Psy.D. in Clinical and School Psychology

JMU’s oldest doctoral program, the clinical and school psychology program produces leading professional psychologists who are broadly trained in the science and practice of psychology.

The mission of the clinical and school psychology (Psy.D.) doctoral program is to produce leading professional psychologists who are broadly trained in the science and practice of psychology, actively self-reflective, and optimally prepared to work in a wide variety of settings with a diverse clientele and demonstrably committed to an ethic of personal responsibility, social awareness, and global engagement.

Combined-Integrated training is an innovative concept that merges the traditional professional areas of clinical, counseling, and school psychology into a generalist approach that provides students with a broad foundation from which to operate. A generalist orientation opens up pathways to draw from each of the three practice areas in a manner that is complementary and synergistic. The rationale for C-I training stems from the fact that there is a) tremendous overlap in the basic training of the three specialty areas of clinical, counseling, and school psychology; b) there is a need to define the core competencies of professional psychologists, and c) there are emerging trends for greater unity within the field.

In regards to training objectives, we work to graduate psychologists to serve as general practitioners, primary care providers, and health service psychologists who can:

• Understand and integrate contributions and perspectives from three major areas of applied activity in our larger field (i.e., clinical, counseling, and school psychology);
• Develop conceptualizations of human behavior that integrate biological, psychological, and social dimensions of analysis;
• Integrate various theoretical perspectives into a coherent whole; and
• Work effectively in an interprofessional context.

A limited number of full-time students are admitted each year. All students receive full-time teaching or graduate assistantship that includes tuition.

The clinical and school psychology (Psy.D.) doctoral program exhibits a strong commitment to diversity through:

• A required course specific to multicultural issues
• Multicultural/gender issues covered in coursework throughout the curriculum
• Practical experiences with clients from a variety of cultures and backgrounds
• Faculty with interests in international issues

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

When students graduating from James Madison University proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they’re more than just educated. They’re members of a fellowship of doers. They know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and they’ve become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Only two hours from Washington D.C., JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education. That’s because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are at JMU because they want to pursue knowledge and teach talented students.

JMU students, faculty and alumni are using equal parts intellect and action to succeed in every sort of pursuit: they’re boosting innovation and discovery, leading in business, advancing culture, improving health care, reforming education, renewing civil society, competing in athletics — they’re Being the Change in every imaginable way.