Excellence in Research and
Clinical Training
The 72-credit PhD program is designed to provide students with a rigorous classroom education, innovative research opportunities, and exciting and diverse clinical experiences. With faculty guidance and mentorship, students complete a master's thesis, a doctoral dissertation, and one tool of research. Students engage in fourĚýyear-long practicum experiences. In the first year, students learn humanistic and psychodynamic techniques in the American University Counseling Center. In later years, students learn and practice behavioral and cognitiveĚýtechniques in the department's James J. Gray Psychotherapy Training Clinic and the Clinic for Youth Anxiety & Related Disorders. Additionally, students complete multiple externships in DC area hospitals, mental health centers, and counseling centers and a one-year internship.
This program takes five to six years of full-time study to complete. Part-time study is not available. See all degree requirements.