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Clinical Psychology in Downers Grove

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Clinical Psychology professor and class

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Fast Facts

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Degrees

General Requirements

     Please see Admissions Requirements for more details.

Length of Program

4 to 5 years, full-time

Class Size for Individuals Matriculating in 2009

15

Practicum Placements

Internship Placement/Match Rate (2006-2010)

Since program inception in 2003, five classes have applied for internships.

Paid Internships

APPIC Internships

APA Internships

2-Year Internships

Time to Completion

Mean: 4.1 years; median: 4 years for incoming students with a Bachelor's degree

Mean: 4.2 years; medial: 4.3 years for incoming students with Advanced Standing

The program's first graduating class of Psy.D. students was in 2007.

Year of Matriculation # Enrolled # Graduated w/ Doctorate # Still Currently Enrolled # No Longer Enrolled
2003  8  8 (100%)  0 0
2004 15 10 (66%)  4    (27%) 1   (7%)
2005 21  6  (29%) 12   (57%) 3 (14%)
2006 22 21   (95%) 1   (5%)
2007 24 24 (100%) 0
2008 26 19   (73%)

7 (27%)
2009 15 15 (100%) 0

Graduation Rate

All students (100%) who matriculated into the program in 2003 graduated with the doctoral degree. A majority (66%) of students who matriculated into the program in 2004 graduated with the doctoral degree. Of those who matriculated into the program in 2005, 29% have graduated with the doctoral degree.

Details ››

Licensure

Varies by U.S. state where the practice is located. 

Year of Matriculation MWU Pass Count MWU Test Taker Count MWU Pass Rate
2003 7 8   88%
2004 1 1 100%

National passing rate in 2007 was 77%.

Career Opportunities

US Employment Projections through 2016

Above average growth (16 percent) for clinical and counseling specialists, especially for those holding doctorates and those working in school settings

Median Salary (2007)

Admission Requirements

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To be considered for admission within our competitive selection process, applicants must submit the following documented evidence: 

  1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  2. A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
  3. Completion of 18 semester hours or equivalent of prerequisite coursework in psychology with a grade of C or better including: Introduction to General Psychology, Human Growth & Development or Personality Theory, Abnormal Psychology, Statistics or Tests and Measurements. 
  4. Graduate Records Examination (GRE) general test scores using the Midwestern University institution code of 1769
    • Scores will be accepted from tests taken no earlier than January 1, 2006 
    • For more information about the GRE, contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 866/473-4373 or visit www.gre.org
    • Substitution of Miller Analogies or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores instead of the GRE Scores will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
  5. Demonstration of a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities
  6. Motivation for and commitment to health care as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences
  7. Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues
  8. Commitment to abide by Midwestern University’s Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy
  9. Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check

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Program Description

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Program Philosophy

The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Program follows the practitioner scholar model of preparation that was accepted by the American Psychological Association at the Vail Conference. This model recognizes the ongoing need in society for expertly trained practitioners in the field of clinical psychology. The practitioner scholar philosophy dictates that competent practitioners are required to have an extensive understanding of the theoretical principles in the clinical practice of psychology and the ability to utilize the knowledge in specific clinical situations. This program philosophy is to educate and train individuals to enter careers emphasizing the delivery of direct psychological services and consultation. Relevant theory, research, and field experiences are integrated toward the development of competent and ethical practitioners who are respectful of individual and cultural differences in the provision of psychological services.

The Doctor of Psychology degree is designed to be a professional degree similar to the doctoral degrees provided in medicine, law, pharmacy, physical therapy, and dentistry. The Psy.D. has become the degree of choice for persons interested in becoming a high-level practitioner when pursuing a career in clinical psychology. The curriculum for the program does not follow any one theoretical perspective; rather the emphasis is upon the development of the essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills for the practice of clinical psychology.

The overall goal is to prepare students for careers in the practice of professional psychology. There are eight specific goals defined as competencies.

Program Objectives

  1. Relationship Competency: The relationship competence requires a demonstration of interpersonal skills. This includes the capacity to develop and maintain a constructive working alliance with clients. The ability to consult and collaborate with others, such as peers, colleagues, students, supervisors, and members of other disciplines, consumers of services and community organizations is considered part of relationship skills. The knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to this competency are: open-mindedness, belief in the capacity for change in human attitudes and behavior, appreciation of individual and cultural diversity, personal integrity and honesty, and belief in the value of self-awareness.
  2.  Assessment Competency: The assessment competence is grounded in the foundation of knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes in the areas of human development and psychopathology. The assessment competence requires an ability to acquire and synthesize multiple sources of data to develop appropriate diagnoses and treatment plans and to communicate that information in an effective manner. Students learn the importance of cultural factors in the assessment process. Competence in assessment is identified through the development of proficiency in the administration, scoring and interpretation of standard assessment instruments.
  3. Intervention Competency: This intervention competence requires students to demonstrate an ability to intervene with clients from an identified theoretical perspective. Intervention is the ability to develop realistic formulations for understanding psychological issues using relevant theory and research while effectively implementing and revising treatment strategies; to evaluate the effectiveness of chosen intervention approaches; to recognize the limitations of different perspectives; and to adjust traditional models of treatment and intervention planning to effectively meet the needs of diverse populations. Students demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes congruent with evidence-based practice rationales and can articulate them.
  4. Research and Evaluation Competency: This research and evaluation competence rests on the student’s foundation of knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes in the areas of tests and measurements, statistics, and research design. This competency is the ability to organize, synthesize and interpret scholarly information; to integrate scholarly findings into clinical practice; to expand awareness of the limitations of clinical and scientific inquiry; to design and critique approaches of inquiry; to expand understanding of the foundations of scientific psychology; and to recognize the social, cultural, and political process in the production of scientific knowledge.
  5. Consultation and Education Competency: This consultation and education competence is the ability and skill needed to teach others through oral and written presentations, to provide feedback regarding an individual or system to multiple sources; to facilitate and evaluate growth of knowledge, skills, and attitudes in a learner; to effectively provide peer consultation and constructive feedback; and to develop a productive relationship with service providers.
  6. Management and Supervision Competency: This management and supervision competence relates to the ability to show an understanding of the business aspects of psychological practice while being aware of the relevant laws and standards of practice; to effectively use supervision and professional review; to develop supervisory skills toward use in administration; to effectively manage cases; to have an awareness of contemporary issues related to the regulation and practice of psychology; and to integrate outcomes from scholarship to maintain quality control.
  7. Diversity Competency: This diversity competence is the ability to articulate one’s own cultural impact on values and world view; to understand the psychological impact of privilege, prejudice, cultural and sociopolitical structures; to identify individual variation across cultures and pathology; and to appreciate the impact of culture on the historical and philosophical foundations of psychology.
  8. Professionalism Competency: This professionalism competence is defined by the ability to apply ethical and professional standards to interactions with clients and with others including peers, supervisors, faculty, and other professionals; to become acclimated to the profession through advisement, modeling and education; to engage in quality control; to be effective in various professional roles; and to have a commitment to life-long learning. Professionalism also includes the ability to maintain self-care, the ability to demonstrate self-reflection, the maintenance of appropriate boundaries, and a willingness to recognize errors and respond appropriately. Students must demonstrate a professional manner and follow the professional and university codes of ethics and conduct.

Mission

The Midwestern University Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology Program is designed to educate and train students in the general practice of clinical psychology. The program of study integrates theory, research, professional practice, and training to provide an excellent education for a variety of careers in psychology and related behavioral sciences. The program prepares clinicians who can work with a diverse population of persons who are in need of psychological services.

Planned Program Improvements

Addtional advanced courses in the following areas will continue to be offered: Advanced Social-Cultural Bases of Behavior and Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior II.

The Psychopharmacology sequence will be enhanced by the continuing integration of faculty instruction from the Clinical Psychology Program and the College of Pharmacy.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

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Accreditation

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Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413; 800/621-7440. The Psy.D. degree program is not currently accredited by the American Psychological Association. Accreditation information can be obtained from the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE; Washington, DC 20002-4242. Phone: 202/336-5979; TDD/TTY: 202/336-6123. Web Site: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/status.html

National Register Status

This program meets the Association of State & Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology "Guidelines for Defining 'Doctoral Degree in Psychology.' " Therefore, graduates of this designated program who decide to apply for licensing as a psychologist typically will meet the educational requirements for licensing. However, in each jurisdiction, there are additional requirements that must be satisfied. For exact information please contact the state or provincial licensing board in the jurisdiction in which you plan to apply.

Once licensed, graduates are eligible to apply for credentialing as a Health Service Provider in Psychology. Graduation from a designated program means that the program you completed typically meets the educational requirements for credentialing by the National Register. However, there are additional requirements that must be satisfied prior to being credentialed by the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. For further information, consult the National Register's web site: www.nationalregister.org

Related Links

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MWU Clinical Psychology Program in Glendale

Clinical Psychology as a Career

American Academy of Clinical Psychology

American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)

American Psychological Association (APA)

American Psychological Society (APS)

Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC)

National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP)

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Psychology Links from APS

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