Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology
Degree Requirements for Graduation
1. Students must complete a total of 103 quarter units to fulfill the unit requirement for graduation.
2. A minimum grade of "B" is required in each completed course. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained.
3. Students must attend at least two-thirds of each course.
4. Students must submit and defend an original dissertation accepted by the faculty.
5. Students are required to complete a minimum 1,000 hours of practicum, 1,500 hours of internship, and 60 hours of personal therapy.
6. Students must successfully pass the Comprehensive Examination at the end of the third year.
Internship
Students are required to arrange for practica and internships in their home settings. A minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum and 1,500 hours of internship are required. It is highly recommended that these internships be completed in a multidisciplinary setting offering a variety of training experiences. The choice of a culturally diverse site is encouraged.
First Year Global Assessment
In order to evaluate each student's progress in both academic and clinical work, the faculty conduct a First Year Global Assessment process with each student at the end of the Spring Quarter. The result of this assessment will be: 1) endorse the student's progress as satisfactory; 2) endorse with reservations and recommendations; or 3) recommend that the student discontinue the program.
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination is designed to assess knowledge gained during a student's three years of coursework. Subject areas include, but are not limited to, developmental psychology, psychopathology, ethics, physiology, psychological assessment, interdisciplinary studies, research methods and design, and clinical practice.
Doctoral Dissertation
The dissertation process involves the completion of all courses in Research Designs and Methodology, Dissertation Development, and Dissertation Writing. Students must complete an approved concept paper before enrolling in Dissertation Writing. The dissertation committee is composed of a Chair, a Reader, and an External Reader. Selected committee members must possess an earned doctorate based in part on a dissertation, unless this requirement is waived by the Director of Research.
For a full description of all requirements, consult the current edition of the Pacifica Student Handbook.
