JFK University's training model is a practitioner-scholar one and revolves around program learning outcomes that are heavily influenced by the competencies developed by the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP).
- Systemic and theoretical foundations. Students can identify, describe, and apply foundational knowledge, theory, and systems in psychology and their relevance to diverse populations.
- Relationship. Students can develop, articulate, and maintain constructive and culturally sensitive working relationships with clients, colleagues, supervisors, and others with whom they interact professionally.
- Multicultural competence. Students can recognize and reflect upon their world view, biases, values, and assumptions; appreciate and respect others' cultures and world views; understand the psychological impact of privilege and power; and use this awareness in the provision of psychological services.
- Assessment. Students can describe, conceptualize, characterize, predict, and present clinically relevant aspects of clients (e.g., character, behavior, strengths, challenges, symptoms, relationship quality, functioning) in sociopolitical and cultural context.
- Intervention. Students can engage in culturally sensitive activities that promote, restore, sustain, or enhance positive functioning and a sense of well-being in clients through preventive, developmental, or remedial services.
- Research and evaluation. Students can conduct a systematic and culturally relevant mode of inquiry involving problem identification, selection of appropriate methodology, analysis and interpretation of data, and clear and accurate communication of findings pertaining to psychological phenomena.
- Professional roles. Students can conduct themselves ethically and legally in their professional activities. Students can articulate the basic activities associated with consultation, education, management, and supervision in a multicultural professional environment. Students can communicate (orally and in writing) in a clear, accurate, and professional manner.
Students may choose to attend full-time or part-time. The intensive full-time plan of study takes four years to complete. Full-time students complete three years of coursework (typically 12-15 units per quarter), plus 8 to 24 hours of practicum per week each of the first three years during fall, winter, spring and summer quarters. Students also complete a dissertation project in an area of special interest before graduating. Students then advance to their final year of full-time internship. Part-time students require more time to complete their coursework, with the option of year-long or two half-year internships. Comprehensive Doctoral Examinations
At the end of the second year, students take a comprehensive written examination (in multiple choice format). During year three, students take a clinical proficiency examination that consists of both a written case presentation and oral examination. PsyD Degree Requirements To receive the Doctor of Psychology, the student must achieve the following:
- All academic requirements must be completed in residence as outlined below in the PsyD course schedule.
- A minimum grade of B- is required in each course applied to the degree.
- An overall grade-point average of 3.0 must be received for all work for the PsyD.
- Candidates for doctoral degrees are required to file a Petition for Degree and pay the required fee by February 15 of the year prior to beginning internship.
- Completion of the following:
- Successful passage of the comprehensive written examination in year two
- Successful passage of the clinical proficiency examination in year three
- Internship
- 50 hours of psychotherapy with a licensed psychotherapist completed during doctoral studies
- Successful completion of the dissertation
- Intro to Psychology
- Statistics
- Theories of Personality
- A diversity-related course
PsyD Course Schedule