Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology at Dalhousie is a fast-track program in which students accelerate from the MSc to the Clinical PhD program without writing a Master’s thesis or obtaining a Master’s degree. Applicants to the Clinical Psychology program typically have completed a Bachelors Honours degree in Psychology, or in an appropriate adjacent area, such as Cognitive Science or Social Behaviour in order to be competitive. The appropriateness of degrees from adjacent areas varies and applicants should discuss their suitability with the prospective supervisor. Students accepted to study Clinical Psychology are initially registered in an MSc program and then fast-tracked to the Clinical PhD program within two years. Students accepted into the Clinical program with a Master’s degree in Psychology (or a closely-related field) are eligible for direct entry to the PhD and may be eligible for advanced standing within the program. Note that fast-tracking into the Clinical PhD requires that a student has been admitted to study Clinical Psychology.
The Clinical PhD program is a CPA accredited program, which follows the scientist-practitioner model. Clinical psychology is part of the science of psychology and we therefore emphasize both research and clinical practice. The program typically takes 6 - 7 years to complete, on average, including a one year clinical residency/internship.
Upon admission, students are assigned to a faculty member who will supervise their thesis and other research projects. During the first four years of the Clinical PhD program, students complete required and elective courses, conduct supervised and thesis research, and gain clinical experience through field placements (PSYO 8333.06, a minimum of 600 hours are required). Students are involved in research from the outset, and are expected to conduct research leading to empirical, methodological and/or theoretical advances in their field of study, some or all of which will be included in their dissertation and defended publicly. In the final year, students complete a full-year clinical internship (PSYO 9100.00). The Department does not offer a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.
The following courses are required:
PSYO 5000.06: Research Assignment (= Comprehensive No. 1)
PSYO 6001.03: Fundamentals of Statistics and Experimental Design
PSYO 6003.03: Multivariate Methods
PSYO 6102.03: Child Assessment: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives and Practical Applications
PSYO 6103.03: Adult Assessment: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives and Practical Applications
PSYO 6104.03: Psychopathology: A Lifespan Perspective
PSYO 6105.03: Ethics and Professional Decision Making
PSYO 6106.03: Foundational Practice Skills for Clinical Psychology
PSYO 6107.03: Mental Health and Psychoeducational Assessment Practicum: Child
PSYO 6108.03: Mental Health and Psychoeducational Assessment Practicum: Adult
PSYO 6204.03: Cognitive, Affective and Behavioural Bases of Intervention: A Lifespan Perspective
PSYO 6208.03: Advanced Clinical Neuropsychology OR PSYO 6804.03: Topics in Neuropsychology
PSYO 6209.03: Research Seminar
PSYO 6213.03: Culture and Identity: Diversity Issues in Clinical Psychology
PSYO 6214.03: Professional Practice in Intervention
PSYO 6301.03: Advanced Clinical Intervention: Child OR PSYO 6302.03: Advanced Clinical Intervention: Adult
PSYO 6303.03: Advanced Clinical Practice Skills in Supervision, Consultation and Program Evaluation
PSYO 6304.06: Clinical Rounds/Case Conference
PSYO 7100.03: Seminar in Teaching Effectiveness
PSYO 7501.03: Proseminar: Methods of Psychological Inquiry I
PSYO 7502.03: Proseminar: Methods of Psychological Inquiry II
PSYO 8011.03: Psychology Colloquium MSC (whole year)
PSYO 8012.03: Psychology Colloquium first year of PhD I (whole year)
PSYO 8013.03: Psychology Colloquium second year of PhD II (whole year)
PSYO 8333.06: Field Placements
PSYO 9100.00: Pre-doctoral Internship
At least one elective (three credit hours) seminar must also be completed.