Dr. Andrew Franklin
Associate Director of Clinical Training
(757) 823-2241
asfranklin@nsu.edu
Program Website
https://sci.odu.edu/vcpcp/
Program Description
The Clinical Ph.D. Program is jointly sponsored by Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University. It is administered through The Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, a cooperative mechanism for coordinating the resources of the sponsoring schools. The combined efforts of these institutions give considerable breadth and depth to this unique program. Students take classes at both institution and are engaged in research activities and clinical work throughout their training.
The program follows a scientist-practitioner model whose mission is to graduate practicing clinical psychologists who are prepared to pursue research and clinical careers. The Program aims to provide balanced training in both science and practice. We strive to graduate clinical psychologists who are competent in individual and cultural diversity, educated in the basic subjects and methods of psychological science, capable of generating and critically assimilating new knowledge, proficient in the delivery and evaluation of psychological services, and able to assume leadership positions in academic or health service delivery systems.
Detailed information about the program is available at the programs website.
In compliance with federal disclosure regulations, The Virginia Consortium provides all prospective students with information about the degree to which the Program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the U.S. (states, territories, and the District of Columbia) on its program website (located at the bottom).
Accreditation
American Psychological Association
Consultation/Accreditation
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-336-5979/Fax 202-336-5978
Email: apaaccred@apa.org
Please see the Consortium website at www.odu.edu/vcpcp for the most up-to-date program and catalog information.
Degree Requirements
To be awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, the student must have met the following specific requirements:
- The successful completion of four full years (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters) of full-time study beyond the baccalaureate, or the equivalent. In addition, the successful completion of an internship that is a full-time experience for one calendar year or a half-time experience for two calendar years, with at least two hours per week of formally scheduled individual supervision. See www.odu.edu/vcpcp under program for our Program Handbook that contains curriculum information.
- Each doctoral student must pass the comprehensive written and oral qualifying examination before being admitted to candidacy.
- Students must complete a foundational research project (FRP) by the end of fall semester of their third year. Students entering with a master’s degree may be exempt from the FRP but are expected to be actively engaged in research with their research mentor beginning in the first year.
- Each student must propose, conduct, and successfully defend a clinical dissertation. The defense is not limited to the topic of the dissertation.
- Students are required to have a GPA of 3.00 or better to be awarded the Ph.D. degree. Those who complete the course requirements for the degree but have a deficiency in GPA may be given an opportunity to increase their GPA by repeating up to 9 credits of prior coursework in which relative deficiencies were exhibited.
- All requirements for the doctoral degree must be completed within seven calendar years from the time the student begins the doctoral program.
Exemption from Required Courses
On the basis of demonstrated proficiency, a student may be granted a reduction in required courses. Proficiency must be established to the satisfaction of the course instructor and the Directors.
Required courses within The Virginia Consortium curriculum previously completed in another program at one of the participating institutions will be documented on the student's transcript. The student will not be required to duplicate the course(s).
The entire exemption process must be completed no later than two weeks after the beginning of the course(s) in question. Course waiver forms are available in the Program's Administrative Office.
Practicum Training
Development of clinical skills and competencies through supervised experience is a crucial component of the Program. The Virginia Consortium provides a systematic sequence of supervised practica in which students apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom. Placements are arranged to assure that each student is exposed to several settings and populations.
Practicum training is offered in a variety of diverse settings, such as mental health centers, medical hospitals, a veterans' medical center, psychiatric hospitals, public school systems, university counseling centers, social services clinics, private practices, and neuropsychology - rehabilitation. Some practicum sites require criminal background checks and drug testing.
Admissions
Requirements
Academic qualifications of applicants are evaluated to assure that students are capable of meeting the educational requirements of the Program. Applications are evaluated with regard to undergraduate and graduate grade point average, letters of recommendation, and relevant clinical experience. Of equal importance are personal characteristics conducive to the development of professional competence in dealing effectively with a variety of underserved populations. An attempt is made to admit students who are a "good match" with the Program, its resources and its mission.
Admission to the Program is limited to 4-6 students per year. To be considered for admission to the Program, an applicant must satisfy the following criteria:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education;
- Have an acceptable academic background in psychology - approximately 20-30 credit hours;
- Submit official transcripts indicating all coursework completed, grades achieved, and degrees received;
- Submit a statement indicating professional goals and academic objectives (refer to application blank for specific detail) - and include a vita or resume;
- Submit three letters of recommendation;
- Complete a personal interview.
Please note: The GRE General Test for the Fall 2024 admission cycle is optional for applications submitted fall 2023.
Application Procedures
Application to The Virginia Consortium must be made on Consortium materials only. The Virginia Consortium's deadlines, application fee, and evaluation procedures are independent and separate from the three Consortium universities' graduate school policies.
How to Obtain an Application
Application materials are available from August - December. They may be accessed from the Program's web site at www.odu.edu/vcpcp/
Application Deadline
Complete an application by going to the Admissions page at www.odu.edu/vcpcp. Application materials and fee must be received by. December 1. There is no fee waiver policy.
Application Review
Applications are reviewed by members of the Program's Admissions Committee and potential research mentors. Selected applicants will be invited to an interview. Interviews are required for admission. Interviews are typically conducted in January and February. Applicants are notified of the Committee's decisions by April.
