The Clinical Dissertation is intended to demonstrate that students have integrated the material they have learned during the first two years in the doctoral program. Early in their program, students will select an appropriate project. The Research Methods course will introduce students to models of clinical dissertations. During the third year, students will register for 9 units of Doctoral Project (3 units in each quarter) in order to carry out and complete the project. It is expected that students will complete the project prior to beginning their internship. Students who have not completed the clinical dissertation during Year 3, will be required to enroll in PSY 763, Dissertation Continuation for 1 to 3 units.

We are interested in stimulating student creativity, therefore the options for completion of this project vary. Because family psychology involves a paradigmatic shift from a focus on the individual to a focus on the system, students will be encouraged to develop a project which involves studying a complex system of their choice. The Psy.D. is an applied degree, thus the clinical dissertation will involve the investigation of a practical application, either through empirical (quantitative or qualitative), theoretical or clinical evaluation strategies. Unlike the Ph.D. dissertation, the clinical dissertation has an immediate practical application. Students will be guided in their work by their dissertation advisor, a second faculty member, a student member and an outside expert.