Doctor of Clinical Psychology | Ph.D.

The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at Pacific University adheres to a scientist-practitioner model. Our students are trained to truly integrate the science and practice of psychology by completing specific requirements in didactic instruction and experiential practica. Graduates are capable of functioning as scientists and practitioners, but are trained with a particular emphasis on the research and academic aspects of psychology. Additionally, in accordance with competencies outlined by the American Psychological Association as essential for psychologists and the current projections regarding the new and innovative ways in which psychologists will need to practice to meet the needs of our clients and communities in the future, students are trained to evaluate and administer programs and outcomes, to develop innovative interventions, to be competent supervisors and consultants, and to function effectively in integrated healthcare settings. Additionally, although a generalist program, all students receive training in the research and clinical aspects of complementary healthcare, including special training in the research and practice of mindfulness.

 

Consistent with the scientist-practitioner training model, the program has six primary goals:  

  1. To produce competent scientists
  2. To produce competent practitioners who are skilled in using evidence-based clinical practices
  3. To produce clinical psychologists who are skillful in integrating the science and practice elements of clinical psychology into all of their work
  4. To produce clinical psychologists who adhere to the ethical standards of our field
  5. To produce clinical psychologists who are sensitive to cultural diversity
  6. To produce clinical psychologists who have the skills necessary to be successful in the future practice of clinical psychology

 

We are admitting our first cohort of students to begin the program in Fall 2013. We anticipate enrolling a first cohort of approximately seven students. In accordance with American Psychological Association (APA) policy, we are not eligible to apply for accreditation until there are sufficient students at each level of matriculation, including candidacy status (see the APA Commission on Accreditation website for further details: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation). Therefore, we fully intend to apply for accreditation when we are first eligible although our Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program is not currently accreditable by APA. Pacific University and the Ph.D. Program are regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).