Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Therapeutic strategies, assessment and intervention methods, and psychology theories are among the main focuses of Walden University's Ph.D. in Psychology program with a specialization in Clinical Psychology. Area of specialization courses provide overviews, diagnoses, and treatment options of various psychological disorders in addition to counseling strategies, cultural diversity issues in psychology, and the use of medications for treating many types of disorders. The core program covers theories and practices in social psychology, psychotherapy, personality, human development, assessments, cognition, and human development. Students must also attend face-to-face residencies, complete a two-term practicum and research dissertation, and log 2,000 hours of field experience. Field work entails assessing and treating patients in clinical settings under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Prior to entering Walden University's Ph.D. in Psychology program with a specialization in Clinical Psychology, you must possess a master's degree and have some experience in a clinical psychology setting.

What Are the Program Requirements?

You must earn 159 quarter credits to successfully complete the Ph.D. in Psychology program with a specialization in Clinical Psychology at Walden University. This doctoral program consists of 106 credits in the core curriculum, 15 credits of elective courses, a six-credit clinical practicum, a 20-credit dissertation, and 12-credit internship. Additional requirements include an Academic Year in Residence and four 4-day Ph.D. residencies.

Core Course Requirements

• Foundations of Graduate Study in Clinical Psychology
• Lifespan Development
• Interventions I
• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Social Psychology
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Tests and Measurement
• Psychopathology From a Clinical Perspective
• Biopsychology
• Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Ethics and Standards of Psychological Practice
• Cognitive Assessment
• Personality Assessment
• Multicultural Psychology
• Consultation and Supervision in Psychology
• Interventions II
• Writing a Quality Prospectus in Psychology
• Clinical Psychopharmacology
• Psychology and Social Change
• Choose one of the following courses:
  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis
• Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
• History and Systems of Psychology

Dissertation and Field Experience Requirements

• Dissertation Research
• Clinical Practicum
• Clinical Internship

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

You may be eligible to take required state licensing examinations after graduating from Walden University's Ph.D. in Psychology program with a specialization in Clinical Psychology. Upon successful completion of these exams, you could seek work in a variety of professional environments, including in- or outpatient mental health clinics, community centers, hospitals, research facilities, or in private practice. You might also choose a career in academics. Positions graduates could pursue include:

• Clinical director
• Clinical research psychologist
• Clinical program manager
• College or university instructor

Career opportunities may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.