Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

The Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at St. John’s consists of four years of full-time coursework and related practicum experience, followed by a one-year clinical internship (or equivalent) in an approved setting and completion of a doctoral dissertation.

The program prepares broadly trained, competent, psychological professionals in a variety of psychodiagnostic and intervention procedures as well as in research. Students are required to demonstrate their ability to understand and interpret the research of others as well as to design and execute relevant research of their own. The program prepares students to function in the diverse professional, academic, and research roles performed by clinical psychologists. It does so by offering broad exposure to the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of general psychology while also providing extensive training in strategies and techniques of assessment and intervention.

The program philosophy is based on the scientist/practitioner model of training involving a logical progression of coursework and fieldwork experiences toward the development of research and clinical competencies. In addition, the program abides by the ethical principles of the profession, shows respect for individual rights and dignity, is committed to service to its community, and demonstrates through its teaching and clinical training an appreciation of the importance of cultural diversity.

The Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology offers two major areas of study: Adult, a specialty area focusing on education and training with adult clinical populations, and Child and Adolescent, which offers advanced training in child psychology. Students elect, at the point of application to the program, one of two major areas of study within the Clinical Psychology program in which they can pursue more concentrated training opportunities: (1) Adult; or (2) Child and Adolescent.

Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. St. John’s University has not determined requirements for individual states beyond New York. If you reside or plan to reside outside New York you are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate state licensing agency in that state to seek information and guidance before beginning the program.