& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Doctorate Degree Programs 263
Required Practica/Clinical Experiences
PYD870
Practicum I (2 cr.)
This initial clinical experience of 350 hours provides the opportunity to
refine clinical skills, integrate theoretical and conceptual bases, and
demonstrate advanced clinical proficiency for advancement in the program.
PYD871/872
Assessment Practicum I and II (total 4 cr.)
Prerequisites: PYD861, PYD862, PYD870
These two practicum experiences focus on the application of assessment
skills including testing, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. Each
assessment practicum is a minimum of 350 hours.
PYD873/874
Clinical Practicum I and II (total 4 cr.)
Prerequisites: PYD851, PYD852, PYD853, PYD854, PYD870
These clinical practica provide the opportunity to extend and deepen
clinical skills, refine theoretical and conceptual bases, and evaluate
clinical abilities and dispositions. Each clinical practicum is a minimum of
350 hours.
Required Internship
PYD885
Internship (1 cr. per semester)
This is a 2000-hour approved internship experience which can occur over
one to two years with a minimum of 20 hours per week at the programapproved
site.
Required Final Courses
PYD899
Clinical Dissertation (1 cr. per semester)
Individualized sessions are conducted with the candidate’s committee
chairperson to prepare the dissertation proposal and the dissertation, and to
present to the committee. Candidates are required to register for at least one
dissertation credit each semester until finished with a minimum of four credits
required to complete the program.
PYD900
Clinical Dissertation Defense (0 cr.)
Admission Requirements
Applicants may apply to a doctoral degree program for admission to fall
or spring semester. Applicants must have two years post-master’s work
experience in a mental health area. A master’s degree from a regionally
accredited institution, for which applicant maintained at least a 3.0 grade
point average on a 4.0 scale, is required for admission. The master’s
degree must be in a mental health related area (i.e. psychology,
marriage and family therapy, social work, counseling, nursing, or human
development). Applicants must have completed the following graduate
courses within the last 10years with a grade of “B” or better:
3. Biological Bases of Behavior (Psychophysiology, Psychobiology)
4. Multicultural Counseling
5. Statistics and/or Quantitative Research Design
6. Assessment
7. Psychopathology
8. Personality or Personality Theory
9. Counseling/Therapy Skills and Techniques
10. Ethics
In addition, applicants must have completed a clinical practicum of at
least two semesters.
Applicants may be admitted to the program, but may not begin
coursework, before all the prerequisites have been met.
Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for
successful graduate coursework.
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
1. Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee
(fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or
veterans and active military personnel) and,
2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University from the
institution granting the applicant’s completed master’s degree. (an
official transcript is one that is sent or carried to the university in an
envelope sealed by the granting institution. Transcripts from countries
other than the U.S. must be evaluated by a Saint Mary’s University of
Minnesota accepted evaluation source, such as World Education
Services, www.wes.org, and Educational Credential Evaluators,
www.ece.org, and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S.
University standards.) and,
3. All applicants must submit a personal statement which includes:
a. brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and
experience and,
b. statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or
her reasons for seeking admission to this program and,
c. description of the areas which the applicant considers to be his
or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to
develop greater strengths and abilities and,
d. personal information the applicant wishes to share.
4. Letter(s) of recommendation that verify professional and/or volunteer
experience and academic ability and,
5. A current résumé listing educational background and work
experience and,
6. All applicants must complete an interview with the program staff.
Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the
Office of Admission on the Twin Cities campus.
1. Developmental Psychology
2. Social Psychology, Group Dynamics or Family Relations