Frequently Asked Questions 
PCOM PsyD in Clinical Psychology

PCOM's APA-accredited Clinical PsyD program trains practitioner-scholar psychologists to offer assessment, therapeutic interventions and follow-up which are firmly rooted in methods of scientific inquiry. We offer specialized training in cognitive-behavioral therapy.

At PCOM, we train psychologists to work in primary care settings or in collaboration with the primary care physician and other healthcare members to treat the whole person. Our focus on interprofessional education, advocacy and emphasis on the underserved also sets us apart.

Our students have the unique opportunity to demonstrate their acquisition of these skills through standardized patient (SP) simulations, during which students conduct assessments, therapy sessions and interprofessional collaborative patient-centered care. "SPs" are individuals who are trained to realistically simulate mental health and medical conditions in a standardized way.

PCOM’s PsyD program in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: https://accreditation.apa.org/contact

The Clinical PsyD program must be completed on a full-time basis according to the prescribed course sequence in order to maintain cohesion and support within a cohort, to fully benefit from the developmentally progressive and sequential curriculum and to allow students to fulfill the program residency requirements established by the American Psychological Association.

No, however all incoming students may seek to have two graduate courses (6 credits) applied toward their doctoral coursework by taking a waiver exam for Lifespan Development, Social Psychology and/or Psychopathology.

Students may take an exam for one, two or all three of these courses. Those who pass the exam(s) will receive credits for up to two of the courses as credit toward the PsyD core curriculum requirements. This means that if students are successful on the exam(s) they will not be responsible for taking, and paying tuition for, up to two PsyD courses to earn their degree. Students will receive credit for these courses and do not have to make up the credits later in the program. There is no cost to take the exams.

Courses are held on weekday evenings from 4-7 p.m., and 7:15-10:15 p.m. A few courses are offered on weekends (typically electives and ethics courses).

We utilize a quarter term system: fall term is August-November, winter term is November-February, spring term is March-June and summer term is June-August. There is typically a one-week break between terms.

Practicum is required for a minimum of 24 hours per week during the daytime, Monday through Friday.

The comprehensive examination is a multi-part exam. The take-home essay portion is taken following the completion of the first two years of required coursework. The STEPPS portion of the exam is administered in three parts, one each in the spring/summer following completion of years one, two, and three.

Students are given three attempts at successfully completing each portion of the comprehensive exam. The exams must be taken upon eligibility according to the prescribed course sequence.

Upon the successful completion of all portions, doctoral candidacy is achieved and students are awarded the MS in Clinical Psychology degree.