows a practitioner-scholar model and is based on the competencies developed by the National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad array of theoretical perspectives, in preparation for the general practice of clinical psychology. Required courses expose students to assessment and intervention strategies that are based on psychodynamic, cognitive, and systemic approaches. As a group, the program faculty is also representative of this diversity. Rather than being immersed in a single theoretical perspective, students are encouraged to consider these alternative perspectives, to critically evaluate the full range of theories and associated practices, and to be able to apply multiple theoretical perspectives to clinical issues. Opportunities are available for students to develop expertise in a number of specialized areas, including the provision of services to specific populations such as children and families, and areas of application such as forensics and health neuropsychology.
The PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program is a five-year program. Three full-time academic years (or the equivalent thereof) are dedicated to graduate coursework, including two years of practicum training during the second and the third academic years. The fourth academic year allows students to complete advanced elective courses, engage in an Advanced Practicum (if desired), and complete the Clinical Research Project (CRP). The fifth academic year is devoted to an internship in clinical psychology.
There is also an option for the completion of the master’s in clinical psychology degree en route to the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree for students who enter the program with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in an area other than clinical psychology.
Eligibility for Licensure and Credentialing
The PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University | Washington DC is accredited by the APA (see Section One, Introduction ) and meets the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology Guidelines for Defining Doctoral Degrees in Psychology. Therefore, graduates of this program who decide to apply for licensing as psychologists typically will meet the educational requirements for licensing. In each jurisdiction, however, there may be additional requirements that must be satisfied. It is the student’s responsibility to determine the requirements for professional licensure in the state in which they wish to practice. For exact information, please contact the state or provincial licensing board in the jurisdiction in which you plan to apply.
Once licensed, graduates are eligible to apply for credentialing as a Health Service Provider in Psychology. Graduation from a designated program ensures that the program you completed meets the educational requirements for listing in the National Register. However, there are additional requirements that must be satisfied prior to being listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. For further information, consult the National Register’s Web site: www.nationalregister.com.
Clinical Training Overview
The PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program has been designed to educate and train students so that they may eventually be able to function effectively as clinical psychologists. To ensure that students are prepared adequately, the curriculum is designed to provide for the meaningful integration of theory, training, and practice. The clinical psychology program at the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University | Washington DC is designed to emphasize the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential in the formation of professional psychologists who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services. Specific objectives of the program include:
- The preparation of practitioners of psychology capable of ethically delivering diagnostic and therapeutic services effectively to diverse populations of clients in need of such treatment.
Students know the current body of knowledge in applied areas of psychology that serve as foundations for clinical practice. These areas include: psychopathology, human development, individual differences, and personality theories.
Students develop competency in cultural diversity (broadly defined as issues related to gender, age, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, national origin, religion, physical ability, and social economic status).
Students understand the principles of assessment, as well as understand and competently use specific techniques.
Students develop competency in a broad range of theoretical orientations and therapeutic techniques as well as develop competency in relationship skills.
Students will understand the processes of supervision and consultation and demonstrate an ability to apply these services to individuals and organizations.
Students will understand and apply ethical principles and professional standards that guide the practice of clinical psychology.
- The preparation of practitioners of psychology who understand the biological, psychological, and social bases of human functioning.
Students will know the current body of knowledge in biological, psychological, and social bases of human functioning; including biological aspects of behavior, cognitive/affective aspects of behavior, social aspects of behavior, and historical and philosophical context of psychology.
- The preparation of practitioners of psychology who are prepared to evaluate and use the existing and evolving body of knowledge and methods in the practice and science of psychology to enhance applications of psychology.
Students will engage in critical and disciplined thought as they acquire and organize clinical information.
Students know how to critically evaluate the existing theoretical and research literature in psychology.
Foundation Courses
The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University | Washington DC requires applicants to successfully complete, with a “C” or better, five undergraduate courses that serve as a basic foundation for program coursework. Several of these courses serve as direct prerequisites to American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University | Washington DC courses. The following three courses are required:
Abnormal psychology, psychopathology, or maladaptive behavior
Introduction to Psychology or General Psychology
Statistics or Research Methods
Two additional courses must also be completed.
Applicants who have not completed these courses prior to admission must complete them no later than the end of the first academic year of enrollment or before the course for which they are a prerequisite. It is recommended that applicants complete these courses prior to admission. Missing prerequisite courses may prohibit students from enrolling in the required first-year curriculum that, in turn, may delay the start of practicum. Additionally, students who plan to enroll full-time may be unable to do so every semester if all prerequisite courses are not completed prior to matriculation. This may have implications for financial aid and, for international students, visa status.
Enrollment Requirements
Students must enroll for the equivalent of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semester and 6 credit hours during the summer semesters. One exception is during and after internship. Doctoral students are required to be continuously enrolled in fall, spring, and summer I semesters, unless temporarily withdrawn from Argosy University. Doctoral degree program students wishing to be enrolled for less than 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters or less than 6 credit hours during the summer semester will be considered part-time. Students are required to be in full-time residence in the program for a minimum of one academic year of pre-internship enrollment for graduation.
Additional Standards for Academic Progress
Students must make satisfactory progress toward their degree by maintaining a GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0). Students must complete the program within seven years after matriculation, with all coursework and practicum completed by the end of the fifth year.
Students who have taken a temporary withdrawal will have the maximum time frame for completion of the program extended for the length of the leave period, up to a period of one year. The leave period will not be counted in the determination of the student’s year in the program.
Student Advisement
Faculty Advisors
For the clinical psychology programs, faculty members serve as advisors to those students who have been or are in their professionalization groups. Faculty advisors are available for consultation on student professional development, academic and training progress, and other Argosy University or professional issues.
Students are required to meet with their faculty advisors at least once each semester, usually once following the receipt of grades and again for purposes of registration. Students are encouraged to meet as often as necessary with their advisor to review their progress through the program and to discuss their performance in classes, seminars, and training sites. Course Add/Drop Request Forms require faculty advisor signatures.
Students are required to meet with their faculty advisor when directed to do so by the Student Professional Development Committee (SPDC). This would occur when a student is experiencing academic, clinical, or personal difficulties.
Changing Faculty Advisors
A student may initiate a request for a change of advisor only after completing one full academic year. If a student wishes to change advisors, she or he should discuss this with the current advisor, and if permitted, the prospective advisor. If all parties agree to the change, the student must then obtain, complete, and return a Change of Status Form to the Office of the Registrar with signatures from the student, the original advisor, the coordinator of clinical psychology program, the new advisor, and the program dean.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for graduation, students must meet the following requirements:
- 98 credit hours, of which 88 credit hours must be completed by the end of the fifth year of matriculation. The total credit hours must include:
- 70 credit hours of required core courses*
- 12 credit hours (two years) of practicum and practicum seminar groups
- A minimum of 12 credit hours of electives
- 4 credit hours of Clinical Research Project
- Successful completion of all sections of the Clinical Presentation Evaluation (CPE)
- Successful completion of the Clinical Competence Examination (CCE) no later than the end of the fifth year after matriculation
- Successful completion of a one year, full-time internship or its equivalent
- Successful completion of the Clinical Research Project
- Grade point average (GPA) of at least “B” (3.0 on a scale of 4.0)
- Completion of these requirements within seven years of matriculation into the program
- A completed Petition to Graduate submitted to campus administration
*Core courses are taken in the following distribution areas: Assessment, Bases, Individual Differences, Intervention, Methodology, and Professional Issues
Commencement and Petition to Graduate
Argosy University, Washington DC holds a commencement ceremony annually. All students who desire to graduate, even those who do not intend to participate in the annual commencement ceremonies, must submit the appropriate graduation form and fees to the Office Registrar at least eight weeks prior to the date of commencement or anticipated completion date. In addition, all graduation requirements with the exception of the internship must be completed eight weeks prior to the commencement, including submission of a bound copy of the Clinical Research Project to the Office of the Registrar.
Although commencement is held annually, students who complete graduation requirements at other times during the year will be recognized as a graduated student and receive a letter of completion. In most states, graduates may begin counting postdoctoral supervision hours for licensing after the date that all degree requirements have been met.
Writing Program
Students having difficulty with writing assignments may access the Student Writing Center for additional help.
