The central goal of our doctoral program is to train psychological scientist-practitioners who possess a broad foundation of psychological knowledge, the ability to design and implement scientific investigations, and the skills necessary to intervene in psychological concerns.

We evaluate our students along the following areas of competence:

1. Scientific Approach: Demonstration of knowledge, skills, and competence sufficient to produce new knowledge, to critically evaluate and use existing knowledge to solve problems, and to disseminate research.
2. Ethical and Legal Standards: Application of ethical concepts and awareness of relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing professional activities at the organizational, local, state, regional and federal levels.
3. Individual and Cultural Differences/Diversity: Awareness, sensitivity and skills in working professionally with diverse individuals, groups and communities who represent various cultural and personal background and characteristics defined broadly and consistent with APA policy.
4. Professional Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors: Behavior and comportment that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology.
5. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Relates effectively and meaningfully with individuals, groups, and/or communities.
6. Assessment: Competence in evidence-based assessment and diagnosis of problems, capabilities consistent with the scope of Health Service Psychology*.
7. Intervention: Competence in evidence-based interventions consistent with the scope of Health Service Psychology*, including but not limited to psychotherapy, directed at an individual, family, group, organization, community, population or other system.
8. Supervision: Supervision and training in the professional knowledge base of enhancing and monitoring the professional functioning of others.
9. Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills: The ability to collaborate intentionally with other individuals or groups to address a problem, seek or share knowledge, or promote effectiveness in professional activities.
10. Research: Active engagement in independent formulation, conduct, evaluation, and dissemination of research that contributes to scientific, psychological, and/or professional knowledge through presentation and publication.

* "For the purposes of accreditation by the APA Commission on Accreditation (CoA), “health service psychology” is defined as the integration of psychological science and practice in order to facilitate human development and functioning. Health service psychology includes the generation and provision of knowledge and practices that encompass a wide range of professional activities relevant to health promotion, prevention, consultation, assessment, and treatment for psychological and other health-related disorders." (APA Standards of Accreditation, p. 3)