Adler School of Professional Psychology Catalog 2008 – 2009

students should limit employment while completing the program. Adherence to
the satisfactory progress policy described in the section on general academic
policies is required of all students and essential to timely completion of all
program requirements.
The doctoral curriculum is based upon attendance in school throughout the
calendar year. Course requirements must be completed through attendance in
all three academic terms. The suggested course sequence for the doctoral
program curriculum provides guidelines for students to complete requirements
in a manner that is timely and complies with academic requirements. Students
are strongly encouraged to complete their dissertation prior to their internship.
Time to Completion
The maximum time permitted for a student to complete all requirements
for the Psy.D. degree is 7 years from the date of first registration following
admission to the program. Students are expected to complete the program
within two years of completing the internship. Failure to do so may result in
administrative withdrawal from the program.
Concentration and M.A. Degree Options
Doctoral students may elect to choose a concentration as part of their
doctoral studies that provides education and training in a focal area of study.
They may also earn the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree while
pursuing the Psy.D. degree. Students can earn these additional credentials by
satisfying the admission and graduation requirements for concentration areas
or the Master of Arts degree as specified in this Catalog. Many graduates report
that these additional credentials enhanced their value to internship directors
and employers. The attainment of the Master of Arts degree has assumed
increased importance in recent years for students seeking internships in certain
settings that require a graduate degree for reimbursement of services. Course
and practicum requirements for successful completion of a Master’s Degree or
concentration area vary depending on the training necessary for this additional
qualification. As a result, pursuing the M.A. in Counseling Psychology degree or
a concentration area in addition to the doctorate typically will result in longer
completion times for the doctoral degree.
Doctoral students interested in earning the Master of Arts degree in
Counseling Psychology must complete the following requirements:
• Take course 337 Group Therapy to satisfy one of their Basic
Intervention electives.
• Take either course 662 Overview of Marriage and Family Therapy
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