Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.

Mission

The mission of the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology is to produce graduates who can integrate the science and practice of psychology with Christian theology, and who are prepared to meet the psychological needs of the world in general and the Christian community specifically through professional service and scholarship.

Although Rosemead does not offer a terminal Master's program, a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology is granted after the completion of the first two years of the Psy.D. program, including:

1. A minimum of 55 semester credits in psychology coursework (including at least one semester of practicum and one psychotherapy lab course).
2. A minimum of 6 semester credits in theology/integration coursework.
3. A minimum of one year of resident graduate work at Rosemead.

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

1. Coursework (Total Credits)
   While the doctorate is not awarded simply for completion of stated coursework, there are basic credit requirements for the degree (123 semester credits).
   Psychology Courses: Students must complete a minimum of 82 semester credits of psychology coursework. These 82 credits must include 58 credits of required psychology courses, 18 credits of practicum, and 6 credits of psychology elective courses.
   Psychotherapy Lab Electives: In addition to the two required psychotherapy lab courses (RSLB 705 & RSLB 707) taken in the second year of the program, students must complete 12 credits of elective psychotherapy lab courses. These are taken in the third year and fourth year of the program.
   Theology Courses: Students must complete 15 credits of theology coursework.
   Integration Seminars: Students must complete 9 credits of integration seminars.
   Dissertation Research: Students must complete 5 credits of dissertation research, consisting of the Doctoral Research Seminar I-III sequence. In RSDS 701, students are administered the research proficiency examination in which students demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate a clinically relevant psychological empirical journal article. 
2. Progress Evaluations
   At the end of the first and second year in the program, students are evaluated on their general progress toward completion of degree requirements. This information is gathered through an evaluation form and communicated to students in a progress letter. These evaluations include review of progress made toward several field-related and school-specific competencies (e.g., academic skills, clinical abilities, research capabilities, interpersonal interactions, professional values, diversity awareness, ethical practice, theological/integrative knowledge, etc.). Because all of the evaluated areas are integral to the practice of clinical psychology and a distinctive of Rosemead's program, competencies not met in any of them may result in program termination. However, the general objective of the evaluations is to provide feedback conducive to continued growth and development toward successful completion of the degree, high quality of service to clients, and high level of professional competence. Procedures and processes for the evaluations are specified in the Rosemead Student Handbook.
3. Comprehensive Examinations
   All students must pass a set of doctoral-level comprehensive examinations covering the following areas: (1) Assessment & Diagnosis, (2) Treatment & Research, (3) Ethics, and (4) Integration of Psychology/Theology.
   These examinations are scheduled annually and serve as the major means of evaluating a student's suitability to continue studies toward the doctorate. The examinations may be taken after completion of 75% of the coursework and must be successfully completed prior to the Professional Qualifying Examination.
   Only one retake of the examination is allowed. The dates of the Comprehensive Examinations are specified in the Academic Calendar.
4. Professional Qualifying Examination
   All doctoral students must successfully complete an examination that evaluates the student's readiness for a full-time internship. It may be taken any time after the comprehensive examinations have been passed and must be completed prior to acceptance of an internship. Only one retake of the exam is allowed. The examining committee may require the student to complete additional coursework, practicum, or other professional growth experiences prior to beginning the internship. See the Professional Qualifying Examination Guidelines in the student handbook for further details.
5. Internship
   All students are required to successfully complete a one year, full-time clinical internship prior to graduation. All internships are to be approved in advance by the Clinical Training Committee. For further details, refer to the Internship Guidelines in the student handbook. Also, all students need to meet with a graduate academic records and degree specialist in the Office of the Registrar to have their internship eligibility confirmed one year prior to their internship. Internship fees are listed in the Internship course section (RSTN 731). There is some provision for students to complete this requirement in two years at half-time.
6. Professional Growth Requirement
   Students must receive certification of completion of the professional growth requirement from the Director of Clinical Training. 86 hours of professional growth is required (e.g., therapy, spiritual direction), at least 50 of which must be individual therapy. See Professional Growth Requirement Guidelines in the student handbook for further details.
7. Dissertation
   Students must complete a dissertation involving an empirical study, program evaluation, or a critical review and synthesis of research on a selected, psychologically relevant topic. Detailed information is found in the Student Dissertation Guidelines in the student handbook. 
8. Final Oral Examination
   The final examination is an oral defense of the dissertation before the doctoral committee and other invited professionals.

¹

RSPY 688 must be taken multiple times for a total of 6 credits.

²

RSPY 689 must be taken three times in the summer terms after second year, third year, and fourth year.

³

RSTN 731 must be taken twice.