Our clinical psychology PhD program has an emphasis in child psychology and subscribes to a clinical science model. We value an approach that fosters curiosity, innovation, collaboration and inclusiveness, with research that serves the public good.
Our program is accredited by the APA and a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. Students receive in-house training through the Center for Child and Family Psychology and the Developmental Neuropsychology Clinic. Students also complete clinical externships at local medical centers and community mental health centers.
Our faculty conduct research on a variety of topics relevant to developmental psychopathology including the multifaceted impacts of trauma, health, and stress; complex risk and vulnerability factors; comorbidity; and innovative interventions. Graduates pursue a range of careers that utilize their strong research and clinical training in settings such as colleges/universities, academic medical centers, hospitals, and community mental health centers.
Our Director of Clinical Training is Dr. Lauren McGrath. You can contact Dr. McGrath at Lauren.McGrath@du.edu.
The Clinical Psychology PhD program with an emphasis in child psychology has been fully accredited since 1964 by the American Psychological Association, which can be contacted at:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington, D.C., 20002
Website: APA accreditation site
Phone: 202-336-5979
Fax: 202-336-5978
Concentration
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
The specialization in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience is open to students in any of the graduate programs in Psychology. It is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and training in an interdisciplinary approach to neuroscience and psychology.
The coursework covers diverse fields and research methods including neuroimaging, computational modeling, computer programming, psychophysiology, neuropsychology, neuroendocrinology and behavioral genetics. The program prepares students to be leaders in collaborative science approaches.
The PhD program in Clinical Psychology offers:
Accredited in clinical psychology by APA, the program adopts a clinical science model emphasizing research training while also providing high-quality clinical training. While we maintain an emphasis on children, adolescents, and families, there are also opportunities for students to receive training and clinical experience in adult psychopathology, assessment, and psychotherapy.
We take a collaborative approach to research across the department. Students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty and other students across the department both inside and outside the clinical area. Students are considered junior colleagues.
All students are trained to be sensitive to individual differences and the many dimensions of diversity in approaching research and clinical issues. They also learn the importance of continued personal and professional growth relevant to inclusive excellence. Both research and clinical opportunities exist for working with diverse populations.
All students are trained to be sensitive to individual differences and the many dimensions of diversity in approaching research and clinical issues. They also learn the importance of continued personal and professional growth relevant to inclusive excellence. Both research and clinical opportunities exist for working with diverse populations.
Students have been very successful in obtaining excellent internships, becoming licensed, and having successful careers in research and practice (See Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data, Inclusive Excellence).
Degree Requirements
- Students earn a master’s degree on their way toward obtaining the PhD.
- For the MA, you will complete at least 28 credits of the 45 minimum number of credits in content coursework, which excludes Independent Study and Independent Research credits.
- For the PhD, you will complete a total of 120 credit hours, as well as non-coursework requirements including a master's research paper or thesis and oral defense, dissertation prospectus and dissertation oral defense, professional competencies, and clinical training.
See the DU Graduate Bulletin for full course requirements.
See the Clinical Handbook for additional information for students.
Start learning about developmental psychopathology and clinical research.
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