The curriculum, interwoven with field training experiences, is
evolving and under constant review. It will undoubtedly continue
to change over the years as the field of clinical psychology
changes and expands. The challenge is not only to keep training
and course offerings "up-to-date," but to make active decisions
about the directions we at Michigan wish our Clinical Program to
take into the future.
The first year entails study in general psychology, clinical
theory and research, a course in multicultural issues and
clinical psychology, "breadth" or "outside the Clinical Area
core-courses," and a course [with accompanying lab] in clinical
assessment. An independent, Master's level research project is
also initiated during this year [see below]. The second year
entails further study in clinical theory, assessment, ethics,
and history of clinical psychology. During this year the student
finishes courses in statistical methods, concludes the Master's
equivalent research project, and completes course requirements
in cognate fields outside of psychology. The student is also
involved in practicum training on a part-time [6-8 hour a week]
basis in local agencies. The second year concludes with the
written "preliminary examination." Passing this exam, along with
the completion of the Master's level research project and all
required course work [including clinical practica], then
qualifies the students for a Master's Degree and, upon
application, limited licensure within the State of Michigan. The
third and fourth years of the program may be considered as a
unit. In this period, the student continues elective course work
and expands his or her clinical experiences in consecutive half-
time internships suitable to his or her developing interests and
training needs. A significant task during this span of time is
the student's development and completion, with guidance of a
faculty committee, of an individualized program of advanced
study and the "dissertation prospectus." The fifth year of
study, whether involving an additional half time internship, or
whether given over primarily to research, should be
substantially devoted to the doctoral dissertation.
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