Mar 18, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Doctor of Psychology in Counseling and School Psychology (Psy.D.)


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Director of Clinical Training
Robert Walrath, PsyD

Office: The Benoit Education Center
Phone: (603) 897-8589
Email: rwalrath@rivier.edu
 

Rivier University’s Psy.D. in Counseling and School Psychology provides individuals who already hold a Master’s degree, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S), or Ed.S. degree in a mental health related field or school psychology with an opportunity to obtain advanced  training in their respective fields. Students may also enter the program with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field. The Psy.D. program has been designed with professional standards and licensing requirements in mind, providing a sequential, cumulative, and unified approach to broad and general doctoral level training in the traditional practice areas of counseling and school psychology.

The Rivier University combined Doctor of Psychology in Counseling and School Psychology follows the practitioner-scholar model. Students are prepared as critical thinkers and problem solvers who work in applied settings and draw upon the theory and knowledge of psychology and education to deliver a continuum of empirically supported services. Students are prepared in a cohort model to be consumers of research to inform practice as highly skilled professionals delivering assessment, intervention, consultation, and preventive services to their clients and constituents.

Student Learning Outcomes and Program Aims:

  • To graduate professional psychologists competent as reflective practitioner-scholars;
  • To graduate professional psychologists who are knowledgeable about and clinically competent in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and supervision and consultation;
  • To graduate professional psychologists competent in the conduct, comprehension, and application of research to professional practice;
  • To graduate students with a strong commitment to the ethical practice of psychology and their professional identity as psychologists.

Doctoral Degree


The Combined Doctoral Program in Counseling and School psychology builds upon existing M.A. and Ed.S.. programs in both school psychology and clinical mental health counseling. These programs serve as foundational courses for the Psy.D. core curriculum and  elective courses. Students  entering the program complete 60 foundation credits and practica  in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or 60 credits in School Psychology (or the equivalent). Students who would like to obtain the M.A. in Mental Health Counseling or the Ed.S. in School Psychology may require additional coursework. Students are never admitted to the Psy.D. program for the purpose of completing the M.A. in Mental Health Counseling or the Ed.S. in School Psychology programs. Following the completion of these foundation courses and practica or their equivalent, students move into the core courses of the Psy.D. program as listed below. Students admitted with Advanced Standing complete any outstanding foundation course requirements and  enter the Psy.D. core courses immediately. Students complete a minimum of 120 credits in a combination of foundation and course courses, electives, practica, and research to complete the program.

Prerequisites/Foundation Courses (60 credits)


Prerequisities for Traditional Admission


  • BA in psychology or a closely related field

Prerequisites for Advanced Standing


  • Master’s Degree in Counseling or related field,
    or
  • CAGS or Ed.S. in Counseling or School Psychology
    and
  • Introductory Courses (or their equivalent) equal to 60 credits

Introductory Practicums (3 credits)


Psy.D. Program Core Requirements (60 credits)


Doctoral Degree Core Practicums (3 required credits)


Doctoral Research Project (minimum 5 credits)


Program Requirements


Students must successfully:

  • Complete all 60 credits of foundation courses, electives and practica or their equivalent;
  • Complete 48 credits of core doctoral courses and practica, and 9 credits of elective courses, including a 50 week, 2000 hour clinical internship;
  • Complete oral and written comprehensive examinations;
  • Mentor with an advisor and research committee to conduct research related to their area of interest and defend and complete a doctoral research project, all within seven years of beginning the program.

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