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  Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology 2021-2023 Degree Requirements Psy.D. Degree Requirements Comprehensive Examination  

Comprehensive Examination


The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to establish high standards of mastery for the integration of knowledge representing what should be known by professional psychologists and the ability to express that knowledge. Prospective candidates for the doctorate are not permitted to proceed to the comprehensive examination unless their record in coursework and supervision demonstrates evidence of satisfactory progress toward doctoral-level practice. This evidence consists of both grades from course instructors and written evaluations from supervisors

All candidates for the degree of doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) are required to take the written segments of the comprehensive examination, which are administered each summer, as soon as a major portion of course requirements is completed. No student may take the comprehensive examination until an approved program proposal is on file.  In the school psychology program, prior approval by the student's adviser is necessary.

The examination is composed of three parts:

1.  The written general part applies to all Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology doctoral students and covers areas of knowledge common to the general field of professional psychology. Questions are solicited from and prepared by faculty from each program working jointly. The general part is given over multiple days.

2.  The written program part is designed for students in the individual programs and requires knowledge of the particular discipline. Students in the school psychology program are required to take the Praxis II School Psychologist Test administered through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Passing this Praxis fulfills requirements for the program specialty written test.

3.  The oral specialty part, which is only required by the clinical Psy.D. program, examines a segment of the student's actual work with clients or consultees. The student is expected to present faculty examiners with a written, audio, and/or video of a work sample. The case write-up is to reflect the student's thinking and theoretical orientation. The examination generally lasts one to two hours.

The clinical Psy.D. program requires that the written general and program sections of the comprehensive examination be completed successfully before the student may accept an internship.

The school Psy.D. program requires that students pass the written general section of the comprehensive examination and the Praxis II exam before they can begin an internship.

 
For additional information, contact RU-info at 848-445-info (4636) or colonelhenry.rutgers.edu.
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