Qualification for candidacy is decided by assessment of the student's academic record, performance on the qualifying examination and the quality of performance on clinical assignments. This examination is designed to evaluate minimal competency of the student's clinical abilities relative to level of training. This examination is characterized principally by faculty observation of the student's skills in the areas of assessment and behavior change, knowledge of relevant research, and cognizance of ethical and professional issues. This committee conducts a preliminary proposal examination, supervises the dissertation, and carries out the final oral examination in which the student defends his or her work. During the academic year, students may simultaneously be involved in classes, seminars, research apprenticeship, and clinical work.
Summers are primarily devoted to research apprenticeship and clinical assignments.
Clinical assignments begin during the first summer and continue throughout the remaining three years. Research apprenticeships are scheduled for the third and fourth years, for two days per week. Assignments are two and a half days per week, except for the summer semesters when they are four days per week. Clinical experiences are offered in a wide variety of settings. In addition, there are broader, non-course, opportunities through workshops, seminars, and conferences.