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 the Clinical Psychology program is designed to train clinical and school psychologists with potential to make outstanding contributions to the profession in a variety of roles.
We offer two tracks for professional training within the Ph.D. program: 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 throughout 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. A minimum of 24 months of study is required. 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. An individually designed clinical internship consisting of at least 400 hours is also required.
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