PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology

The Department of Psychology at Duquesne University educates students who are sensitive to the assumptions that underlie any effort to understand human beings, and the historical, cultural, relational, and embodied character of all human thought and activity. Accordingly, faculty and graduates are sensitive to the multiple meanings of existence, work towards the liberation and well being of persons individually as well as in community, and do so with a deep and abiding consideration of ethics. The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program is an advanced course of study specializing in human science approaches to clinical psychology, integrating theory, research, and clinical practice. Psychology as a Human Science: The Duquesne University Psychology Department is renowned throughout the world for its scholarship in the area of human science psychology. What does it mean to conceive and practice psychology as a “human science?” This approach includes a variety of interpretative perspectives sharing common roots and similar understandings about what it is to be human. These perspectives guide the goals and methods of research and practice. Traditionally, the natural sciences have relied on quantitative, experimental research methods to achieve their goal of prediction and control. Human science psychologists have long held that while this approach may be appropriate when applied to physical objects (such as those studied by physics and chemistry), it is often inappropriate when applied to human phenomena such as history, culture, art, and much of psychology. The psychological study of human beings often requires distinctive methodologies which seek to understand people and which enable the sharing of this understanding in the service of health and well-being. Following from this perspective, human science psychology emphasizes qualitative research that explores questions regarding meaning, values, experience, and culture. Similarly, in the field of clinical psychology, human science psychologists incorporate this perspective and its research findings into the practice of psychotherapy. Duquesne's emphasis on psychology as a human science means that coursework fosters critical and creative thinking about the nature of psychological phenomena and about the presumed facts discovered in research and practice. Students are encouraged to consider the assumptions about human beings that underlie various therapeutic and research approaches, theories, and practices, and to discover the relevance of psychology in their own experience and daily life. Goals, Objectives, and Competencies: To educate students to conduct themselves with professionalism appropriate to the complex nature of clinical psychology and that is founded on reflexivity, interpersonal competence, ethical principles, and a deep respect for cultural diversity. To prepare scholar-practitioners who are well grounded in the discipline of psychology conceived broadly as a human science, to educate and train students to competently conduct psychological assessments, to educate and train students to be competent psychotherapists, to educate and train students to be competent teachers and supervisors. Careers: Graduates find positions in independent practice, community clinics, medical and managed care facilities, and in academic and research settings. It is possible to complete the program in five years, but most students graduate in six or seven years.