The Professional School of Psychology has offered graduate programs in psychology since 1979. The School focuses on quality education, preparation for professional practice, and meeting the educational needs of mature, working professionals. The Professional School of Psychology is approved under California Education Code 94310.2.
Students who enroll in the Doctor of Psychology — Clinical program typically intend to seek licensure as Psychologists. This program meets the academic requirements for the California Psychologist license granted through the California Board of Psychology. Prospective students must stay informed of the laws and regulations concerning licensure, available on the website of the Board of Psychology.
The Track I program is designed for students who have a bachelors degree in any academic discipline. En route to the doctorate, students earn the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology. However, this masters degree does not satisfy the requirements of the Board of Behavioral Sciences for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
The application process begins with a personal screening interview to ensure ‘goodness of fit’ with the program and educational philosophy of the School. With the concurrence of a representative of the School, a prospective student may visit a class. The Admissions Committee ordinarily communicates a decision on a completed application within two weeks. Requirements include a masters degree in psychology or a masters degree in a closely related field. Access to a computer, printer, and e-mail is essential.
Qualified students are allowed to take up to three classes or twelve units on a class by class (non-matriculated) basis, typically while they are gathering application material. In this case, students submit Part I of the application (received after a personal interview) and pay the per unit cost of the classes. If the student applies and is accepted into a program at the School, then both financial and academic credit can be applied to the program in which the student enrolls.
Course Requirements
| TRACK I MASTERS COURSES | Quarter Units |
|---|---|
| Psychopathology I | 5 |
| Psychopathology II | 3 |
| Theory & Techniques of Psychotherapy I | 4 |
| Theory & Techniques of Psychotherapy II | 4 |
| Ethics, Law and Psychology | 4 |
| Developmental Psychology II: Adolescence & Adulthood | 4 |
| Child Abuse | 1 |
| Chemical Dependency | 4 |
| Human Sexuality | 2 |
| Cross-Cultural Aspects of Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| Introduction to Couples Therapy | 2 |
| Introduction to Group Therapy | 2 |
| Family Therapy | 4 |
Total Units: 42
In addition, Behavioral Science Research Methods (2) and Psychological Tests and Measurements (4) are recommended for students without a background in clinical psychology.
| DOCTORAL CORE COURSES | Quarter Units |
|---|---|
| Personality Theory | 4 |
| Social Bases of Behavior | 4 |
| Behavioral Neurobiology | 4 |
| Cognitive Bases of Behavior | 4 |
| CLINICAL CORE COURSES | Quarter Unit |
|---|---|
| Behavioral Health Medicine | 4 |
| Clinical Psychopharmacology | 4 |
| Neuropsychological Assessment | 4 |
| Psychodiagnostic Assessment I | 5 |
| Psychodiagnostic Assessment II | 5 |
| Psychodiagnostic Assessment III | 5 |
| Advanced Psychopathology | 4 |
| Advanced Psychotherapy I | 4 |
| Advanced Psychotherapy II | 4 |
| Advanced Psychotherapy III | 4 |
| Electives (2) | 8 |
| FIELD EDUCATION AND SUPERVISION | Quarter Unit |
|---|---|
| Supervised Internship (1500 hours) | 10 |
| Clinical Case Conference | 4 |
| DISSERTATION | Quarter Unit |
|---|---|
| The Nature of Psychological Inquiry I | 5 |
| The Nature of Psychological Inquiry II | 5 |
| The Nature of Psychological Inquiry III | 5 |
| Dissertation Design | 5 |
| Dissertation Project | 15 |
TOTAL UNITS: 116
Notes
- Psychopathology I is a prerequisite for Psychopathology II, Chemical Dependency and Introduction to Couples Therapy.
- Psychopathology I and II are prerequisites for Behavioral Health Medicine and Advanced Psychopathology.
- Psychopathology II and Behavioral Neurobiology are prerequisites for Clinical Psychopharmacology.
- The Psychodiagnostic Assessment series (I, II, III) is a prerequisite for Neurodiagnostic Assessment.
- The Theory and Techniques of Psychotherapy series (I, II) is a prerequisite for the Advanced Psychotherapy series (I, II, III).
Comprehensive Examination
Successful completion of an all-day on-site written comprehensive exam.
Personal Psychotherapy
Students must complete 50 hours of personal psychotherapy with a licensed mental health professional.