Clinical Psychology (Health Care Emphasis)

The 101-credit PhD in Clinical Psychology (Health Care Emphasis) program prepares students for scientific, academic, and clinical careers. The program is aligned with the Boulder training model, underscoring the reciprocal relationship between research and practice. Empirical research guides clinical practice, while applied practice experiences influence research questions.  
Our program prepares students to be aware of and sensitive to issues of individual differences, diversity, and disparities in health service delivery, as in assessment and psychotherapy. Understanding the roles of context and culture in research and practice is imperative. While adhering to the scientist-practitioner model, education and training in the PhD Program underscores the importance of developing listening skills from multiple perspectives attending to both content and process, with appreciation for multiple theories and techniques. Thorough training in clinical psychology is augmented by training in health psychology and public health systems involved in preventing disease and promoting health.

Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation granted the Clinical Psychology (Health Emphasis) PhD Program “Accredited, on Contingency” status as of January 22, 2025. Our contingent status is valid through January 30, 2030.

The PhD in Clinical Psychology (Health Care Emphasis) program develops competencies that integrate scientific study with pre-professional coursework and field training. An enroute master’s degree is awarded upon completion of a thesis at the end of the second year of study, and program graduates will have completed all pre-doctoral academic and internship requirements needed to be admitted to the New York State Licensing Examination for the professional practice of psychology. The program requires 101 credit hours of study, a qualifying examination after the first year, a comprehensive examination, typically during the third or fourth year, and completion of a doctoral dissertation.
The first four years involve on-campus study as well as externships. In the initial semester, a practicum supplements coursework in Clinical Interviewing that helps refine skills. In the following four semesters, practicum experiences include supervised clinical experiences at the Thomas J. McShane Center for Psychological Services at Pace University. Experiences include intake interviewing, psychotherapy, and (upon adequate preparedness/training), diagnostic assessment. Students will devote eight hours per week in further practicum experience during their second year of the program. This may be in the field, in health-service delivery settings approved by the Director of Field Training (and Program Committee), in which direct supervision is offered by a licensed psychologist. The McShane Center for Psychological Services may also serve as a site for this initial practicum experience (with approval of the Directors of the McShane Center and the Program Committee). 
 

DOCTORAL PROGRAM CURRICULUM