Psy.D. Curriculum
The Psy.D. curriculum has been designed to meet the requirements of the APA for professional education in psychology. Courses stress the importance of critical thinking in the discipline of psychology, and the curriculum provides a breadth of knowledge regarding scientific psychology. Cultural and individual diversity perspectives are woven into courses across the curriculum. Since this is a professional degree, clinical education and application of scientific knowledge to clinical domains are stressed throughout the curriculum, as well as in the clinical practicum experience.
The APU Psy.D. embodies an emphasis in family psychology. All the courses in the curriculum incorporate a systemic perspective on psychology which includes an awareness of the dynamic interaction between individuals, interpersonal relationships, and the environment.
In addition to the interdisciplinary courses that integrate ethics, theology, and psychology, issues relevant to Christian faith are addressed in the curriculum where appropriate.
| Required Courses | 100 units | |
|---|---|---|
| PPSY 701 | Clinical Practicum I: Ethics in Professional Practice | 2 |
| PPSY 702 | Clinical Practicum II: Legal and Ethical Competency | 2 |
| PPSY 711 | Psychology and Systems Theory | 3 |
| PPSY 712 | Theories of Change and Evidenced Based Treatment | 3 |
| PPSY 713 | Assessment II: Personality | 4 |
| PPSY 714 | Assessment III: Intelligence and Academics | 4 |
| PPSY 715 | Adult Psychology | 3 |
| PPSY 716 | Family Psychology | 3 |
| PPSY 717 | Child Psychology | 2 |
| - or - | ||
| PPSY 735 | Adolescent Psychology (Must take one 2-unit course) | 2 |
| PPSY 718 | History and Systems of Psychology | 3 |
| PPSY 719 | Social Psychology | 2 |
| PPSY 721 | Addictive Behaviors | 2 |
| PPSY 722 | Research Design I | 3 |
| PPSY 723 | Research Design II | 3 |
| PPSY 724 | Couples Theory and Therapy | 3 |
| PPSY 726 | Biblical Ethics and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| PPSY 727 | Clinical Practicum III: Diversity Competency | 2 |
| PPSY 728 | Clinical Practicum IV: Domestic Violence and Case Conceptualization | 2 |
| PPSY 729 | Treatment Planning | 1 |
| PPSY 730 | Cognition | 2 |
| PPSY 731 | Dissertation Development | 1 |
| PPSY 734 | Gerontology | 2 |
| PPSY 736 | Social Ethics and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| PPSY 737 | Clinical Practicum V: Interdisciplinary Competency | 2 |
| PPSY 738 | Clinical Practicum VI: Management, Public Policy, and Advocacy | 2 |
| PPSY 739 | Psychobiology | 3 |
| PPSY 740 | Consultation in Clinical Psychology | 2 |
| PPSY 744 | Supervision in Clinical Psychology | 2 |
| PPSY 745 | Dissertation I | 1 |
| PPSY 746 | Dissertation II | 1 |
| PPSY 747 | Dissertation III | 1 |
| PPSY 748 | Dissertation IV | 1 |
| PPSY 750 | Predoctoral Internship | 1 |
| (Full-time, Pre-Doctoral Internship: 2 semesters/1 unit each) | ||
| PPSY 753 | Moral and Spiritual Identity Formation in the Family | 3 |
| PPSY 754 | Assessment IV: Projectives | 4 |
| PPSY 755 | Dissertation V | 1 |
| PPSY 756 | Dissertation VI | 1 |
| PPSY 757 | Psychopharmacology | 2 |
| PPSY 758 | Techniques of Change: A | 2 |
| PPSY 759 | Techniques of Change: B | 2 |
| PPSY 760 | Techniques of Change: C | 2 |
| PPSY 798 | Electives (four/2-unit courses) | 8 |
These courses have been arranged in two tracks (four- and five-year studies) to allow students flexibility in choosing the academic load most appropriate for their lifestyle.
Psy.D. Four- and Five-Year Academic Plans
Four-Year Program
Participation in the full-time, four-year plan requires attending classes during the day or evening at least two days per week plus Saturday courses (usually six Saturdays in a year). An additional 12-15 hours per week minimum for practicum is required throughout the program.
Five-Year Program
Participation in the reduced-load per semester, five-year plan requires attending classes during the day or evening at least one to two days per week plus Saturday courses (usually six Saturdays in a year). An additional 12-15 hours per week minimum for practicum is required in the first three years of the program or more depending on student progress.
Students take electives during the program and their choice of Child Psychology or Adolescent Psychology. (Electives may be taken in semesters other than where indicated. Students are encouraged to consider how best to balance each semester.)
Adherence to Four- and Five-Year Track
Students are admitted to the Psy.D. based on their stated intent to adhere to one of the two course sequence tracks created for the program. The four-year track requires greater weekly time commitment and more units per semester. The five-year track is somewhat less intense in weekly time demands and semester unit load.
Once admitted, students must adhere to the selected track unless special permission is granted by the director of the Psy.D. Program. The Psy.D. faculty believes that participation in a cohort of peers throughout the program is an important factor in academic and professional development.
Certain courses or mandatory seminars may be scheduled on Saturday. Saturday attendance may be necessary to fulfill degree requirements.
Note: All stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Graduate Catalog for the most current and controlling information.
