Psychology, Doctorate

Development of essential listening skills for therapeutic effectiveness to include principles and procedures of individual therapy. Students learn to apply effective interviewing and micro-skills which include the use of required videotaped psychotherapy interviews, role-playing, and therapy process models. 

This course provides a structured introduction to doctoral training in the PsyD program and supports students’ transition into professional psychology education. Students engage in required orientation activities, demonstrate familiarity with program policies and institutional systems, and complete baseline assessments related to readiness for doctoral-level study. The course emphasizes professional identity development, accountability, and preparation for successful participation in the program. Successful completion is required prior to the start of fall coursework.

This course serves to establish a psychological integrative perspective throughout the students’ courses. Students will be challenged to apply what they have learned through the lens of a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-diversity model in an interactive way, establish and grow healthy models of self-care, study, and peer cohesiveness, and to increase communication, interpersonal skills, and professionalism as they incorporate concepts from their classes into a practical model.

Grade of pass/fail.

This course is an introduction to the practicum experience. This class will review skills and build the knowledge necessary to successfully enter and complete the practicum experience.

Building on PPSY6111, this course continues to establish a psychological integrative perspective throughout the students’ courses. Students will be challenged to apply what they have learned through the lens of a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-diversity model in an interactive way, establish and grow healthy models of self-care, study, and peer cohesiveness, and increase communication, interpersonal skills, and professionalism as they incorporate concepts from their classes into a practical model.

Grade of pass/fail.

This course is an introduction to the history and application of family systems therapy and the broad range of family theories that have been used within the tradition of family treatment. The students will be able to identify and understand assessment techniques, intervention strategies, and resources needed in order to support families as they look through the lens of theory. Unique family characteristics, such as ethnic and cultural considerations, will also be reviewed to highlight the diversity that exists within families.

Techniques of group procedures appropriately applied to decision-making, problem solving, and resolution of conflict. Theories, characteristics and group dynamics, interventions, stages, leadership styles, and roles relevant to group counseling will be discussed. This course is experiential in nature and students will be required to effectively facilitate and evaluate a group counseling experience from a particular theoretical orientation.

This course encompasses the types, uses, and basic psychometrics involved in educational and personality testing and assessment. Validity, reliability, and program evaluation concepts are covered, and students are introduced to elementary statistical concepts important to interpreting and understanding test reviews. Various types of clinical dissertations are presented and discussed to assist students in developing their clinical dissertation proposal. 

This clinical course is intended to prepare students for effective practice in dealing with clients’ sexual issues. It includes an overview of the biological, psychological, and relational aspects of human sexuality that arise in clinical practice. Topics will include appropriate language, sexuality through the life cycle, appropriate boundaries and cultural differences in sexuality, physiology of sexuality, taking a sexual history, sexual orientation, sexuality, and disabilities, reclaiming sexuality following a history of sexual abuse, sexual addiction, and other special topics. Includes DSM-V-TR sexuality diagnoses and treatment approaches for psychotherapy clients with sexual problems. Attention is given to psychotherapy and diverse couples with presenting problems of sexual dysfunctions.  Students will explore the applications of this knowledge to clinical practice and examine their level of comfort with this material as it relates to the clinical situation.

This course focuses on the administration, scoring, and interpretation of cognitive, intelligence, and achievement assessments for adults and children.

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty.

Grade of pass/fail.

An overview of the field of forensic psychology, including the history, scope, and roles of psychologists in legal and correctional contexts. Topics include specialty areas such as forensic assessment, correctional mental health, victim and offender services, and consultation to courts and law enforcement. Students explore pathways to careers in forensic psychology, ethical standards, and relevant credentialing processes (e.g., ABPP, CFCE). This course serves as the foundation for students pursuing the Forensic Psychology Emphasis and may be taken as an elective by other PsyD students. 

This course is an introduction to child-centered play therapy. The course will give an overview of the history and development of child-centered play therapy. It will present current techniques as well as the current research being done to demonstrate their relevance to the practice of play therapy with children and their families. The course will demonstrate the basic skills necessary to prepare a playroom and how to facilitate parent consultations. Students will be instructed how to structure a play session and approach issues from a child-centered play therapy perspective.

Building on PPSY6512, this course continues to establish a psychological integrative perspective throughout the students’ courses. Students will be challenged to apply what they have learned through the lens of a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-diversity model in an interactive way, establish and grow healthy models of self-care, study, and peer cohesiveness, and to increase communication and interpersonal skills, and professionalism as they incorporate concepts from their classes into a practical model. Second entry students will take this course in order to be introduced into the PsyD program, build community with the existing PsyD cohort, and to learn the aspects of the PsyD model inherent with an entry-level PsyD student. This course will also serve as the assessment point for competency skills required for entry into the PsyD Program.

Grade of pass/fail.

This advanced course focuses on research methodologies and their applications in the analysis of both empirical and qualitative data. This course provides the foundational skills necessary for students to finalize their clinical dissertation proposal and to conduct the research to complete their clinical dissertation.

This seminar introduces the emerging field of prescribing psychology and the evolving role of psychologists in integrated healthcare. Students examine the history of prescriptive authority, ethical and legal frameworks, interprofessional collaboration, and models of medical decision-making relevant to clinical practice. The course emphasizes ethical reasoning, scope of practice, and the integration of biomedical and psychological approaches to patient care. 

A study of the basic principles of human behavior, giving attention to developmental patterns, motivation and adjustment, learning and memory processes, and individual differences in aptitude, personality, and mental health.

A study of growth and development of human beings from conception to death, with emphasis on the areas of cognitive processes, language development and social interactions.

A study of the psychological implications involved in the teaching-learning situation with emphasis on those psychological principles applicable to children ages 6-12 and adolescents 13-18. A variety of learning and developmental theories based on research from the field of psychology are covered. (See EDUC2110)

A study of the psychological implications involved in the teaching-learning situation with emphasis on those psychological principles applicable to children ages 6-12 and adolescents 13-18. A variety of learning and developmental theories based on research from the field of psychology are covered. Examines accepted theories and current research in learning behavior and explores the unique styles of learning and recent studies in brain function and behavior as they relate to the learning process.

Course topics include strategies appropriate to this subject field, instructional materials and tools, and curricular structure common to this subject in the secondary school. Includes opportunities for candidates to assist and teach for a minimum of 20 hours (See EDUC3670)

This course examines the multifaceted levels of diversity in humanity and will review ways to approach diversity in a sensitive and appropriate manner. Topics to be covered include a history of human diversity, cultural diversity, age differences, gender issues, spirituality, sexuality, religious diversity, physical impairments, and how to be sensitive to issues of diversity as they pertain to working with people. Key human rights and understandings will be explored. Fulfills an NNU Core Cultural Awareness (CAP1) requirement.

A study of the inter-relationships of individuals and their social environments, including the methods of investigation and some of the theories and findings of the field of social psychology.

This course emphasizes the administration, scoring, and interpretation of personality and projective assessments.

This course provides a forum for exploration and discussion of the role of spirituality and world religions in psychotherapy and mental health.

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty. 

Grade of pass/fail.

This course covers the basic tenants and applications of cognitive behavioral theory in psychotherapy. Integrative underpinnings and empirically validated treatments will be explored.

This course will focus on the assessment and development of attention, concentration, emotion, executive functioning, and the effects and diagnosis of trauma, head injury, and teratogens on brain development. 

This course emphasizes the administration, scoring, and interpretation of neuropsychological assessments.  Can be taken concurrently with PSYD8220 Clinical Neuropsychology. 

This course studies current information on cognition and cognitive processes (such as memory, knowledge, learning, and thinking), as well as affective processes (such as emotion, affect, and mood). Cognitive and affective bases of behavior are integrated so as to help students obtain an advanced knowledge of the base within the discipline of psychology, applying this understanding to the profession of clinical psychology.

A historical survey of modern psychology and an analysis of its classical systems and contemporary theories.

This course examines the psychological foundations of criminal behavior and the principles of evidence-based offender rehabilitation. Topics include theories of criminal behavior, psychopathy, personality disorders, criminology, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Students analyze research on risk, needs, and responsivity models; evaluate cognitive-behavioral and motivational approaches; and assess how Idaho’s correctional and community reentry systems align with best practices in rehabilitation. Emphasis is placed on applying psychological science to conceptualize offenders and inform ethical, culturally competent, and evidence-based intervention within forensic and correctional contexts. 

This course introduces the foundations of forensic psychology and the intersection between psychological science and legal systems. Students gain an overview of the U.S. and Idaho legal systems, distinctions between criminal and civil law, and how courts function at each level. Content includes the roles of psychologists within judicial and correctional processes, preparation for expert testimony, and consultation to courts and government agencies. Students explore how law and psychology inform each other through public policy, forensic evaluation procedures, and mental health legislation. Emphasis is placed on developing legal system knowledge, expert witness skills, policy understanding, and consultation competency relevant to court, correctional, and public-safety settings. 

This course surveys key legal and ethical issues in forensic psychology, with attention to the distinct roles and responsibilities of psychologists in court-involved settings. Students learn to apply the APA Ethics Code, the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology, and relevant Idaho law to issues such as confidentiality, informed consent, role clarification, and documentation. Through case analysis and simulations, students practice articulating clear, defensible ethical and legal reasoning in both written and oral formats. 

This course provides advanced training in forensic psychological assessment across the lifespan. Students develop applied competency in the evaluation of psycho-legal questions such as competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, violence and sexual risk assessment, malingering, and child custody and protection. Emphasis is placed on integrating psychological theory with legal standards, understanding the ethical complexities of forensic work, and applying assessment findings in ways that are impartial, culturally responsive, and scientifically grounded. The course culminates in a professional portfolio demonstrating readiness for forensic assessment practice. 

This rotating seminar explores advanced topics in forensic psychology relevant to emerging practice areas, research, and policy. Content varies by semester and may include areas such as juvenile justice, substance use and the law, threat assessment, policy and advocacy, correctional mental health, or forensic program evaluation. The seminar provides advanced doctoral students with the opportunity to analyze complex forensic systems and apply psychological science to current issues in law, policy, and public safety. Emphasis is placed on integrating ethical decision-making, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice into applied forensic contexts. 

Exploration of a current topic or practice in the department. May be repeated for credit.

Seminar approach to the study of clearly defined problems or issues. May be repeated for credit.

Study of an assigned topic or guided research as directed by a graduate faculty member. Approval of program director required.

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty.

Grade of pass/fail.

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty. 

Grade of pass/fail.

This course explores the theory and practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy, including brief psychotherapy, analytic, object relations, and self-psychologies.

Students will examine theoretical constructs related to the development process and developmentally based behavior patterns across the age spectrum (from conception to death).

This course emphasizes the administration, scoring, and interpretation of assessments focused on children under the age of 18. 

This course includes a review of the contributions of the discipline of psychology to the promotion and maintenance of health, the prevention and treatment of illness, the assessment of appropriate developmental milestones, and the examination of health behaviors from a culturally diverse perspective. The course will emphasize the biopsychosocial model in understanding health and disease and collaboration with other health workers in treatment planning and implementation.

This course is designed to introduce doctoral students in clinical psychology to the fundamental aspects of developing and conducting PsyD dissertation research. It provides an overview of the dissertation process, from conceptualization to completion, emphasizing the integration of research, ethical considerations, and professional standards. Students will begin the dissertation proposal process in this course. 

This course provides advanced support in the development of the PsyD dissertation. Students participate in the section of the course that addresses the category they have chosen for their dissertation (e.g., qualitative research, quantitative research, program consultation, critical literature analysis, theoretical development, or clinical application). Students will complete this coursework by completing a dissertation and passing an oral dissertation defense. Students will take two credits per semester from the summer of their 2nd year until the dissertation is successfully defended (14 credits minimum).

Grade of pass/fail.

This course provides advanced support in the development of the PsyD dissertation for students who have not completed their dissertation by the end of their fourth year in the program. Students participate in the section of the course that addresses the category they have chosen for their dissertation (e.g., qualitative research, quantitative research, program consultation, critical literature analysis, theoretical development, or clinical application). Students will take two credits per semester until their dissertation is defended.

Grade of pass/fail.

This hybrid course provides a clinical introduction to human anatomy and physiology tailored for psychology doctoral students preparing for integrated healthcare and psychopharmacology practice. Students will examine the structure and function of major body systems—including cellular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems—through both asynchronous online modules and periodic in-person cadaver labs. Emphasis is placed on the clinical relevance of anatomy and physiology to medication management, health psychology, and behavioral medicine. This course provides foundational biomedical knowledge essential for psychologists preparing for future prescriptive authority training. 

This second course in the clinical anatomy and physiology sequence expands students’ understanding of human body systems with emphasis on neuroendocrine, immune, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems. Through a hybrid format combining asynchronous online learning and in-person cadaver labs, students integrate biomedical knowledge with psychological and pharmacological applications. The course highlights physiological systems most relevant to mental health, medication mechanisms, and behavioral health interventions. This course provides foundational biomedical knowledge essential for psychologists preparing for future prescriptive authority training. 

This course introduces contemporary psychological theories and the integration of state-of-the-art psychological practice.

Before the student is cleared to apply for internship, each student is required to pass a comprehensive exam of PsyD content that indicates readiness for internship. The student will sit before a panel to present a portfolio and be examined by a panel of experts. Each student’s work will be evaluated and should reflect psychotherapeutic proficiency, appropriate goal setting, diagnostic understanding, theoretical soundness, diversity awareness, and a faith-based, holistic approach. Fee: Additional fee required.

This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty. 

Grade of pass/fail.

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty. 

Grade of pass/fail.

This course is designed to provide oversight, support, and consultation of the clinical practicum experience. This course is to provide continued support for students who require practicum experience beyond the fourth year of the program. Students will meet with an on-campus faculty member to review cases, integrate concepts from other courses, and receive feedback from their peers and faculty. 

Grade is pass/fail.

Students will complete this course by passing an oral dissertation defense and submitting their manuscript for publication. Students will enroll in one course during the semester in which they plan to defend their dissertation.

This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

This course introduces the APPIC internship match process. Students will begin preparing key application materials and developing skills for a successful internship match. 

Grade of pass/fail.

Students will receive instruction and support in the APPIC internship process and will apply for internships during this course.

Grade of pass/fail.

This course focuses on the aspects of becoming a professional psychologist, including steps to prepare for licensure, avenues of employment, and legal, ethical, and professional issues involved in working in a multidisciplinary managed care context.

The LRE consists of a mock EPPP multiple-choice examination (225 questions, 4 hours and 15 minutes). Students satisfy the LRE requirement by completing the examination; there is no minimum passing score and performance on the LRE is not used for progression, retention, or graduation decisions. The LRE is intended as a formative assessment tool that allows students to gauge their current level of preparation related to the EPPP and provides the program with aggregate data for evaluating overall student learning outcomes. Performance on the LRE does not predict or guarantee EPPP performance or licensure outcomes.  Grade of Pass/Fail.

This is a one-year full-time professional internship at an external site approved by the Clinical Training Committee. Students register for internship during the fall and spring semesters. Students will receive 3 credits each semester for 2 minimum semesters.

Grade of pass/fail.

This course is for the continuation of a two-year, part-time professional internship at an external site approved by the Clinical Training Committee. Students register for internship during the fall and spring semesters. Students will receive 4 credits each semester that they are in continuation.

This course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

This online course provides an advanced introduction to the cellular and molecular foundations of neuroscience, emphasizing the biological mechanisms underlying neuronal structure, function, and communication. Students explore neuronal cell biology, molecular signaling, and neurochemistry to understand how brain systems influence behavior and mental health. Topics include neuronal electrophysiology, neurotransmitter systems, and the molecular basis of neuroplasticity. The course prepares students for advanced study in psychopharmacology and fulfills prerequisite requirements for Idaho State University’s Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) program. 

This advanced online course builds on Cell and Molecular Neuroscience I, emphasizing neurochemical systems, neurotransmission, and the molecular underpinnings of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Students will examine neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and the cellular basis of behavior, cognition, and psychopathology. Through interactive online instruction, students connect molecular neuroscience with the applied practice of psychopharmacology. This course fulfills prerequisite requirements for Idaho State University’s Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) program.