Objectives and competencies

The PhD program has adopted a series of objectives designed to implement its philosophy and meet its goals. The objectives are met operationally through various academic and training activities that include courses, practicum and internship placements, and supervised research experiences.  Multiple data sources are used to assess outcomes relative to these objectives. These objectives specify attitudes, knowledge, and skills that students are expected to achieve by the time they graduate from the program and perceptions, feelings, and professional achievements alumni are expected to report. 

Goal 1

To prepare students to be effective professional psychologists who are skilled at evaluating psychological functioning and providing efficacious interventions with diverse clients across a range of settings

Objective 1: We expect students to develop broad theoretical and scientific knowledge in foundational areas that provide the basis for the effective practice of clinical psychology. These include:

a) Biological aspects of behavior
b) Social bases of behavior
c) Cognitive and affective bases of behavior
d) Individual differences – psychopathology and human development
e) Cultural/ethnic influences
f) History and systems

Objective 2: We expect students to learn to integrate research finding and clinical literature with clinical practice.

a) Apply research on psychopathology to clinical diagnosis and case formulation
b) Incorporate psychotherapy research to treatment selection and evaluation
c) Evaluate treatment effectiveness through ongoing assessment of patient psychological functioning
d) Modify treatment interventions based on an evaluation of patient psychological functioning

Objective 3: We expect students to develop an understanding of psychopathology and psychological assessment and to apply such knowledge in the evaluation of psychological functioning in a variety of settings with diverse populations.

a) Identify and distinguish between different forms of psychopathology using DSM-IV criteria
b) Demonstrate proficiency in applying methods of psychological assessment, including tests of intelligence and objective and projective measures of personality
c) Interpret and synthesize findings from psychological tests in the evaluation of psychological functioning
d) Demonstrate understanding of, and sensitivity to, the role of cultural factors in the diagnostic and evaluation process

Objective 4: We expect student to develop an understanding of the efficacy and modes of application of psychological interventions in a variety of settings with diverse populations.

a) Demonstrate comprehension of effective intervention techniques
b) Apply psychological intervention and evaluate their effectiveness in clinical practice
c) Demonstrate cultural knowledge and competence

Goal 2

To educate students to conduct applied research and to contribute to the knowledge base of psychology

Objective 5: We expect students to develop research skills and knowledge and the ability to review, synthesize, and evaluate empirical research.

a) Review and critically evaluate research literature
b) Describe and understand different research designs and their applicability to various scientific questions
c) Formulate hypotheses that can be tested via appropriate methods
d) Collect and managing quantitative and qualitative data
e) Analyze data with a range of parametric and non-parametric statistical methods
f) Apply statistical methods using current statistical software
g) Write scientific, theoretical, and review papers or manuscripts

Objective 6: We expect student to develop skills as independent researchers and the ability to contribute new knowledge to the field of psychology.

a) Demonstrate ability to implement all phases of the research process, including proposal development, formulation of hypotheses, research design, data collection, data analysis, and professional writing
b) Conduct independently an empirical investigation in an area of psychology and summarize the findings of this research in written form under faculty supervision
c) Present and defend independent research findings

Goal 3

To prepare students to be ethical and responsible professional psychologist who are committed to lifelong learning and productivity

Objective 7: We expect students to develop an understanding of the legal, ethical, and professional principles of clinical psychology and how to apply these principles in research and practice.

a) Demonstrate knowledge and adoption of values and ethical principles of research and practice as outlined in the APA Code of Ethics
b) Demonstrate knowledge of, and conformity to, other legal and state regulations pertaining to psychological research and practice

Objective 8: We expect students to develop attitudes and skills essential for lifelong learning and productivity.

a) Demonstrate capacity for continuing professional growth and development
b) Demonstrate capacity for self awareness and ongoing self evaluation