Our clinical psychology PhD program has an emphasis in child psychology and subscribes to a clinical science model, which focuses on the importance of science and research in assessing, understanding, and ameliorating mental health challenges. In fact, we are one of only a very small number of APA-accredited programs that combines a focus on children, adolescents, and families with a clinical science model, ensuring that all students receive rigorous and developmentally focused training in both research and clinical work. We value an approach that fosters curiosity, innovation, collaboration and inclusiveness, with research and clinical efforts that serve 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 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 many forms of psychological symptoms (e.g., internalizing, externalizing, neurodevelopmental); the multifaceted impacts of stress and trauma; biological, social relational, and environmental risk and protective factors; comorbidity; and innovative interventions. (Please see below for more information about our clinical area tenure-track faculty members and their programs of research).
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.
Start Dates: Fall
Curriculum: 120 Credit Hours
Program Length: 5+ Years
Accreditation
Our Director of Clinical Training is Dr. Jill Holm-Denoma. You can contact Dr. Holm-Denoma at jill.holm-denoma@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 utilizes a clinical science model emphasizing research training while also providing high-quality clinical training. Our program emphasizes coursework and clinical training with children, adolescents, and caregivers; however, there are some opportunities for interested students to receive research and clinical training with adults.
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. Tenure-track faculty from the clinical area and from other graduate areas in the Department of Psychology (e.g., developmental; affective/social/cognitive) are able to serve as research mentors for clinical students.
Reflecting our emphasis on research and clinical work that serves the public good, many faculty and students in our program work with community partners, conduct community-engaged research, and/or collaborate with policy-makers around issues of mental health.
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 competitive pre- and postdoctoral grants and fellowships, placing at excellent internships, becoming licensed, and having successful careers in research and practice (See Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data, Inclusive Excellence).
Start learning about developmental psychopathology and clinical research.
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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.
Featured Faculty
Application Information
