Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Record 2008-2009 
    
Graduate Record 2008-2009 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Clinical and School Psychology


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There are two degree programs offered in clinical and school psychology: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and the Ed.D. in School Psychology.

The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is designed to train clinical psychologists with potential to make outstanding contributions to the profession in a variety of roles.

We offer two tracks for professional training: A clinical-school track integrates core training in clinical psychology with specialized coursework and experiences relevant to school settings; this sequence leads to licensure/certification in both clinical and school psychology. We also provide a general clinical track that provides core training in clinical psychology but does not require specific school-related training. We subscribe to a scientist-practitioner model of training, and emphasize a strong scientific grounding in academic psychology and high standards of competence as mental health practitioners. We achieve this goal by closely integrating the complementary domains of academic psychology and applied practice through the course of graduate studies.

A thorough grounding in the basic science of psychology is provided for all students. Two research products are required: a pre-dissertation study, leading to a journal-article length thesis, and a doctoral dissertation. Specialized training in clinical work with children, families, and adults is available. Supervised clinical practicum is required, including summers, in all but the first semester of the four years of study. During the first year, students participate in a clinical practicum in a local school system, and in the second year they pursue training in the program’s clinic, the Center for Clinical Psychology Services. Of the remaining two years, typically one is spent working as a staff member in the center, while the other is spent working in an area school mental health agency, or hospital.

The Ed.D. Program in School Psychology is for experienced school psychologists who wish to broaden their expertise in this area. The program has a prerequisite of two years of successful experience as a school psychologist and the completion of a minimum of 24 months of study. Included are two summers and one academic year of full-time, on-Grounds study in Charlottesville. A dissertation is completed during the second academic year. Students select two supporting areas (minors) to enhance their preparation in school psychology.

 

Professional Development


Selected students may be granted professional development status if they currently hold a degree in psychology or are practicing in a position that is predominantly a psychological service. Examples include the holder of a Ph.D. in psychology in a non-clinical research area; a practicing school psychologist; a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist wanting to continue his or her education; or a student in an area closely related to psychology (e.g., social work) who is seeking a special course. Professional development status is not a stepping stone for admission into the Curry Programs in Clinical and School Psychology.

Students seeking professional development status in clinical psychology must submit, a Professional Development Intent to Register form, a statement of their reason for applying for professional development status and the goals they are seeking to achieve.A list of the courses (not to exceed 12 credits) they wish to take.

The following courses are available only to applicants who have received approval for professional development status from the Curry Programs in Clinical and School Psychology. Admission to these courses is on a space available basis and requires the instructor’s permission:

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