The curriculum for each specialization of the Ph.D. in Psychology is composed of core and elective courses, research competency, and the dissertation. Core courses appear, for each specialization, in the order of recommended sequence. Licensure specialization students also complete practicum and internship field experiences.
The Clinical Psychology specialization prepares individuals to practice as licensed psychologists with a commitment to social change in health care settings, community mental health centers, group practice settings, inpatient psychiatric settings, and private practice. Clinical psychologists promote psychological well-being, engage in prevention and early intervention of psychological difficulties, and provide treatment to clients experiencing severe psychopathology.
Clinical Psychology students will be prepared to
- work with clients presenting with various levels of problems, including those with severe emotional distress or psychopathology;
- use the scholar-practitioner model, to apply theoretical and empirical models to assessment and interventions;
- work with culturally diverse populations;
- provide rural mental health services;
- collaborate with psychiatry and other health care providers;
- function as managers and supervisors in mental health care systems; and
- contribute to social change through original research, treatment outcome research, and program evaluation.
The Clinical Psychology specialization consists of a Foundation course, 20 core courses, one elective course, demonstration of research competency, field experiences (Practicum and Internship), and dissertation. Additional courses may be taken to provide breadth and depth of learning. Note: Students must complete the following courses with a grade of B or better: PSYC 6331, 6341, 6351, 8361, 8721, 8722, and 8723.
Foundation Course (6 cr.)
PSYC 6000 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (6 cr.)
Core Courses (100 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Counseling and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6215 Lifespan Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 6220 Psychology of Personality (5 cr.)
PSYC 6225 Biopsychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6235 Cognitive Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6315 Tests and Measurement (5 cr.)
PSYC 6331 Interviewing and Observational Strategies (5 cr.)
PSYC 6341 Psychological Assessment: Cognitive (5 cr.)
PSYC 6351 Psychological Assessment: Personality and Social-Emotional (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 8305 Statistics 2 (5 cr.)
PSYC 8361 Advanced Psychological Testing (5 cr.)
PSYC 8700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
PSYC 8705 Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice (5 cr.)
PSYC 8721 Advanced Psychopathology (5 cr.)
PSYC 8722 Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories (5 cr.)
PSYC 8723 Multicultural Counseling (5 cr.)
PSYC 8741 Psychopharmacology (5 cr.)
Elective Course (5 cr.)
One elective course, selected from the graduate courses in the School of Psychology, may be added anywhere in the student’s program, provided prerequisites are met.
Dissertation and Field Experience (48 cr.)
PSYC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr. minimum — 6 cr. per term for minimum 5 terms)
PSYC 8871 Practicum (6 cr. — 3 cr. per term for 2 terms)
PSYC 8882 Internship (12 cr. — 3 cr. per term for 4 terms)
Note: Students in licensure specializations must complete the following courses with a grade of B or better: PSYC 6331; PSYC 6341; PSYC 6351; PSYC 8361; PSYC 8719; PSYC 8720; PSYC 8721; PSYC 8722; PSYC 8723.
Note on licensure: The Clinical Psychology specialization in the Psychology Ph.D. program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for psychology licensing exams. This specialization is designed to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state psychology boards. However, Walden University licensure specializations in psychology are not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and have not received designation by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Regiser (ASPPB/NR), which are requirements for licensure in some states. Because no graduate program can guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine specific requirements. For more information about licensure, students should visit the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards www.asppb.org/about/boardContact.aspx and contact appropriate licensing body. International students are encouraged to identify and contact their appropriate licensing body.
The Counseling Psychology specialization endorses an integrated scientist-practitioner model of training and can prepare students for a variety of professional roles in direct service, teaching, research, and consultation. The program prepares students to practice as licensed psychologists who work with clients from a strengths-based perspective to promote functional relationships, healthy lifestyles, and positive career choices and roles, and to prevent intrapsychic and interpersonal difficulties. Counseling psychologists facilitate growth and development by building on identified client strengths and by helping clients understand and work within the unique context of their environment. Counseling psychologists work with clients and students of all ages and in various therapeutic settings, including private practice, university classrooms and counseling centers, community agencies, hospitals, EAP programs, personnel services, and human resource departments.
Counseling Psychology students will be able to
- implement the scholar-practitioner model in assessment and treatment of clients from diverse populations;
- conceptualize counseling issues and problems based on counseling theory and research;
- use evidence-based assessment and intervention techniques; and
- contribute to the field through original research, process and outcome research, and treatment evaluation.
The Counseling Psychology specialization consists of a Foundation course, 20 core courses, one elective course, demonstration of research competency, field experiences (Practicum and Internship), and dissertation. Additional courses may be taken to provide breadth and depth of learning. Note: Students must complete the following courses with a grade of B or better: PSYC 6331, 6341, 6351, 8361, 8720, 8722, and 8723.
Foundation Course (6 cr.)
PSYC 6000 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (6 cr.)
Core Courses (100 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Counseling and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6215 Lifespan Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 6220 Psychology of Personality (5 cr.)
PSYC 6225 Biopsychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6331 Interviewing and Observational Strategies (5 cr.)
PSYC 6341 Psychological Assessment: Cognitive (5 cr.)
PSYC 6351 Psychological Assessment: Personality and Social-Emotional (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6315 Tests and Measurement (5 cr.)
PSYC 6235 Cognitive Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 8305 Statistics 2 (5 cr.)
PSYC 8700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
PSYC 8705 Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice (5 cr.)
PSYC 8720 Diagnosis and Assessment (5 cr.)
PSYC 8722 Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories (5 cr.)
PSYC 8723 Multicultural Counseling (5 cr.)
PSYC 8725 Group Therapy (5 cr.)
PSYC 8361 Advanced Psychological Testing (5 cr.)
Elective Course (5 cr.)
One elective course, selected from the graduate courses in the School of Psychology, may be added anywhere in the student’s program, provided prerequisites are met.
Dissertation and Field Experience (48 cr.)
PSYC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr. minimum — 6 cr. per term for minimum 5 terms)
PSYC 8871 Practicum (6 cr. — 3 cr. per term for 2 terms)
PSYC 8882 Internship (12 cr. — 3 cr. per term for 4 terms)
Note: Students in licensure specializations must complete the following courses with a grade of B or better: PSYC 6331; PSYC 6341; PSYC 6351; PSYC 8361; PSYC 8719; PSYC 8720; PSYC 8721; PSYC 8722; PSYC 8723.
Note on licensure: The Counseling Psychology specialization in the Psychology Ph.D. program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for psychology licensing exams. This specialization is designed to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state psychology boards. However, Walden University licensure specializations in psychology are not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and have not received designation by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Register (ASPPB/NR), which are requirements for licensure in some states. Because no graduate program can guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine specific requirements. For more information about licensure, students should visit the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards at www.asppb.org/about/boardContact.aspx and contact the appropriate licensing body. International students are encouraged to identify and contact their appropriate licensing body.
The General Psychology specialization—with tracks in Educational Psychology and in Research and Evaluation—prepares individuals to teach, mentor, and/or conduct culturally and contextually relevant research in psychology in institutions of higher education and to engage their knowledge and skills in applied settings.
Educational Psychology Track
The Educational Psychology track prepares students to integrate psychological theory and practice, using scientific methods and evidence-based practice to inform undergraduate and graduate instruction that incorporates issues of cultural and individual diversity.
Students in the Educational Psychology track will
- acquire a broad knowledge base in psychology and its history, ethics, research methods, and applications;
- use psychological theory, research, and practice to inform instructional process and content;
- apply psychological theories and research to educational practice;
- develop the ability to promote attitudes and skills for lifelong learning, critical inquiry, and problem-solving in graduate and undergraduate learners; and
- develop the research skills necessary to make scholarly contributions to the field of psychology.
The Educational Psychology track consists of a Foundation course, 14 core courses, three elective courses, demonstration of research competency, and dissertation. Additional courses may be taken to provide breadth and depth of learning.
Foundation Course (6 cr.)
PSYC 6000 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (6 cr.)
Core Courses (70 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Counseling and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6215 Lifespan Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 6225 Biopsychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6235 Cognitive Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6315 Tests and Measurement (5 cr.)
PSYC 8305 Statistics 2 (5 cr.)
PSYC 8700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
PSYC 8705 Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice (5 cr.)
PSYC 8760 Educational Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 8762 Teaching of Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 8763 Principles of Instructional Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 8764 Instructional Design for Online Course Development (5 cr.)
Elective Courses (15 cr.)
Three elective courses selected from the graduate courses in the School of Psychology may be added anywhere in the student’s program provided prerequisites are met.
Dissertation (30 cr.)
PSYC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr. minimum — 6 cr. per term for minimum 5 terms)
Research and Evaluation Track
The Research and Evaluation track prepares students to integrate psychological theory and practice, using scientific methods and evidence-based practice to apply their knowledge and skills about research and evaluation in a variety of settings.
Students in the Research and Evaluation track will
- acquire a broad knowledge base in psychology and its history, ethics, research methods, and applications;
- develop the research skills necessary to make culturally and contextually relevant scholarly contributions to the field of psychology;
- analyze and evaluate the theories and applications underlying multiple data collection techniques used in psychology;
- use psychological theory and research to inform practice in a variety of public, private, governmental, and nongovernmental settings;
- use research and evaluation strategies to study the efficacy, integrity, acceptability, transferability, and contextual and cultural relevance of programs and interventions;
- conceptualize, design, analyze, and evaluate a wide variety of research approaches and methodologies;
- develop, implement, and evaluate programs and strategies;
- collaborate with professionals in the development and application of research;
- use research and evaluation strategies to examine social change from the psychological perspective of individuals, groups, organizations, and local and global communities; and
- serve as consultants in research, data analysis, and evaluation in a range of settings (e.g., higher education, government, public sector).
The Research and Evaluation track consists of a Foundation course, 13 core courses, four elective courses, demonstration of research competency, and dissertation. Additional courses may be taken to provide breadth and depth of learning.
Foundation Course (6 cr.)
PSYC 6000 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (6 cr.)
Core Courses (65 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Counseling and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6215 Lifespan Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 6225 Biopsychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6315 Tests and Measurement (5 cr.)
PSYC 8300 Philosophical Foundations in Psychological Research (5 cr.)
PSYC 8305 Statistics 2 (5 cr.)
PSYC 8306 Statistics 3 (5 cr.)
PSYC 8310 Qualitative Analysis (5 cr.)
PSYC 8700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
PSYC 8705 Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice (5 cr.)
Elective Courses (20 cr.)
Four elective courses selected from the graduate courses in the School of Psychology may be added anywhere in the student’s program provided prerequisites are met.
Dissertation (30 cr.)
PSYC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr. minimum — 6 cr. per term for minimum 5 terms)
The Health Psychology specialization educates students on the complex relationship among psychological, social, and biological factors implicated in health and illness. This research-focused program prepares students to work in a variety of settings, such as health and wellness centers, corporations, research institutions, and academic institutions in research, teaching, psychoeducational, and administrative positions.
Health Psychology students will be able to
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articulate and apply theoretical models of psychophysiological wellness, health, and immunocompetence;
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identify and moderate personal and environmental factors that impact health;
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understand and apply evidence-based psychological interventions that emphasize the role of stress on health;
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describe psychotropic medications and their use in the treatment of mental and behavioral disorders;
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articulate alternatives to pharmacological treatment that are less invasive and less disruptive to the body, and have an evidence base of effectiveness;
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describe current concepts, theories, and research about neuropsychology, neuroanatomy, neuropathology, and psychoneuroimmunology (PNI);
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recommend evidence-based mind/body interventions to help patients establish symptom management or attenuate physical illnesses;
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articulate the impact of nutrition on psychological dysfunction;
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use nutritional models to promote psychological wellness and mitigate illness;
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use behavioral nutrition as an approach to psychological and psychophysiological illness and abnormal behavior;
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understand current ethical standards and legal responsibilities of health psychologists, including those pertaining to psychological practice and research; and
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interact with medical professionals in practice and research on a peer-relationship level.
The Health Psychology specialization consists of a Foundation course, 16 core courses, one elective course, demonstration of research competency, and a dissertation.
Foundation Course (6 cr.)
PSYC 6000 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (6 cr.)
Core Courses (80 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Counseling and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6225 Biopsychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6235 Cognitive Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6315 Tests and Measurement (5 cr.)
PSYC 8305 Statistics 2 (5 cr.)
PSYC 8700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
PSYC 8705 Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice (5 cr.)
PSYC 8710 Clinical Neuropsychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 8741 Psychopharmacology (5 cr.)
PSYC 8745 Health Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 8746 Behavioral Nutrition (5 cr.)
PSYC 8747 Psychoneuroimmunology (5 cr.)
PSYC 8748 Stress and Coping (5 cr.)
Elective Course (5 cr.)
One elective course selected from the graduate courses in the School of Psychology may be added anywhere in the student’s program provided prerequisites are met.
Dissertation (30 cr.)
PSYC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr. minimum — 6 cr. per term for minimum 5 terms)
The Organizational Psychology specialization prepares students to work within industry, government, and university settings as practitioners, consultants, and researchers. Specifically, this specialization focuses on issues related to organizational behavior, leadership, and development; personnel staffing, development, and well-being; and effective, ethical consultation and research practices. Students may select one of three tracks offered in this specialization—Industrial, Organizational, or Consultation.
Organizational Psychology students will
- acquire a broad knowledge base in psychology and its history, research methods, and applications;
- acquire the background needed to develop consultative relationships with industry, government, military, and other organizations;
- develop the skills to conduct organizational research in profit, nonprofit, government, and other settings;
- develop the requisite knowledge and experience to teach organizational psychology at the university level;
- acquire an understanding of ethical concerns in the field and the ability to employ ethical and accepted standards of practice; and
- achieve a perspective on the integral nature of cultural diversity in organizations and the ability to effectively incorporate it.
The Organizational Psychology specialization consists of a Foundation course, 12 core courses, two track courses, three elective courses, demonstration of research competency, and the dissertation sequence.
Foundation Course (6 cr.)
PSYC 6000 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (6 cr.)
Core Courses (60 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Counseling and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6215 Lifespan Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 6235 Cognitive Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6315 Tests and Measurement (5 cr.)
PSYC 8305 Statistics 2 (5 cr.)
PSYC 8700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
PSYC 8705 Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice (5 cr.)
PSYC 8750 Foundations of Industrial/Organizational Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 8756 International/Cross-Cultural Issues in Organizations (5 cr.)
Track Courses (10 cr.)
Students complete both courses for one track.
Industrial Track
PSYC 8753 Vocational Psychology and Counseling (5 cr.)
PSYC 8754 Personnel Psychology in the Workplace (5 cr.)
Organizational Track
PSYC 8752 Psychology of Organizational Behavior (5 cr.)
PSYC 8755 Leadership and the Process of Change (5 cr.)
Consultation Track
PSYC 8784 Psychological Consultation (5 cr.)
PSYC 8820 Successful Practice Management (5 cr.)
Elective Courses (15 cr.)
Three elective courses selected from the graduate courses in the schools of psychology and management may be added anywhere in the student’s program, provided prerequisites are met.
Dissertation (30 cr.)
PSYC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr. minimum — 6 cr. per term for minimum 5 terms)
The School Psychology specialization helps students develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to provide quality and contextually relevant educational and mental health services to children (birth–21 years) and their families. School psychologists practice in school settings and private practice, teach at the university level, and conduct applied research. This specialization provides training in both psychology and education and emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning, behavior, and motivation. With skills and knowledge of school systems, effective teaching, and successful learning, students are prepared to use their training and skills to team with educators, parents, and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment.
School Psychology students will
- apply consultation models and methods to collaborate on planning and decision-making processes at the individual, group, and system levels;
- assess learning processes and develop cognitive and academic goals for students with different abilities, disabilities, strengths, and needs;
- assess developmental processes and develop appropriate behavioral, affective, adaptive, and social goals for students of varying abilities, disabilities, strengths, and needs;
- work with individuals of diverse characteristics to implement strategies selected and/or adapted based on individual characteristics, strengths, and needs;
- consider influences of biological, social, cultural, ethnic, experiential, socioeconomic, gender-related, and linguistic factors in development and learning;
- use various models and methods as part of a systematic data collection, translate assessment results into evidenced-based decisions, and evaluate decisions;
- design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based prevention and intervention programs;
- collaborate with individuals, families, and groups to facilitate policies and practices that create and maintain safe, supportive, and effective learning and comprehensive mental health environments for children and others; and
- use research, statistics, and evaluation methods to promote social change through original research.
The School Psychology specialization consists of a Foundation course, 25 core courses, demonstration of research competency, field experiences (Practicum and Internship), and dissertation. Additional courses may be taken to provide breadth and depth of learning. Note: Students must complete the following courses with a grade of B or better: PSYC 6331, 6341, 6351, 8361, 8719, 8722, and 8723.
Foundation Course (6 cr.)
PSYC 6000 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (6 cr.)
Core Courses (125 cr.)
PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Counseling and Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6215 Lifespan Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 6220 Psychology of Personality (5 cr.)
PSYC 6225 Biopsychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6235 Cognitive Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
PSYC 6331 Interviewing and Observational Strategies (5 cr.)
PSYC 6341 Psychological Assessment: Cognitive (5 cr.)
PSYC 6351 Psychological Assessment: Personality and Social-Emotional (5 cr.)
PSYC 6315 Tests and Measurement (5 cr.)
PSYC 8901 Advanced Seminar in Psychology: Foundations of Reading and Literacy Development (5 cr.)
PSYC 8305 Statistics 2 (5 cr.)
PSYC 8361 Advanced Psychological Testing (5 cr.)
PSYC 8700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
PSYC 8705 Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice (5 cr.)
PSYC 8718 Psychology of the Exceptional Individual (5 cr.)
PSYC 8719 Developmental Psychopathology (5 cr.)
PSYC 8722 Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories (5 cr.)
PSYC 8723 Multicultural Counseling (5 cr.)
PSYC 8780 Seminar in School Psychology (5 cr.)
PSYC 8784 Psychological Consultation (5 cr.)
PSYC 8785 Prevention: Research and Practice (5 cr.)
PSYC 8902 Advanced Seminar in Psychology: Curriculum Theory and Design (5 cr.)
Dissertation and Field Experience (48 cr.)
PSYC 9000 Dissertation (30 cr. minimum — 6 cr. per term for minimum 5 terms)
PSYC 8871 Practicum (6 cr. — 3 cr. per term for 2 terms)
PSYC 8882 Internship (12 cr. — 3 cr. per term for 4 terms)
Note: Students in licensure specializations must complete the following courses with a grade of B or better: PSYC 6331; PSYC 6341; PSYC 6351; PSYC 8361; PSYC 8719; PSYC 8720; PSYC 8721; PSYC 8722; PSYC 8723.
Note on licensure: The School Psychology specialization in the Psychology Ph.D. program is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for psychology licensing exams. This specialization is designed to meet the academic licensure requirements of many state psychology boards. However, Walden University licensure specializations in psychology are not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and have not received designation by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards/National Register (ASPPB/NR), which are requirements for licensure in some states. Because no graduate program can guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine specific requirements. For more information about licensure, students should visit the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards at www.asppb.org/about/boardContact.aspx and contact the appropriate licensing body. International students are encouraged to identify and contact their appropriate licensing body.
