As the nation’s capital and headquarters of the American Psychological Association (APA), the District of Columbia is home to several respected doctoral programs in psychology. Each year these programs produce leaders in the field of psychology who are well prepared to lead organizations like the APA, university psychology programs, and some of the area’s top clinical sites and research centers. Prospective doctoral students will also find a range of financial assistance options, including fellowships, scholarships, and grants.
American University
College of Arts and Sciences
After American University received congressional Charter in 1893 and was officially dedicated by President Wilson in 1914, the first 75 students were admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences in 1925 – known back then as the College of Liberal Arts. As the largest college within the university today, this college boasts over 150 degrees, a student population 2,931-strong, and a faculty of 339 full-time members.
Clinical Psychology PHD
This program ensures students have a well-rounded education that includes both research and applied clinical psychology, focusing particularly on the scientist-practitioner model of training and education. Students can participate in a variety of research laboratories as well as work closely with faculty mentors on topics that include cognitive behavioral theory, treatment, and processes. Students may prefer to work closely with a faculty mentor, whose specializations range from borderline personality disorder, sports psychology, and eating disorders, to trichotillamania, drug expectancies, and African-American issues. As part of this program students must complete at least 72 graduate-level credits and a dissertation. Clinical students participate in a one-year externship as well as a one-year internship.
Accreditation
- This program has been accredited by the APA’s Committee on Accreditation (CoA) since 1972, and has additionally been accredited by the National Register/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (NR/ASPPB) since 1981.
Contact
College of Arts and Sciences
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
202-885-2446
[email protected]
Program Website
Catholic University of America
Department of Psychology
The Catholic University of America’s Department of Psychology was one of the first of its kind to be established in the country, founded in 1891. The department offers a full range of courses beginning at the undergraduate level and culminating in doctoral studies. Graduates have gone on to be leaders in traditional fields such as mental health, research, and academia, as well as fields like law, medicine, and business.
Clinical Psychology PHD
Research skills as well as the application of clinical practice are both emphasized in this program. Graduates are well-versed in the programs main goals: competence in all aspects of conducting clinical research and the practice of clinical psychology, as well as learning professional behaviors and attitudes that are necessary for success as a psychologist. Students work within the close supervision of faculty members as they complete an initial two-year research apprenticeship, followed by the doctoral dissertation. Students can also choose from a broad range of options to complete practica, externships, and internships. During their fifth year – ninth and tenth semesters – students will complete their dissertation, take their oral exams, and complete a one-year internship.
Accreditation
- This program has held accreditation by the APA’s Committee on Accreditation (CoA) since 1948, and has been accredited by the National Register/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (NR/ASPPB) since 1981.
Contact
Department of Psychology
O’Boyle Hall Room 314
The Catholic University of America
Washington DC 20064
(202) 319-5750
[email protected]
Program Website
George Washington University
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology
Each year around 10 new PhDs graduate from the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Psychology. The department includes 20 tenured faculty and an additional 30 other faculty members. The first student to earn a PhD graduated in 1923, and would go on to create the MCAT medical school admissions test to be used throughout the United States, as well as Canada and Australia.
Clinical Psychology PHD
Students complete this program focusing on the applied-science approach to psychology. Professors come from a variety of specialized backgrounds that include community frameworks, family systems, social ecology, and cognitive-behavioral. With doctoral students completing 72 semester graduate credits, which includes up to 15 credits for a dissertation and related research, and approximately 33 hours of credits of clinical coursework. Clinical training includes at least two assessment practica, and at least one therapy practicum. Students must also complete two externships at large in the wider community.
Professional Psychology Program PsyD
This program totals four years of education and training in clinical psychology. This breaks down as three years in residence completing a curriculum at GWU’s Center Clinic, a community mental health center, followed by a one-year full-time internship at an approved location in the community. Focusing on psychodynamic approaches to education, students combine theoretical knowledge in this field with practice-acquired experience. This doctoral degree totals 83 semester credits. The director of this PsyD program specializes in developmental psychopathology, gene-environment interaction, and research methodology.
Accreditation
- The clinical PhD program has been accredited by the APA’s Committee on Accreditation (CoA) since 1970, and has held accreditation from the National Register/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (NR/ASPPB) since 1981.
Contact
Department of Psychology
Columbian College of Arts & Sciences
2125 G St., NW
Washington, DC 20052
Phone: 202-994-6320
[email protected]
Program Website
Howard University
Howard University offers two relevant doctoral programs in psychology for tomorrow’s leaders in their field: a PhD program in clinical psychology through its College of Arts and Sciences, and a PhD program in counseling psychology through its School of Education. Both of these programs graduate students who go on to achieve their career goals as academicians, researchers, clinical psychologists, and other industry leaders in the field of psychology.
College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology
The Department of Psychology is one of the university’s largest and most dynamic units of research-oriented education. Students with a high academic potential can apply to the doctoral program. Every year students work closely with faculty to produce some of the area’s leading research in the field of psychology.
Clinical Psychology PHD
Winning the APA’s Minority Achievement Award in 2005, the clinical PhD program has consistently demonstrated excellence in preparing its graduates to be scientist-practitioners who are competent, ethical, and culturally relevant as researchers and practitioners. Over the course of five years students complete their required graduate courses along with practica experiences, choosing either an adult or child-adolescent track. Students complete four years of pre-internship clinical experience at locations in the community, followed by an internship that can be completed at locations throughout the nation. Recent local internship placements have included the Howard University Counseling Center, Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, and the DC Superior Court.
Howard University School of Education
HUSOE has been preparing students to be leaders in education since 1890, and currently produces the largest number of doctoral students of all schools in the university. Students in the HUSOE have access to two of the capital’s leading research centers, the Journal of Negro Education and an early learning program for children age three to five.
Counseling/Educational/School Psychology PHD
Training tomorrow’s scientist-practitioner psychologists, this PhD program graduates professionals who can identify and use culturally relevant intervention and prevention strategies tailored to individual clients. Graduates of this program have gone on to lead organizations like counseling centers in universities, medical centers, schools, and veterans hospitals, excel in private practice, and direct professional organizations. The program is five years in length, comprised of 117 semester credits, and includes a practicum, internship, supervised professional training, and a researched dissertation. Students can choose a major of counseling psychology, educational psychology, or school psychology
Accreditation
- The clinical psychology PhD program has been accredited by the APA’s Committee on Accreditation (CoA) since 1987, and by the National Register/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (NR/ASPPB) since 1981.
- The counseling psychology PhD program has been accredited by the APA’s Committee on Accreditation (CoA) since 2002, and by the National Register/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (NR/ASPPB) since 1993. The school psychology PhD program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Contact
Department of Psychology
Howard University
525 Bryant Street, NW
Room N-179, CB Powell Building
Washington DC 20059
(202) 806-6805
[email protected]
Program Website
Howard University School of Education
Howard University
2441 4th Street NW
Washington, DC 20059
(202) 806-7340
[email protected]
Program Website
Galludet University
Established by an act of Congress in 1864, Galludet University’s charter was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. Galludet holds the distinction of being the only university in the world with programs that are specifically designed for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. This school offers two relevant doctoral degree programs in this field, a clinical psychology program and a school psychology program, both of which focus on the practice of psychology with the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Department of Psychology
The goal of this department is to provide students with a scholarly understanding of psychology and its application to the lives of hard of hearing and deaf persons. This takes place in the context of producing leaders in the field of psychology, both in the scientific and applied areas of the discipline. Students learn in a bilingual environment through a rigorous academic and practical curriculum.
Clinical Psychology PHD
This PhD program in clinical psychology provides a specialization for working with people who are deaf and hard of hearing. It is based on the scholar-practitioner training model, offering courses for students with early as well as late onset hearing loss. Students are trained in both theoretical and clinical skills. The program is five years in length, and includes a researched dissertation, an internship, a clinical externship, and comprehensive examinations.
School Psychology PsyD
This PsyD program also provides students with the opportunity for a sub-specialization in deafness. Subjects such as respect for diversity, practitioner skills, educational planning, and basic psychology are integrated in this program to provide graduates with the skills they need to be leaders in their professional fields. Students can graduate in a little as three years and will complete an internship, externship, and practicum. The curriculum is at least six semesters and includes at least 72 credits.
Accreditation
- The clinical psychology PhD program has been accredited by the APA’s Committee on Accreditation (CoA) since 1995, and by the National Register/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (NR/ASPPB) since 1994.
- The school psychology PhD program is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Contact
Graduate Admissions Office
Gallaudet University, Kendall Hall 101
800 Florida Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20002-3695
(202) 651-5400 (TTY/V)
(202) 250-2006 (VP)
[email protected]
Program Website
With unique programs that are found no where else in the world, and located in the nation’s capital, DC’s doctoral programs in psychology present students with a special opportunity to achieve the education they need to be leaders in their professional fields and gain their maximum career potential.
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