Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Field of Study: Psychology

Program Overview

There are two psychology PhD programs housed in Case Western Reserve's Department of Psychological Sciences. The first, the Clinical Psychology PhD program, is an American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited clinical psychology program emphasizing the scientist-practitioner model as articulated at the Boulder Conference. This perspective emphasizes the integration of science and practice in clinical psychology, giving equal emphasis to the roles of investigator and practitioner. We believe that clinical psychology, in its ideal form, is based on cross-fertilization of the science and practice of psychology. We aim to provide a common core of knowledge, methods, and philosophy that will be shared by students who pursue applied and scientific careers. Our program is designed to prepare students to draw from established theoretical frameworks, research findings, and empirically validated strategies as they conceptualize cases, plan treatment strategies, and administer interventions. Another aim is to prepare our students to be clinically informed in their conduct of research. The program prepares students not only to conduct empirical research but also to write integrative review papers. Because we also value skills in teaching, another goal is to prepare students to teach their own courses and to present their research and clinical work to professional audiences.

The second program is the Developmental, Cognitive, and Affective Sciences (DCAS) PhD program. This program's primary focus is research training with a faculty mentor. PhD students investigate topics in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, or affective sciences, ideally publishing papers, giving research presentations, and teaching at least one 1 credit hour class during their graduate training. Most of the students who complete our program pursue research and/or teaching careers.

PhD Policies

For PhD policies and procedures, please review the School of Graduate Studies section of the General Bulletin.

Program Requirements

The Department of Psychological Sciences offers full-time programs leading to a PhD in clinical or experimental psychology. These programs give students a thorough grounding in basic areas of psychological fact and theory and prepare them for careers as researchers, teachers, and practitioners. The Master of Arts degree can be earned in the department as part of work toward a doctorate.

Clinical Psychology Program. The department’s program in clinical psychology, which has been approved by the American Psychological Association, emphasizes the scientist-practitioner model. Students participate in an integrated curriculum of basic and applied courses, research activities, and practicum and pre-internship placements. The program’s goal is to prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the science and profession of psychology by instructing them in broad applications of clinical skills and research methods.

Developmental, Cognitive, and Affective Sciences Program. Doctoral training in developmental, cognitive, and affective sciences prepares the student for an academic career in teaching and research. The program offers concentrations in developmental psychology, adulthood and aging, cognitive psychology, developmental disabilities research, and social psychology. Faculty members help students develop flexible programs of study, according to individual interests.