Curriculum Content

Instruction in the fundamental content areas of psychology includes learning, developmental psychology, physiological psychology, and social psychology. Personality theory is taught in clinical courses. The history and systems of psychology are taught as part of courses in both core and clinical areas. Ethical issues are taught as an integral part of practicum training, in practicum seminars, and in clinical and core courses.

Education in research methodology in the Virginia Consortium includes course-work, research assistantships, and an empirical dissertation. Required courses include advanced statistics, research design, and research in psychotherapy. Assistantships provide experience in the conduct of research. The dissertation, an empirical study coordinated with the student's chosen area of advanced study, completes research training.

Training in psychological service delivery is accomplished in a coordinated sequence of clinical courses and practica that are generic in both content and theoretical orientation. Various models are taught, e.g.,   cognitive behavioral,  psychodynamic psychotherapy, and family systems. No single theoretical model, intervention modality, or client population is pre-eminent.

Advanced education and training in the third year is comprised of elective and required courses, practica, and an empirical dissertation. The student chooses a program-sponsored concentration (currently, neuropsychology), or designs an individual area of advanced education and training by coordinating approved resources.

See also Course Sequence.