<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>Coursework offered in National University's Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with a specialization in Mental Health Policy and Practice program could provide you with the opportunity to study administrative and management techniques, and concepts applicable to mental health policy development and clinical practices. Topics addressed in specialization courses include mental health policy evaluation and research methods, treatment effectiveness, strategic management in mental health organizations, policy and legal issues, and various therapies and treatments for mental health disorders. You will also study an overview of different mental health systems utilized in areas of behavioral disorders, education and criminal justice. Throughout the program, you will also take courses in statistical analysis and research design and methodology to help you develop and complete a final dissertation paper and oral presentation. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>You should have a master's degree and some professional experience before enrolling in National University's Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with a specialization in Mental Health Policy and Practice program. Strong organizational, analytical and decision making skills could be helpful for prospective students of this program. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You will be required to earn a total of 60 credits to successfully complete the Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with a specialization in Mental Health Policy and Practice program. A total of 18 credits are taken in specialization courses. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Number</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td><b>Required Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7101</td><td> Foundations for Doctoral Study in Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7102</td><td> Scholarly Writing and Professional Communication in Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7103</td><td>Research Methods</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7104</td><td>Statistics I</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7105</td><td>Tests and Measurements</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7106</td><td>Quantitative Research Design</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7107</td><td>Statistics II</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7108</td><td>Qualitative Research Design</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 7109</td><td>Planning Dissertation Research in Psychology</td></tr> <tr><td>CMP 9701P</td><td> Pre-Candidacy Prospectus</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Specialization Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>Students choose six:</td><td /></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8500</td><td> Mental Health Service Policy</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8501</td><td>Mental Health Administration and Management</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8502</td><td>Comparative Analysis of Psychotherapies</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8503</td><td>Evidence-Based Treatments</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8504</td><td>Psychology and Finance</td></tr> <tr><td>PSY 8505</td><td>Mental Health and the Courts</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Dissertation Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9901A</td><td> Components of the Dissertation</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9902A</td><td>The Dissertation Proposal</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9903A</td><td>Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Data Collection</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9904A</td><td>The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>As a graduate of National University's Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with a specialization in Mental Health Policy and Practice program, you could be prepared to assume executive or directorial positions in a variety of clinical or administrative settings. You might oversee the development and implementation of mental health or behavioral programs or policies for mental health clinics, federal or state government offices, hospitals, social services offices, or rehabilitation centers. Positions you could pursue include: </p> <ul><li>Mental Health Clinic Director </li><li>Mental Health Policy Administrator </li><li>Behavioral Health Program Director</li></ul>