Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology
Primary Clinical Psychology Goal
The Baylor University’s Doctor of Psychology (i.e., Psy.D.) Program aims to prepare clinicians whose practice is rooted in the science of psychology and who are prepared to thoughtfully and actively contribute to the science of psychology and its application.
The program aims to develop students’ competencies in the following 9 areas:
- A broad knowledge base for competent clinical practice and evidence of a commitment to lifelong learning in clinical psychology
- Entry-level competence in psychological assessment skills
- Broadly conceived intervention skills
- A commitment to ethical clinical and professional practice
- Proficiency in differential diagnosis, assessment, intervention, case conceptualization, integration, and case formulation in a full-time clinical setting
- The ability to recognize, value, understand, and respond to cultural and individual differences and diversity in clinical psychology
- Consultation and supervision skills in clinical psychology
- Integrative and analytical research skills
- Identity as a clinical psychologist and preparation to assume a vital role in clinical, university, or independent practice settings.
Baylor’s Psy.D. program can best be described as a practitioner-scientist model of training. A thoughtful adaptation of the scientist-practitioner model of training, the Baylor Psy.D. emphasizes the preparation of clinicians whose practice is rooted in the science of psychology and who are prepared to thoughtfully and actively contribute to the science of psychology and its application. We agree that clinical psychologists should be trained as Health Service Providers prepared to contribute broadly to an evolving healthcare environment as described in the blueprint for clinical psychology training recently proposed by the Health Service Psychology Education Collaborative (HSPEC).
A major focus of the program is coursework and supervised clinical experience through which clinical competencies can be developed. The curriculum is designed to develop a strong base in the theoretical underpinnings of culturally sensitive clinical assessment and intervention. From this base, students engage in closely supervised clinical practicum placements, which vary in their emphases and theoretical orientations. Clinical experience and coursework are consolidated through a graduated process of evaluation that emphasizes the integration of classroom learning and practical supervised experiences. Involvement in clinical research is an important focus for the model. Contributions to the science of psychology may be thought of as existing on a continuum from peer-reviewed publications to carefully designed evaluations of one’s clinical practice to ensure continual improvement and development.
The Psy.D. program at Baylor University has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1976. Currently, the Doctor of Psychology program, housed within the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience at Baylor University, is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation
Baylor, the world’s largest Baptist university, holds a Carnegie classification as an "R1" research institution. Baylor’s mission is to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community. Baylor entered the ranks of R1 universities, pursuing research excellence while reaffirming and deepening its distinctive Christian mission as described in the strategic plan, Baylor In Deeds.