Doctoral program in psychology added
Next spring, OCU will offer a new doctoral program in clinical psychology.
The program prepares students to provide psychological services in a variety of settings to address client mental health needs, including rural areas and with underserved populations.
"It is the continued mental health needs, lack of mental health providers, and the push to integrate mental health professionals within primary care that prompted the creation of this program to address those needs," said Melissa Hakman. She is an associate professor, chairs the department of psychology, and directs the child advocacy training program at OCU.
The 120-hour program consists of four years of coursework in theory, evidence-based practice of psychology, and practicum-based experiences. It includes a full-time, year-long pre-doctoral internship in the fifth year. The program fulfills accreditation guidelines of the American Psychological Association.
"Students who come through our program will receive a significant amount of attention and mentoring from faculty, given the low student-faculty ratio," said Hakman. "While there are required courses, students will also be able to select coursework that matches their interests and allows them to prepare for their future career path."
Courses are required in three core areas: General Psychology Core, Research Core, and Clinical Core. Students also choose from a variety of elective courses to gain additional skills in specific areas of focus. They gain clinical experience through practicums both in-house in the psychology training clinic as well as at external sites in the community.
For more information visit www.okcu.edu/admissions/graduate or contact Michael Harrington, maharrington@okcu.edu or 405-208-5094.
