Our clinical psychology PhD program with an emphasis in child psychology is one of the few programs in the country that 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. Students receive in-house training through the Center for Child and Family Psychology, the Developmental Neuropsychology Clinic and through apprenticeships. In addition, we offer 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 have pursued careers as professors and clinical science researchers.
Learn much more about the Clinical Psychology. Ph.D. program here.
The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program with an emphasis in child psychology is a member of the Academy of Clinical Science. It has also been fully accredited since 1964 by the American Psychology 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, eye-tracking, 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 emphasizes training in clinical psychology and approaches training from a clinical science model. While we maintain an emphasis on children and families, students also receive training and clinical experience in adult psychopathology, assessment, and psychotherapy.
A group of clinical faculty all of whom have special interests in children and families. You are encouraged to collaborate with faculty and other students and are considered a junior colleague.
Graduate training in clinical child neuropsychology. All students in our program receive at least a year of such training and many are also part of the developmental cognitive neuroscience program in which they receive extensive training in clinical child neuropsychology.
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.
Are you ready to begin exploring a PhD in Clinical Psychology at DU?
