• Who attends the clinical psychology program?
• How do I know Fielding is the right learning environment for me?
• How is Fielding's Clinical Psychology program different from other programs?
• What do your graduates do?
• What are some recent dissertation topics?
• If I have been a practicing clinician for a long time, do I need to do a practicum?
• How long does the program take to complete?
• How do I contact faculty to complete assessments and how much guidance do they offer?
• Can I receive credit for previous work completed at other academic institutions?
• What services are covered by tuition?
• What is the attrition rate?
• What advisory services do I receive?
• Are scholarships available?
• For more information about the program, how can I speak with a faculty or student?

Q: Who attends the clinical psychology program? [back to list of questions]
A: The average age of our students is 44. Most students have master's degrees in mental health. Over the last three years, approximately one-quarter of our entry classes have been from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Our acceptance ratio is 1:4. Please note that, unlike our other programs, the Clinical Psychology Program accepts applications only from individuals residing in the contiguous states of the United States (except Kansas, Oregon and Oklahoma), and in Canada. Thus the program is not offered in Hawaii, Alaska or overseas. This is primarily because clinical training placements require Fielding approval as well as on-site supervision which we cannot provide outside the contiguous United States and Canada.

Q: How do I know Fielding is the right learning environment for me? [back to list of questions]
A: If you are an independent learner and you want flexibility yet have the self-discipline to create your own structure, you will find our environment a good fit. If you have strong writing skills and can set school as a priority, you will find that our program provides the setting to develop your particular interests. If you can initiate relationships, you will enjoy the close collegiality with other students nationwide and the collaborative opportunities with faculty. If you have good computer skills, you will be able to engage easily with our national learning network.

Q: How is Fielding's Clinical Psychology program different from other programs? [back to list of questions]
A: We are the only distributed learning educational system approved by the American Psychological Association. Our faculty are scholars representing diverse theoretical and research orientations. Students can develop clinical specialties in cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, TA-Gestalt or group psychotherapy. Concentrations are also offered in Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Neuropsychology, Parent-Infant Mental Health, and Prevention and Control of Violence. Faculty-student relationships are collaborative and collegial. In research, students can develop dissertations in their areas of interest and may use appropriate methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative. Students can study at their own pace and develop their own interests.

Q: What do your graduates do? [back to list of questions]
A: Many of our graduates are already in the mental health field and find that Fielding's doctoral and certificate programs help advance their careers. They are qualified to pursue broad areas of psychology and combine clinical practice with teaching, research, administration and consultation. Many of our graduates go on to obtain licensure in their states.

Q. What are some recent dissertation topics? [back to list of questions]
A. Click here to download a partial list of dissertation topics. (PDF)

Q: If I have been a practicing clinician for a long time, do I need to do a practicum? [back to list of questions]
A: Yes, as part of the doctoral program all students are required to complete a practicum. Predoctoral practica are required for internship placement, particularly for APA-approved internship sites. However, those who come to our program with a considerable amount of clinical experience are advised to develop practica that build on their strengths while developing their skills in new areas.

Q: How long does the program take to complete? [back to list of questions]
A: Based on students who graduated in the five years between 2001 and 2006, the average length of time to complete the Clinical Psychology PhD program, exclusive of leaves was 9.2 years (SD = 3.0). Students who follow our suggested curriculum sequence can complete the program in 6years, although some students complete the program in as few as 3.5 years. (Specific data pertaining to completion of the Clinical Psychology doctoral program can be found on the Outcome Data page.) If you have other competing demands or life events occur, it will take you longer to complete the program. We strongly recommend that students spend at least 20 hours a week on their studies regardless.

Q: How do I contact faculty to complete assessments and how much guidance do they offer? [back to list of questions]
A: Each Knowledge Area (KA) has two to three faculty who are identified as the assessors. The assessors have guidelines for their particular knowledge areas,that are accessible on the website. Students also receive extensive study guides in each knowledge area. Students will contact the faculty member of their choice and develop a contract. The sequencing of KA's and the specific topics covered can be tailored to the students' interests. Students and faculty meet face to face at the national sessions and when they visit clusters. They are also in contact on the web, through email, and via more structured seminars offered online.

Q: Can I receive credit for previous work completed at other academic institutions?[back to list of questions]
A: Yes, we accept up to 12 transfer credits under the conditions set in our transfer credit policy. We also permit students to use the work that they have previously completed as part of their knowledge areas. Each student can negotiate with a faculty assessor to demonstrate that previous work is current and does show competence in the knowledge area. The faculty may ask for some additional academic material to be submitted.

Q: What services are covered by tuition? [back to list of questions]
A: The tuition is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees. The tuition is announced on our website and brochure insert. The tuition includes all academic, training, faculty and administrative services on a year round basis. In addition, we provide access to First Search Database and Full-Text APA. Other expenses include: a one-time NSO fee and a residential session registration fee for each session as well as travel, room and board for each session; books and computer-related expenses. Tuition is billed three times a year; however, other arrangements can be made with our Finance Office. For more detailed information, please see Projecting Cost of Education.

Q: What is the attrition rate? [back to list of questions]
A: Based on data from students who entered the program between 20002 and 2006, the attrition rate was 30%. The most frequently cited reasons for withdrawing were financial difficulties and health concerns.

Q: What advisory services do I receive? [back to list of questions]
A: Each student has a primary advisor who is their cluster faculty leader. The faculty and student work closely to do program planning. Students also have administrative support in Santa Barbara provided by a Graduate Program Advisor who is individually assigned to each student. Each student is assigned an Associate Dean as well who is that student's academic advisor in Santa Barbara, CA.

Q: Are scholarships available? [back to list of questions]
A: Our scholarships are limited to a small scholarship fund for Minority Students. Students are encouraged to consult with our Financial Aid office for other financial aid information.

Q: For more information about the program, how can I speak with a faculty or student? [back to list of questions]
A: Please contact Fielding's Admission Office at admission@fielding.edu or call 800.340.1099. The admission staff will put you in touch with a faculty member in your region, or a Fielding graduate.

Last Updated: 10/9/07