Gannon University

 Counseling Psychology

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree

Director of Training: Linda M. Fleming, Ph.D.

INTRODUCTION

The major objective of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program in counseling psychology is to develop capable professionals who are able to practice independently as psychologists. Training is oriented toward the acquisition of those skills necessary for effective functioning in individual, community, or institutional settings. The program seeks to develop proficiency in four main areas: core psychology, psychotherapeutic intervention, assessment/diagnosis, and research. In addition to the knowledge expected of any psychologist, the range of skills expected of each graduate is reflected in the training provided in individual, group, and marriage and family therapy as well as assessment and diagnosis in each of these modalities.

This program requires that applicants have a master’s degree in a related field. In addition to doctoral coursework and practica, a year-long internship and a dissertation are required. These requirements reflect the practitioner-scholar model in the preparation of psychologists. Each student is required to take coursework in supervision and provide supervision to master’s level community counseling students. Participation in the Psychological Services Clinic, a freestanding clinic of the counseling psychology program that serves the local community is required for all students; approved externships are also available for students to obtain additional training experience. These unique features of the program develop psychologists with well-developed clinical skills and the scientific methodology to inform their practice.
 

PHILOSOPHY

The Ph.D. degree in Counseling Psychology at Gannon University seeks to educate and train psychology practitioners who deliver high-quality human services. The program seeks to prepare practitioners who are skilled in providing psychological services to underserved populations. The program is committed to education and training which prepares practitioners within a framework that acknowledges and respects diversity. Because our program emphasizes the integration of multiculturalism into counseling psychology, we endorse the “Guidelines on Multicultural Education and Training, Research, Organizational Change, and Practice for Psychologists” and “Guidelines for Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients” of the American Psychological Association. These guidelines are based on the premise that, because the U.S. population is increasingly diverse, multiculturally appropriate services are necessary. In endorsing these guidelines, the faculty recognizes that these guidelines reflect current expert consensus based on theory and research.

We believe that diversity is recognized, accomplished, and respected through attention to, awareness, acknowledgment, and acceptance of differences across persons, cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender, age groups, abilities, ideas, values, beliefs, approaches, and needs. This is achieved in our program through flexibility of admissions, individual planning for learning experiences, and recognition of prior achievements.

As an integral part of our program, we have worked toward a dialogue of diversity. To realize this goal, we have designed a program that integrates a pluralistic education in all aspects of the curriculum and professional experience. Multicultural competencies, including awareness, knowledge, and skills, are infused throughout the curriculum, training, special programming, research, and faculty-student dialogue. Students and faculty explore on an ongoing basis their own attitudes, understanding, and behaviors as they relate to cultural interactions and issues of sexism, racism, ageism, heterosexism, and discrimination.

Personal growth and academic learning are essential to one’s development as a psychologist. Therefore, students should expect to share appropriate personal information as part of their practicum training or coursework. For example, students may be required to discuss their family genogram in a family systems course. In supervision, students are expected to process the emotional reactions they have to clients. However, students are not mandated to participate in individual or group therapy, or experiential groups, as part of their training.
 

PREREQUISITES
Each Applicant Will:

• submit a completed application to the Office of Graduate Studies.
• submit a completed Supplemental Data Form with the Application.
• pay a $50 non-refundable application fee.
• hold an appropriate master’s degree by August of the year of admission.
• Submit GRE scores.
• have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• have a minimum of two years of post-bachelor’s work experience.
• submit three letters of recommendation.
• submit transcripts of all previous college work.
• submit a vita/resume.
• attend a personal interview.

TUITION
Tuition rates and fees are subject to change and are set by the Board of Trustees of Gannon University. The rates for the 2007-2008 academic year are found earlier in the catalog.

GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION (GRE)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for entrance into the PhD program. The GRE is offered in a computerized version. The computerized version may be taken at any time. Please check with a local university or college counseling center for those that offer the computerized version. For information regarding the GRE, please contact:

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
International applicants are prospective students who are neither a citizen nor a permanent resident of the United States. International applicants are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to provide evidence of their proficiency in the English language. Upon receipt of the application, International applicants will also be required to submit a financial affidavit. It is important that financial arrangements be made prior to the issuance of the I-20.

THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
The admissions process for the Ph.D. degree is designed to select a limited number of highly qualified graduate students who hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and who have at least two years of relevant work experience. We are seeking students with the academic, social, and emotional maturity necessary for completing a doctoral degree and providing high-quality professional psychological services to clients.

Each applicant is evaluated on a number of criteria including: GPA, GRE’s, letters of recommendation, past experience, academic background, and faculty interviews. The Admissions Committee considers not only the above criteria but also seeks to discern a sense of fit between the applicant’s education and training goals and the program at Gannon.

Applications will be reviewed beginning February 7 and should be submitted to: Office of Graduate Studies, Gannon University, 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541-0001
 

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required from people who are in a position to assess academic and clinical potential. These letters are professional recommendations and should not be provided by one’s friends, relatives, minister, rabbi, priest, or therapist. Recommendation forms are provided with the application packet.

Transfer of Credit
Nine (9) semester hours may be transferred into the Ph.D. program. All transfer courses must have been completed after the Master’s degree was awarded. Courses completed during the master’s degree may be waived as determined by the Ph.D. program. A minimum of 63 semester hours at Gannon plus a dissertation and a year-long internship are required for the Ph.D. degree.

Application Review
All completed applications are forwarded from the Admissions Office and are evaluated by the program faculty. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that an application is complete and forwarded to the Department for consideration. Although applications are not reviewed until after the February 20 deadline, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.

Admission Procedures
All completed applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. A select number of students are then invited to the campus for an admission interview which includes interviews with the faculty and interaction with current students and other applicants. A map and directions will be provided to all invitees.

Admission Decisions
After the completion of admission procedures, students will be notified of the committee’s decision in approximately two (2) weeks. Letters may take three forms; an acceptance, a placement on the alternate’s list, or a letter of regret.

Responding to the Acceptance/Alternate List Letter
In accordance with guidelines provided by the American Psychological Association (APA), applicants offered positions have until the Uniform Response Day (April 15) to make their decision. However, we request that applicants respond to the letter at their earliest convenience. After April 15, vacant positions will be offered to those on the alternate list.

Applicants who accept the offer must submit a $500 deposit by April 15 to secure a place in the entering class. This non-refundable deposit is applied to the first semester’s tuition. All applicants who accept the offer are expected to enter the fall semester of the year of their acceptance.

FINANCIAL AID
The Counseling Psychology program has limited funds available for financial assistance. There are several sources of financial assistance available to qualified students, including student loans and Graduate Assistantships.

THE DISSERTATION
The Ph.D. degree requires a doctoral dissertation. Given the practitioner focus of the Ph.D., the expectation is that doctoral dissertations will reflect studies of practical use and interest to practicing psychologists. Qualitative and other clinically useful designs are encouraged.

THE INTERNSHIP
The Ph.D. degree requires 2000 hours of pre-doctoral internship as a part of the requirements for the degree. These internships are pre-approved training sites listed in the APPIC Manual and/or approved by the American Psychological Association (APA). Internships are paid experiences and are the culminating experience in the doctoral training program.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
Students must complete the program within seven years of matriculation. Exceptions can be granted only by the Director of Training and the Dean of Humanities, Business, and Education.

 
CURRICULUM
This course of study is prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the requirements for licensing as a psychologist:

Core Psychology - 18 credits
GPSY 803 Physiological Psychology 3
GPSY 865 Introduction to Psychopharmacology 3
GPSY 811 Learning and Cognition 3
GPSY 806 Social Psychology 3
GCOU 608 Human Development 3
GPSY 804 History of Psychology 3

Research - 28 credits
GPSY 601 Elements of Statistics 1 4
GPSY 809 Elements of Statistics 2 3
GCOU 603 Research Methodology 3
GPSY 810 Qualitative Research Methods 3
GPSY 820 Research Apprenticeship 3
GPSY 822 Research Methodology 2 3
GPSY 899 Dissertation 9

Professional Counseling Psychology - 29 credits
GCOU 631 Abnormal Psychology 3
GPSY 861 Advanced Psychopathology 3
GCOU 605 Group Dynamics 3
GCOU 612 Family Systems 3
GCOU 622 Career Development 3
GPSY 826 Legal/Ethical Issues 3
GPSY 801 Professional Development Seminar 1
GPSY 802 Seminar in Counseling and Personality Theory 3
GPSY 805 Colloquium in Counseling Psychology (2 sem) 0
GPSY 841 Theories of Supervision 3
GPSY 832 Consultation 1
GCOU 625 Multicultural Aspects in Counseling 3


Multicultural Electives – 3 credits required
GPSY 623 Psychology of Gender 3
GPSY 825 Multiculturalism and Diversity 3

Practica and Internship – 31 credits
GCOU 648 Counseling Strategies and Techniques 3
GPSY 843 Practicum in Supervision of Psychotherapy 1
GPSY 850 Introductory Practicum 6
GPSY 852 Advanced Individual Practicum 6
GPSY 854 Practicum in Marital and Family Therapy 6
GPSY 856 Practicum in Group Therapy 6
GPSY 858 Psychological Services Clinic (3 consecutive) 3
GPSY 900 Internship in Counseling Psychology (3 sem) 0

Assessment – 12 credits
GPSY 807 Psychometric Theory 3
GPSY 871 Cognitive and Intellectual Assessment 3
GPSY 873 Personality Assessment 3
GPSY 875 Introduction to Projective Techniques 3

NOTE: This program is founded upon the principle of a strong advising relationship between faculty and students. Each entering student’s transcript is evaluated for past academic coursework and current competence forming the basis for the development of an individualized plan of study.

  COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

GPSY 601 Elements of Statistics 1                                                       4 credits

This course introduces students to basic statistical knowledge.  It covers probability, inference and sampling, correlation, hypothesis testing, one-way ANOVA, and an introduction to computer statistics packages.

GPSY 801 Professional Development Seminar:  Counseling Psychology             1 credit

A critical review of current issues in the discipline of Counseling Psychology.  An introduction to the specialty of Counseling Psychology and its professional identity.  Provides an overview of the doctoral program in Counseling Psychology and an introduction to the faculty of the Department of Psychology.

GPSY 802 Seminar in Counseling and Personality Theory            3 credits

A comparative and critical in-depth analysis of personality and counseling theories including the interrelationship, philosophical foundations and practical applications.  Students are encouraged to begin developing a personal theory of personality and counseling.

GPSY 803  Physiological Psychology                                                  3 credits

This course is an exploration into the biological bases of behavior. The intent of this course is to familiarize students with the essential methods, terminology, and concepts that constitute the contemporary field of biological psychology. The focus will be on applying physiological psychology concepts in understanding clinical issues and behavior.

GPSY 804 History of Psychology                                                        3 credits

A detailed consideration of the formal systems of psychology (e.g., Structuralism, Behaviorism, Humanistic-Existentialism) with review of psychology’s roots in philosophy and physiology. There will be a special emphasis on the history of psychotherapy and intelligence testing including the impact of gender and culture on their development.

GPSY 805 Colloquium in Counseling Psychology                           0 credits

This course is designed to expose doctoral students to a broad range of learning experiences that encompass topics, speakers, and professional issues beyond the more traditional didactic experiences of the classroom. Guest presenters from the region are invited to present a two hour program on their area of expertise. 

GPSY 806 Social Psychology                                                               3 credits

This course will cover such topics as self-perception, prejudice, group dynamics, violence, intimate relationships, persuasion, conformity, and prosocial behavior. In addition, this course will examine the influence of culture on self-concept and social behavior. Further, this course will also focus on the application of learned concepts to a counseling setting.

GPSY 807 Psychometric Theory                                                       3 credits

This is a fundamental course in psychological testing and measurement. The emphasis is on test construction and item analysis. An in-depth investigation of the range of validity and reliability issues in testing will be followed by the study of the internal consistency of specific tests. Practical applications are made by way of reading and interpreting test manuals of various psychological tests, and in the selection and ethical use of tests for specific assessment purposes and questions. This course culminates in the student’s project to develop a test instrument to measure a psychological trait or dimension.

GPSY 809 Elements of Statistics 2                                                        3 credits

Prerequisite: GPSY 601

This course covers the application and interpretation of multivariate statistics utilizing the ordinary least squares form of the generalized linear model. The theory and mechanics of each technique are reviewed insofar as it aids the application/interpretation process. Topics include; dummy variable regression, interaction effects and moderator variables, curvilinear regression, nonlinear transformations, factor analysis, and regression diagnostics.

GPSY 810 Qualitative Research Methods                                           3 credits

This course will focus on qualitative research methods in counseling psychology. Using a seminar approach, students will learn to conduct research with particular emphasis on rigor and self-reflexivity in qualitative research, field work, in-depth interviewing, and focus groups. Data analytic approaches will be examined. Proposal-writing and article critiques will be incorporated.

GPSY 811 Learning and Cognition                                                      3 credits

Review of learning theorists and their models of acquisition, elimination, and maintenance of behavior. Effects of previous experience on responses to new situations. Effects of thinking differently (changed conditions) upon past, current, and future behavior.  Effects of memory, attention, motivation, social influence, and language.

GPSY 820 Research Apprenticeship                                                   3 credits

The course is designed to help students begin the process of integrating research and practice through the design and implementation of a small research project in a practice setting. The class typically will assess some aspect of the student’s work with a single case using accepted methodology.

GPSY 822 Research Methodology II                                                   3 credits

Prerequisites: GPSY 603; GPSY 602 or equivalent

Development of skills in advanced quantitative methods and the integration of sampling, design, measurement, ethics, and statistical methods with an emphasis on researching relationships. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of course content by developing a comprehensive research proposal.

GPSY 823 Psychology of Gender                                                          3 credits

Intensive review of gender role socialization in a workshop setting emphasizing men’s and women’s gender role conflicts across the life span. Lectures, readings, discussions, media, and self-assessments are used to explicate core concepts and themes. Readings are completed prior to the first day of class.

GPSY 825 Multiculturalism and Diversity                                                3 credits

This course will expose students to a range of issues in multiculturalism and diversity as they relate to the science and practice of counseling psychology. Students will gain knowledge about diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural groups and also about theories of racial, cultural, and sexual identity development. Emphasis is placed on examination of one’s own biases and assumptions and how those impact one’s work with diverse clientele.

GPSY 826 Legal and Ethical Issues                                                        3 credits

Co-requisite with GPSY 850

This course provides students with the knowledge of legal and ethical guidelines for the practice of psychology. Students will learn to use these guidelines in combination with specific decision-making strategies to make sound decisions about professional practice.

GPSY 832 Consultation                                                                          1 credits

This course provides the student with a background in consultation as well as theories of consultation and systems intervention.

GPSY 841 Theories of Supervision                                                      3 credits

This course provides an exploration and in-depth study of theories of supervision of counseling practitioners. It involves a study of the problems involved in training individuals to engage in the therapeutic process.

GPSY 843 Practicum in Supervision of Psychotherapy                   1 credit

Co- or Prerequisite: GPSY 841; Prerequisite: Majors only; Permission of Practicum Supervisor

Practice in the supervision of individual, group and/or family practitioners. May be repeated.

GPSY 850 Introductory Practicum                                                      6 credits

Co-requisite: GPSY 826. Prerequisites: Majors Only; Permission of Practicum Supervisor

Requires 12 hours per week. This practicum involves live supervision of individual counseling sessions in a laboratory setting.  Supervision will be directed toward development and improvement of psychotherapy skills.  Individual adult, child and adolescent clients may be seen.

GPSY 852 Advanced Individual Practicum                                          6 credits

Prerequisites: Majors Only; GPSY 850; Permission of Practicum Supervisor

This is the final supervised practicum experience of this program. Live supervision of sessions permits in vivo interventions by the supervisor while peers process sessions from behind the one-way mirror. Seminars involve readings of empirically supported interventions. Students complete research of single case study design. Students will begin the process of integrating research and practice through the design and implementation of a small research project in a practice setting.

GPSY 854 Practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy                   6 credits

Prerequisites: Majors Only; GPSY 850, GCOU 612; Permission of Practicum Supervisor

Therapist training with diverse couples and families.  Therapists work in co-therapy teams and receive live supervision.  Each student will learn assessment and intervention skills utilizing major theories of family/couples therapy.  Supervision of therapy is conducted in group and individual format.

GPSY 856 Practicum in Group Therapy                                           6 credits

Prerequisites: Majors Only: GCOU 605; GPSY 850 or equivalent; Permission of Practicum Supervisor

Receive supervised experience in the role of group facilitator, including feedback on group process, leadership and intervention skills, and problem areas.

GPSY 858 Psychological Services Clinic Practicum                       1 credit per semester

Prerequisites: GPSY 626, GPSY 850 and either GPSY 854 or GPSY 856; Majors Only Consent of Clinic Director

Builds experience as staff clinicians in the Psychological Services Clinic by providing a range of therapeutic services to clients and engaging in case management procedures under the clinical supervision of Clinic Faculty. Students enroll for this course for a minimum of three consecutive semesters.

GPSY 861 Advanced Psychopathology                                               3 credits

This course provides the student with an intensive study of psychopathology from a developmental, cultural, and family systems perspective.. It provides a thorough knowledge of the etiology and pathogenesis of clinical disorders through intensive reading, research, and practical knowledge. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing psychological disorders from physical conditions.

GPSY 865 Introduction to Psychopharmacology                               3 credits

An investigation of psychopharmacological approaches to treating psychological disorders.  The purpose of this course is to provide information on psychotropic medication to mental health professionals who do not prescribe.

GPSY 871 Cognitive and Intellectual Assessment                            3 credits

Prerequisite: GPSY: 807; Majors Only or with Permission of Director of Training

This course is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge of the process of psychological assessment of intelligence.  This is not an introductory level course, but rather an in-depth clinical course in the administration and interpretation of intelligence tests. Multicultural and theoretical issues and controversies are explored. Students score and interpret tests and present findings in comprehensive reports.

GPSY 873 Personality Assessment                                                     3 credits

Prerequisite: GPSY 807; Majors Only or with Permission of Director of Training

This course includes the administration, scoring, and interpretation of objective measures of personality.  Emphasis is on formulating a sound data base of information from interviews and tests and developing interpretational strategies. Special focus is placed upon understanding the psychometric properties of personality instruments and the ways personality theories are reflected in the tests. Assigned readings focus on multicultural issues. Students gain experience in writing interpretive and integrative reports.

GPSY 875 Introduction to Projective Techniques                             3 credits

Prerequisites: GPSY 871; GPSY 873; Majors Only or with Permission of Director of Training

This course is an in-depth study in the conceptual basis for comparing Projective with traditional psychometric procedures, and develops the skills to administer, score and interpret a variety of Projective instruments.

GPSY 899 Dissertation                                                                           9 credits

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor; Majors Only; Admission to Candidacy

Students must complete a minimum of 9 semester hours of credit for the dissertation in partial fulfillment of requirements for a doctoral degree.  P/F graded. 

GPSY 900 Internship in Counseling Psychology                              0 credits

Prerequisites: Majors Only; Permission of Director of Training, Counseling Psychology

For the doctoral candidate in counseling psychology who will complete a 2000 hour approved internship in not less than one year nor more than two years after completion of all course work required for the Ph.D. degree.

Top of Page