Dissertation

Completing Your Dissertation

The Dissertation process provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate research competence by applying research skills acquired through the following courses: Introduction to Psychological Research, Statistics, Psychometrics, and Research Methods I and II. It also provides an opportunity for consolidation of the student's professional development and bridges her/his relationship to the larger psychological community through dissemination of their research findings. 

With guidance from a faculty Chairperson and Committee Member(s), the student develops, carries out, and critically evaluates the results of a research study that is psychological in nature and consistent with the mission of WJC.  This will include a critical review of the pertinent psychological research studies. The research must contribute to the field by providing new psychological knowledge that is generalizable to populations that might benefit. 

The student selects a topic from an area of psychological theory and practice that is relevant and of particular interest and applicability in his/her developing professional work and is consistent with the research interests and area of expertise of a faculty member in the Clinical PsyD program. A listing of faculty research labs and interests is available here. 

During years two and three of the program, the student forms a Dissertation Committee, constructs a research proposal consistent with current scientific standards in psychology, conducts the research study, completes a Final Dissertation write up of the study, and disseminates the findings through a Colloquium.