The content and emphasis of the seminars vary according to the practicum setting of the enrolled students and the professional expertise of the faculty member leading the group. The practicum seminar offers a variety of valuable experiences. A student participating in the practicum seminar is evaluated, and the evaluations are included in the student's academic records. The purpose of the CEC is to monitor students' growth and development of clinical competence, in accordance with the standards of the profession. The CEC is also a way to ensure that students have acquired the appropriate skill levels for subsequent training and clinical practice.
Students normally complete the CEC during their practicum year of the program.
Also as part of the CEC, students must demonstrate clinical competency in psychotherapy and professional ethics. Successful completion of the M.A. program is based upon the student's successful performance on clinical tasks. Any student who does not demonstrate proficiency in the overall CEC performance does not graduate from the M.A. program. The faculty may require further intensive training and demonstration of competency before approving a student's program completion. Final Project Students in the M.A. program are required to complete a significant project as the integrating element of the program.