Ph.D. Academic Curriculum
The curriculum is organized into three sequences — Clinical, Research, and Conceptual Foundations — designed to give students a broad theoretical and practical understanding in preparation for their clinical and research work.
The Clinical Sequence
The Clinical Sequence seeks to establish within the student a conceptually rigorous and comprehensive, psychodynamically informed clinical practice framework. Course subjects include six semesters of case-based seminars, three semesters of clinical process and technique, as well as diversity in clinical practice. Two semesters of adulthood disorders address neurotic, personality, and psychotic disorders, as well as current theories of trauma, social disorder, and neurobiology.
The Research Sequence
The Research Sequence prepares students to contribute to practice knowledge through research and to critique and incorporate research findings into clinical practice. Courses are specifically designed for clinicians with little to no research knowledge. Courses cover information gathering, standards of scholarly writing and research, qualitative and quantitative methodology, and seminars to support preparation of students' dissertation proposals.
The Conceptual Foundations Sequence
The Conceptual Foundations Sequence promotes in the students an informed, self-aware use of theory in clinical practice, research, consulting, and teaching. Six semesters of psychodynamic psychology provide a solid foundation in classical theory, object relations, self-psychology, and contemporary psychoanalytic theories. Four semesters of development offer a conceptual framework for understanding the developmental process across the domains of physical, cognitive, social/cultural, and emotional/psychological growth as it occurs in the context of family, community, and culture. Two courses on epistemology are central to the doctoral education and address the philosophical and historical underpinnings of the theories we use in research and practice.
Electives
Electives are offered each year, reflecting student interest, current issues and controversies, and new theoretical and clinical topics. Subjects may include interpretation of dreams, relational theory in practice, and others. Students take electives to enhance their specialized knowledge and skill as they complete the program.