Clinical Psychology, PhD

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The mission of the Virginia Consortium Program is to graduate clinical psychologists who are prepared to pursue research and clinical careers. The Program’s aim is to provide balanced training in both science and practice. We strive to graduate ethical clinical psychologists who are competent in individual and cultural diversity, educated in the basic subjects and methods of psychological science, capable of generating and critically assimilating new knowledge, proficient in the delivery and evaluation of psychological services, and able to assume leadership positions in academic or health service delivery systems.

Educational Philosophy and Training Model

We believe clinical psychologists are best educated as scientist-practitioners. Scientific knowledge and methods form the foundation for effective clinical practice which, in turn, informs future research. Thus, it is essential to develop skills to design and conduct research as well as implement empirically-based techniques in practice. Our faculty believes that extensive exposure to theory, research, and practice is key in training clinical psychologists. Regardless of whether a student decides to pursue an academic career, a clinical career, or some combination of both, the practice of clinical psychology involves articulating current problems and issues, formulating creative solutions to those problems, and testing hypotheses by systematically gathering empirical evidence. The clinical psychologist encounters diverse client populations and human problems. Implementation of effective services and programs requires an understanding of the complex array of biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors affecting human behavior. One of our primary goals is for students to become proficient at integrating theory, research, and practice. Toward this end, we employ a variety of educational tools including classroom instruction, supervised clinical experiences, regular evaluation and feedback, and early and ongoing involvement in producing empirical research. The Virginia Consortium emphasizes the following areas in its training model:

Ethics
Multiculturalism
Research
Assessment
Intervention
Consultation, Supervision, and Leadership

Admission

This program maintains an admission process unique to the program. Prospective students are encouraged to review the admission requirements in order to best prepare themselves for a successful future at EVMS.

Curriculum

Foundational Research Project

Students must complete a Foundational Research Project under the guidance of their research mentor. Students who are approved to earn a master’s degree at Old Dominion University and who complete a master’s thesis will meet this requirement. Details on this requirement are found below under “Research Training.”

Coursework Hours

Students are required to complete a minimum of 123 credit hours. A minimum of 12 semesters and 72 semester hours in residence (excluding internship, dissertation, and transfer credits) are required for the degree.

Comprehensive Examination

Students take oral and written comprehensive exams in their 3rd year of the Program. Details of these examinations are found in “Comprehensive Examinations” below.

Advancement to Candidacy

Successful completion of the first three years in the Program, passing all sections of the comprehensive exams, and fulfilling the fundamental research project requirement will result in Advancement to PhD Candidacy. This must be accomplished before October 1st of the year in which the student applies for internship.

Doctoral Dissertation

All students must complete an empirical dissertation. Details on the process and requirements for the dissertation are found in the Program’s Dissertation Guide.

Predoctoral Internship

Completion of an APA or APPIC accredited internship is a degree requirement. Details related to internship will be made available during the year prior to internship.

Academic Standards/GPA Requirements

GPA: Students are required to have a GPA of 3.00 or better to be awarded the degree. If a student’s GPA falls below a 3.00 at any point in the program, he or she is placed on academic probation. Students must increase the cumulative GPA to 3.00 within 12 credits after having been placed on academic probation.
Coursework: Students must earn a B- or better in required classes. Students who do not earn a B- or better in a required course will need to repeat the course. Students may retake up to 9 credits in courses in which a grade of B- or better is not earned in required courses.