About the programs
The Department of Psychology offers a combination of innovative training opportunities in clinical and experimental psychology: the doctor of psychology (PsyD) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) degrees are offered in the area of clinical psychology; the PhD degree is also offered with emphases in a number of experimental areas; and combined-degrees programs, PhD/MPH, PsyD/MPH, and PsyD/DrPH are offered in coordination with the School of Public Health. Clinical programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association.
The PhD degree in clinical psychology has been informed by the traditional scientist-practitioner model, which emphasizes training in research and clinical practice. The PsyD degree, influenced by the practitioner-scholar model, emphasizes training in clinical practice based on the understanding and application of scientific psychological principles and research. The PsyD/DrPH dual-degree program combines training in psychology and health sciences to prepare individuals who will be qualified in the application of psychology to health promotion, preventive medicine, and healthcare, as well as for clinical practice and research.
The PhD degree in experimental psychology is designed to train a small number of individuals for research and academic careers in basic as well as applied psychology. Applications for the experimental PhD degree are currently accepted in two areas:
General experimental (e.g., psychophysiology, perception, cognition and performance, and development); and
Applied social psychology (e.g., cross-cultural and health psychology).
The specific objectives of the PhD program in clinical psychology are to train its students to be scientist-practitioners which, according to the Loma Linda University PhD clinical model, means that they will be given (a) a solid academic foundation, (b) high-level training in the empirical methods of science so that they are capable of conducting independent and original research, and (c) the skills to be highly competent clinicians from whom research and practice constantly inform each other.
Among the outcome measures used to determine the clinical PhD program's success in achieving the above-mentioned objectives are the following: (a) academic foundations -- course evaluations and the comprehensive examination; (b) training in empirical methods of science - a second year project or master's thesis: a doctoral dissertation; presentations, publications, and grants received; research and teaching assistantships; teaching positions in area colleges; and membership in scientific/professional organizations; (c) clinical skills - ongoing clinical evaluations; the quality and type of internships obtained; and the final clinical proficiency examination.
The specific objectives of the PsyD program are to train its students to be practitioner-scholars which, according to the Loma Linda University model, means training them with (a) a solid academic foundation, (b) the highest level of clinical skills, and (c) the ability to apply research relevant to clinical issues and cases.
Among the outcome measures used to determine the PsyD program's success in achieving the above-mentioned objectives are the following: (a) academic foundations - course evaluations and the comprehensive examination; (b) clinical skills - ongoing clinical evaluations; the quality and type of internships obtained; and the final clinical proficiency examination; (c) application of research - the doctoral project; involvement in community-based program development, evaluation, and consultation; and membership in professional organizations.
In all programs, the Department of Psychology emphasizes research and practice based on the scientific principles and methods of psychology and related disciplines. This emphasis in psychological science takes place within the context of an approach to human health and welfare, which is consistent with the institutional motto: "To Make Man Whole." Within this context a systematic attempt is made, through the wholeness component of the curriculum, to promote an understanding of human behavior in relation to the psychological, physical, spiritual, and social/cultural aspects of being human. In this way the Department of Psychology provides, in addition to the traditional training in psychology, a positive environment for the study of cultural, social, and spiritual issues relevant to psychological research and practice in contemporary American society and around the world.
Last Revised: Fri, Jun 29, 2007
