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Dec 21, 2024
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2024-2025 Graduate Catalog
Psychology-Clinical Psychology (M.A., Ph.D.)
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 Return to: Graduate Degree and Program Requirements
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Program Overview
USD offers the state’s most comprehensive psychology program with graduate training leading to a Ph.D. degree with specializations in clinical psychology or human factors. Clinical psychologists who provide clinical or counseling services assess and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. They use the science of psychology to treat complex human problems and promote change. They also promote resilience and help people discover their strengths. USD’s Clinical Psychology program focuses on rural communities, Native Americans mental health, disaster mental health, psychological first aid, trauma and substance use. The clinical psychology program has been fully accredited by APA since 1971. Learn more at usd.edu/psychology. DELIVERY: On campus Master of Arts (thesis) *
M.A. Degree Requirements - 37 Credit Hours
*Note: The M.A. in Psychology-specialization in Clinical Psychology is not offered as a terminal degree. It is earned in the process of completing the Ph.D. degree requirements in the two specialty areas. - Psychology core 12 credit hours
- Thesis 6 credit hours
- Clinical Psychology core 19 credit hours
Required M.A. Psychology core classes: 12 credit hours
Thesis: 6 credit hours minimum
Additional required courses for M.A. in Psychology with Specialization in Clinical Psychology: 19 credit hours
M.A. Oral Examination
The master’s thesis must be defended in a final oral examination administered by the student’s advisory committee. Concurrent Master’s Program with Juris Doctor
Students who are already enrolled in the School of Law at the University of South Dakota and who have sufficient background in psychology may qualify for this Board of Regents authorized concurrent-degree program leading to the M.A. in Psychology. Individuals with an interest in this program should consult with the department chairperson. Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Areas of Ph.D. Specialization: Clinical Psychology
Specialization within Clinical Psychology: Clinical/Disaster Psychology Each student’s specific program of study will be determined in consultation with the academic advisory committee and the faculty of the respective graduate specialty program. Students in the Clinical Psychology program are required to complete a one year pre-doctoral clinical psychology internship at an approved site. Clinical students are required to complete an Oral Clinical Examination prior to internship and preliminary to admission to doctoral candidacy. This examination provides an opportunity for clinical students to demonstrate competencies in assessment and intervention, professional ethics, and the integration of science and practice.
Completion and oral defense of an original dissertation represent the capstone requirements for the degree. For specific requirements regarding the doctoral programs’ oral exams, please contact the Psychology Department. Ph.D. Requirements for Specialization in Clinical Psychology: 96 credit hours (111 credit hours if simultaneously completing the Specialization in Clinical/Disaster Psychology)
- Master’s courses and thesis 37 credit hours
- Clinical psychology core 44 credit hours minimum includes the following:
- Additional stats/methods course 3 credit hours
- Predoctoral Clinical Psychology Internship 3 credit hours
- Electives 3 credit hours*
- Dissertation 15 credit hours minimum
* must include PSYC 509 unless student has an approved undergraduate course in History and Systems of Psychology Clinical Psychology core course work (Ph.D.): 44 credit hours
Dissertation 15 credit hours minimum
Specialization in Clinical/Disaster Psychology: 15 credit hours
The Doctoral Specialization in Clinical/Disaster Psychology requires completion of the above Clinical Psychology PhD coursework plus 15 credit hours of disaster psychology coursework as listed. Clinical/Disaster Psychology required course work: 12 credit hours
Clinical/Disaster Psychology elective course work: 3 credit hours from the following:
Note: could be taken as elective in Ph.D. requirements-double count Additional requirements for the Clinical/Disaster Specialization:
Doctoral students pursuing this specialty track are required to complete a thesis and/or a dissertation on a trauma or disaster-related field of psychology and must complete a disaster response simulation as a capstone measure. General Application Requirements
- Completed application
- $35 application fee
- Official transcripts*
- Letters of recommendation*
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV*
*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog Program Leading to Professional Licensure
Location Matters. This program allows only on-campus courses during the first semester and is designed to meet the educational requirements for a professional license or certification required for employment in South Dakota. If you intend to apply for licensure or certification outside of South Dakota upon completion of your program, please review and understand the licensure or certification requirements in that state. For more information, visit USD’s Licensure-Track Programs page for links to the USD program websites and state licensure board websites. This program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. If you have questions regarding supervised field study, please contact a program representative. |
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