In the first year of study, all students take a series of team-taught courses intended to provide a foundation for understanding clinically relevant dimensions of behavior and strategies of intervention. Individual, group, and community perspectives are discussed in the context of theory and research. Courses in quantitative methods and research design also are taken in the first year. Students are strongly encouraged to participate actively in research during their first year. In the second year of study, students must take a course regarding assessment/measurement. The remainder of a student's schedule is arranged with his or her academic advisor, although it will normally involve a year-long practicum and continuing research. In subsequent years, each student's plan of study becomes even more individualized. The academic advisor will help the student plan the remainder of his or her curriculum, including minor and practicum courses as well as other experiences necessary to meet the student's individual career goals. The student will complete certain general requirements, but there is considerable flexibility in the specific means by which the requirements can be met. Throughout their program of study, students are encouraged to participate in two weekly program-wide meetings, one that addresses issues of diversity in a wide variety of formats and one that involves research presentations by faculty and students within and outside of the program, with extensive opportunities for the exchange of ideas about issues of interest in clinical and community psychology.
Ordinarily, the student will complete a program of study that includes at least two year-long supervised practica, a minor area of study, at least one semester of teaching experience, an internship, and M.A. and Ph.D. theses. At the end of each semester the entire clinical faculty meet and review the progress of every student in the program. The student's academic advisor is responsible for communicating the discussion and conclusions back to the individual student. In addition, individual advising and feedback are done on a continuous basis as needed.