Non-Clinical PsyD Question

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by csemarbles, Nov 8, 2015.

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  1. csemarbles

    csemarbles New Member

    Hi all - I know there have been some discussions regarding this from 5-6 years ago but am hoping someone might have some updated insight. I currently hold a master's degree in aeronautical science with an emphasis on human factors. I work as an aviation consultant and safety/aerobatic flight instructor.

    I am very interested in a PhD or PsyD in performance psychology as I hope to open new doors to include executive/life coaching, unique research (psychology in aviation), performance consulting and maybe some teaching at 2-year/4-year and/or online.

    After spending a few months researching I keep coming back to the University of the Rockies' PsyD program in performance/sports psychology but can't quite wrap my head around a PsyD program that is not clinical (as it seems that that's the point of the PsyD).

    Any thoughts would be incredibly appreciated. I'm just floundering a bit with my decision as it's almost $80K and 4 years so I really want to make sure I don't get a degree that's worthless in the end.

    Thanks!!
     
  2. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    The website states clearly that all the PsyD programs are clinical and can lead to licensure. From the website:

    "Within the PsyD, Clinical Specialization, doctoral candidates may pursue one of these areas of concentration: Clinical Neuropsychology, Forensic/Correctional Psychology, Health Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Sport Neuroperformance. The completion of a Concentration is not required in order to graduate with the PsyD, Clinical Specialization degree, but may be chosen by students who want focused education and/or experience in one of the concentration areas. The completion of a Concentration will not be noted on the diploma, but will be listed on graduate transcripts following the granting of the degree."

    So it's a PsyD with a concentration. It CAN lead to licensure depending on several factors including where you live. I'm not sure why you think this is a non-clinical degree
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 8, 2015
  3. csemarbles

    csemarbles New Member

    I'm basically looking for insight from people who have experience in the world of psychology regarding my goals vs. the track that I'm considering (PsyD in performance/sports psychology *non clinical*). To offer more specific questions:

    1. Is there reason to be concerned regarding the utility (or possibly lack there of) of a non-clinical PsyD?

    2. Would a PsyD in performance/sports psychology be usable to do the things I've listed as personal goals/uses following degree completion (executive/life coaching, unique research (psychology in aviation ), performance consulting and maybe some teaching at 2-year/4-year and/or online)?
     
  4. Phdtobe

    Phdtobe Well-Known Member

    $80k for
    You can already do all this right now. A phd will add some credibility but no need to spend $80k. There are a few doctorates in the US under $30k that you can give you the same bang for the buck.
     
  5. Phdtobe

    Phdtobe Well-Known Member

  6. csemarbles

    csemarbles New Member

    The website states clearly that is not clinical in other sections and it does not offer the clinical training required nor does it require the internships/clinical experience (1500 hrs pre and 1500 hrs post doctorate for a license in CA) to complete the program. Additionally, in speaking with the academic counselor there multiple times it is clearly not a degree that will prepare you for a clinical license and they are very open in telling you that. That makes sense since it is not an APA accredited school and everyone I have spoken to in the field has said there's no reason to do a clinical degree anywhere that is not APA accredited. So for more this is not the question I need answered.

    I have read all of the school's information and shared a number of emails with them, but they are also looking to pick up a new student. It's for those reasons that I posted here in order to hopefully receiving some from people in the field who can speak to what they think the value of this degree would be.
     
  7. csemarbles

    csemarbles New Member

    Hi Phdtobe - you're absolutely correct, I *could* but without a strong background in the psychology of these things I feel like I'm not truly qualified. Additionally many teaching jobs require a terminal degree which I don't have at this point. I definitely know where you're going with your point and appreciate it - I've been thinking through all these things and am on the fence.

    I looked at the CSU degree but it doesn't offer any focus on performance psychology (I had emailed asking them if there was a possibility to tailor to that but they said there wasn't really any flexibility there which is understandable). Additionally it is not APA accredited and I know if I choose to go the clinical-route it needs to be (at least in talking to colleagues that are psychologists) and thus would have to be an in-residency program as APA doesn't not provide accreditation to any online programs at this time.

    I may just be chasing a unicorn which is why it's helpful to get feedback like yours so thanks, I very much appreciate it.
     
  8. AV8R

    AV8R Active Member

    Why not consider the PhD in Aviation offered by Embry Riddle? The specialization in Aviation Safety and Human Factors might be a good fit for you. All of the coursework for the degree is online with three six-day residency seminars required at the school's Daytona Beach Campus to complete the program.

    Ph.D. in Aviation | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
     
  9. csemarbles

    csemarbles New Member

    I just want to clarify that this degree is *not* a clinical degree and this is directly from their website:

    "Licensure Information

    ^The Sport and Performance Psychology Specialization in the Master of Arts in Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology professional. University of the Rockies does not represent that this program meets certification or licensure requirements in any state. It is the student’s responsibility to review any state certification or licensure requirements in their intended field of employment. "

    The fact that it is not clinical is not in question for me - my questions are based on this fact and I just would like some feedback from people within the world of psychology as the utility and reputability of such a degree.
     
  10. csemarbles

    csemarbles New Member

    Hi AV8R. I actually did my M.A.S. with ERAU. I have looked at the Aviation PhD a fair amount but I think at this point I would like a doctorate in something that is has a broader reach than just aviation.
     
  11. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator


    The portion you've cited is in regards to their Masters degree in Sports Psych, not their PsyD program.
     
  12. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Actually, they do, but it's a PhD in Psychology offered by Fielding University.
     
  13. csemarbles

    csemarbles New Member

    Hi all, I'm going to go ahead and say thank you but we can end the thread. It appears that instead of getting feedback for my questions everyone is focused on debating clinical vs non-clinical and APA accreditation which is not the question at hand and I have direct feedback from the school (phone conversation with the psychology department) saying that it is not in any way preparatory for a clinical degree.
     
  14. airtorn

    airtorn Moderator

    If you change your mind, the University of North Dakota now has a PhD in Aerospace Studies in a (mostly) online format. Aerospace Sciences Doctorate Program
     
  15. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I'm going to pretend that I actually care about this issue and say that Mr. Marbles is wrong/misinterpreting/misunderstanding (choose one). The PsyD degree is, by definition, a clinical degree. It's possible that this degree "is not in any way preparatory for" licensure but that is another matter altogether. Regardless of all that, I wish Mr. Marbles the best of fortune in all his endeavors.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 9, 2015
  16. csemarbles

    csemarbles New Member

    Thanks airtorn - appreciate the link!!
     
  17. csemarbles

    csemarbles New Member

    Kizmet has no business acting in such a manner simply because they are a "moderator" on this site. With that said I'm waiting for a response from the site as to how to remove my account completely as this is an incredibly unprofessional action by someone who should be moderating and not antagonizing people actually looking for help. Even though I have had direct conversations with the school in which they stated what I have posted above (it is not a degree in any way preparing someone to act as a clinical psychologist, period.) Kizmet continues to have to make snarky/rude/useless comments regarding a topic they clearly have no background in.
     
  18. Graves

    Graves Member

    The Fielding PhD in clinical psychology is a "Distributed Learning" model that combines American and British psychology models. You have to set up your own practicum during the program, and attend cluster meetings. It's more convenient than a conventional program, but calling it completely online is a stretch.
     

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