Program Overview
The Human Services Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice. The program emphasizes a scientist-practitioner model, with a focus on developing students' research and clinical skills. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice, including as clinical psychologists, professors, and researchers. The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and is designed to be completed in five years.
Program Outline
Human Services Psychology, Ph.D. - University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Degree Overview:
This program prepares students for careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice in the field of human services psychology. The program emphasizes a scientist-practitioner model, with a focus on developing students' research and clinical skills.
Objectives:
- To advance students' knowledge and understanding of human behavior, diversity, and social contexts.
- To develop students' research skills and ability to conduct original research.
- To promote students' professional development and commitment to ethical practice.
Outline:
The program consists of 55-68 credit hours, depending on the chosen track. All students complete a core curriculum of 28 credits, followed by track-specific coursework.
Core Curriculum:
- PSYC 602 - Biological, Cognitive and Developmental Bases of Behavior
- PSYC 603 - Personal, Social, Community and Cultural Bases of Behavior
- PSYC 608 - Human Diversity Research and Intervention
- PSYC 711 - Data Analytic Procedures II
- PSYC 710 - Research Methods in Psychology
- PSYC 686 - Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology
- One additional methods of inquiry course:
- PSYC 713 - Longitudinal Data Analysis
- PSYC 715 - Measurement of Behavior
- PSYC 738 - Qualitative Methods
- Topics in Diversity (each semester of first year; 0 credits)
- Practicum and Research Requirements:
- PSYC 601 - Special Topics in Psychology [1 credit each semester], (2 credits); Clinical track only
- PSYC 690 - Field Experience [1 credit each semester], (2 credits minimum)
- PSYC 799 - Master’s Thesis Research (6 credits; billed at 1/2 rate)
- PSYC 899 - Doctoral Dissertation Research (18 credits minimum; billed at 2/9 rate)
Tracks:
- Clinical Track (APA Accredited): (31 credits)
- focuses on the assessment and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
- coursework includes:
- PSYC 606 - Adult Psychopathology
- PSYC 620 - Methods of Assessment I
- PSYC 621 - Methods of Assessment II
- PSYC 622 - Clinical Intervention I
- PSYC 623 - Clinical Intervention II
- PSYC 630 - Introduction to Clinical Interviewing
- Clinical electives (15 credits; five courses)
- Behavioral Medicine Track: (27 credits)
- focuses on the application of psychological principles to the prevention and treatment of health problems.
- coursework includes:
- PSYC 649 - Foundations of Behavioral Medicine
- Physiological Systems in Behavioral Medicine [3]
- Epidemiology [3]
- Clinical Intervention III: Interventions in Behavioral Medicine [3]
- Topics in Behavioral Medicine (first 4 semesters, 0 credits)
- Behavioral Medicine electives (15 credits; five courses)
- Community Track: (30 credits)
- focuses on the application of psychological principles to promote the well-being of communities and individuals within them.
- coursework includes:
- PSYC 635 - Community Psychology
- PSYC 636 - Primary Prevention
- PSYC 736 - Applied Psychology and Public Policy
- Community Psychology II [3]
- Program Evaluation [3]
- Topics in Community Psychology (first 4 semesters, 0 credits)
- Community electives (15 credits; five courses)
Assessment:
Student progress is assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Examinations: written and oral exams
- Papers and projects: research papers, case studies, and other written assignments
- Presentations: oral presentations of research findings
- Practicum and internship evaluations: supervisor evaluations of students' clinical skills
- Dissertation: a major research project that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct independent research
Teaching:
The program is taught by a faculty of experienced researchers and clinicians. The faculty is committed to providing students with a high-quality education and preparing them for successful careers in human services psychology.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice.
Research:
Graduates may pursue careers as researchers in universities, government agencies, or private research organizations. They may conduct research on a variety of topics related to human behavior, including mental health, addiction, and health disparities.
Teaching:
Graduates may pursue careers as professors or instructors at colleges and universities. They may teach courses on a variety of topics related to human behavior, including psychology, sociology, and social work.
Clinical Practice:
Graduates may pursue careers as clinical psychologists, providing therapy and other mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and schools.
Other:
- The program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
- The program is designed to be completed in five years, including an internship for clinical track students.
- The program is located in the Department of Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
- The program has a strong focus on research and prepares students for careers in research-oriented positions.
