Additional Program Information

Candidacy

A student should apply for Candidacy after completing a minimum of twelve credit hours and a maximum of thirty credit hours in the Clinical Psychology program, including at least one year-long clinical course sequence (such as GPS 525-526, or GPS 515-516, or GPS 507-508) and six credits of general core courses (such as GPS 505, 510-511, 513, or 520). Your application for Candidacy is an evaluation that emphasizes both the academic and personal characteristics consistent with the requirements of a professional psychologist. In the event that deficiencies are identified, students will be notified in writing, and a meeting will be set with the Director to discuss the faculty's decision. Whenever possible, a plan will be developed with the student to address the difficulties. However, in some cases, students may be asked to leave the program at this juncture.

Course Sequencing and Scheduling

All classes are held in the evening, thus permitting either full- or part-time study towards the master's degree. Many of the students accepted by the M.A. program in Clinical Psychology are returning to school after spending a number of years working in a variety of settings; however, the program also welcomes recent graduates interested in pursuing a master's degree immediately after college. Courses are offered in the fall, spring and summer terms. However, those wishing to pursue graduate work on a full-time basis will find it necessary to begin their studies in the fall, since most of the clinical core courses are two semesters and begin in the fall term.

The following guidelines should be followed in designing a personally satisfactory course sequence:

  • The clinical core courses (Psychological Assessment I & II, Advanced Abnormal Psychology I & II, Introduction to Clinical Intervention I & II) should be completed prior to doing the internship.
  • Of the three year-long clinical core courses, Psychological Assessment I & II demand the greatest background understanding of personality and psychopathology, so this component of the clinical core should probably be taken last, unless the student has a very strong prior preparation in these areas.
  • Electives are taken with permission of the instructor and after completion of the relevant clinical core courses.
  • The major paper, case study or thesis can only be taken after Research Methods I and II have been completed, and, the student has enrolled in GPS 689 Research Seminar.
     

The following schedules are offered for possible configurations to assist in planning the completion of the degree. As long as the above guidelines are met and the Seven Year Statute of Limitation is observed, students may sequence their courses to suit their individual educational needs and objectives.


FULL TIME SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Two Year Program


First Year
 

Fall Spring
Research Methods I
Advanced Abnormal Psychology I
Introduction to Clinical Intervention I
Psychological Assessment I
Practicum I		 Research Methods II
Advanced Abnormal Psychology II
Introduction to Clinical Intervention II
Psychological Assessment II
Practicum II

Summer
Advanced Developmental Psychology
Elective*


Second Year
 

Fall   Spring 

Physiological Dimensions of Psychology
Internship I
Research Seminar (year-long)
Elective*

 Advanced Social Psychology
Internship II
Thesis/Case Study**

Summer		  
  Elective*
**completion of Thesis or Case Study if needed		  

 

PART TIME SAMPLE SCHEDULE (3-7 YRS.)  
One Possible Three Year Program  


First Year
 

 Fall Spring
Research Methods I
Introduction to Clinical Intervention I		 Research Methods II
Introduction to Clinical Intervention II

Summer   		 
Advanced Developmental Psychology
Elective*		  


Second Year


Fall
Spring  
Advanced Abnormal Psychology I
Psychological Assessment I
Practicum I     		Advanced Abnormal Psychology II
Psychological Assessment II
Practicum II

Summer		  
Elective*  


Third Year


Fall
Spring
Physiological Dimensions of Psychology
Internship I
Research Seminar (year-long)		 Advanced Social Psychology
Internship II
Elective/Thesis/Case Study*

Summer		  
Elective*  


*Only 2 electives are needed if you choose to do a Thesis or a Case Study. Electives are offered fall, spring and summer terms. Please note prerequisites for specific course when planning schedule. 
 
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For more information about this program, contact: 

Diana Hoppe
Program Assistant
802.654.2206
dhoppe@smcvt.edu

or

Dr. Ronald Miller
Program Director
802.654.2288
rmiller@smcvt.ed

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