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8/23/2022 0 Comments

fielding university

​Fielding Graduate University is a Clinical Psychology Program with a Distributed Learning Model

Written By Aunice Yvonne Reed, M.S., M.A.
If completing a PhD in clinical psychology degree online accredited by the American Psychological Association is your goal, then Fielding Graduate University might be a college for you to consider. It is the only U.S. clinical psychology doctorate program accredited by the APA that has a distributed learning model, which includes some degree of online learning. So those of you planning to practice in states requiring APA accreditation, this may be an option, that is unless your state doesn't accept online education. Proceed with caution here; be certain that the state in which you intend to practice will accept your education in clinical psychology. If you don't expect to obtain a practicing license permitting you to work with clients, then it probably doesn't matter one way or the other. It all just depends on what you want to do with your psychology education. 

Remember, if you plan to work with client's, you'll need to earn a license and/or certification permitting you to do that. This includes spending a significant amount of time working in the field under a qualified supervisor.

What is a Distributed Learning Model?

Online is just one learning method and technology used in programs employing a distributed learning model. This format involves a variety or “blended” approach to providing educational opportunities to students. A school such as Fielding Graduate University, may use a combination of online coursework, in-person courses and training, in-person or virtual conferences and various modes of technology, such as streaming video and student/faculty forums for interaction. Learning without geographical limits is the result and purpose, as students engage in learning and interacting with other students, faculty and in some cases alumni, without the constraints of time and place. What is being learned is the only commonality in this space.

Fielding’s distributed learning model is based on and derived from the Oxford-Cambridge Tutorial Method, a learning approach emphasizing discussions occurring between small, intimate groups of students and their teachers who are considered to be leading experts in the subjects of those discussions. It is the expectation that students will prepare themselves for these tutorials by doing some preliminary study independently. During tutorials, students are provided with opportunities to speak at length on their subjects and the work they are doing. They also are able to obtain feedback from their teachers and other students in the discussion groups with them. An essential point is that students are expected to analyze, defend and critique the work of their fellow students. The Oxbridge Tutorial Method was developed by the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge in the 1800’s and is still in use today at these colleges.

Fielding Graduate University has a very small student body, about 1,000 students total on average, allowing a low student-to-professor ratio of approximately 10 to 1. Mid-career people who have some degree of experience in their fields, and seeking an advanced degree are the typical students at this college. Most of its students are working towards doctoral degrees ranging in age from 22-81.  The school’s website states the following important message: 

“The founders speculated that students seeking advanced degrees at Fielding would often be mid-career adults who wanted to enhance their already well-established academic and professional skills. They envisioned these students would be committed to career development and advancement, and, by the nature of their quest for doctoral education at midlife, interested in being part of a lifelong learning community dedicated to social change. Second, the founders recognized that this atypical student body would bring experiences to graduate study that were significantly different from those of young adults. Traditional methods of education were thought to be inappropriate for such learners. To accommodate and advance the learning needs of this audience, Fielding developed a rigorous, supportive learning model that continues to this day as flexible, learner-centered, self-directed, globally-oriented, and competence-based.”

Fielding Graduate University Curriculum: PhD in Clinical Psychology
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PhD Clinical Psychology students at Fielding complete an academic core of 10 courses including: History and Systems in Psychology, Biological Bases of Psychology, Psychopathology, and Social Bases of Behavior. Students who are new to Fielding complete an orientation class that familiarizes them with requirements of the degree, the school’s online portal called Moodle, APA writing and the online library. A portion of the orientation course is in-person. Clinical requirements consist of courses focusing on applied competencies such as conducting assessments, practicing psychotherapy skills, conducting interviews and self-of-the-therapist awareness. Clinical practicum, working with clients in the field, takes place in the students’ local communities. Fielding’s clinical practicum requirement is a minimum of 1,520 hours. Most students do more to be competitive in the APPIC Internship Match. The internship requirement is 1,800 hours minimum.

The research core at Fielding includes a 200-hour Research Practicum, as well as courses in Psychometric Theory, Research Methods, Statistical Methods and Multivariate Statistics. Research Skill Seminars show students how to use their research by breaking down research literature, and developing a scholarly argument. Other seminar subjects include Pre-Dissertation Seminar, Publishing/Presenting Seminar, Questionnaire Construction Seminar, and Data Analysis Seminar. Research seminars also take place in a blended-format (online and in-person). 

​Explore specializations at Fielding University in the PhD in Clinical Psychology Program
Top Online Psychology Schools at toponlinepsychologyschools.com is a website dedicated to providing essential information for getting an online education in psychology or other mental health related fields. ​
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1/2/2022 0 Comments

doctoral programs in psychology online?

Written By Aunice Yvonne Reed, M.S., M.A.
Picture
User Gflores on en.wikipedia, [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons

​There are many graduate schools the world over you can attend for obtaining a doctorate in psychology degree. But the focus of this website is specifically concerned with online programs in psychology. Brick and mortar schools requiring classroom, in-person attendance on physical campuses are great if that's what you prefer, and are necessary for some majors and courses. An example of this would be those requiring labs, like chemistry, architectural design or certain biology courses. And even within those majors, a significant amount of coursework can be completed online (e.g. English literature, history). It really all depends on the college and what you want to do with your education. Your educational options are determined by these two things.

Those wanting a doctorate in psychology typically desire to either teach and do research, or become licensed to work as a clinical psychologist. Some want to do both.  If you are planning on a career primarily in research and/or teaching at the university level, then it's the PHD program in psychology (non-licensure track) or the PHD clinical psychology (licensure track) that you want. Either of these will get you there, but the clinical psychology PHD will also allow you to do psychotherapy. The other one, the PHD in psychology non-licensure will qualify you to do research and teach only. Good news is, either of these can be done completely online. There are also schools offering the PHD in Clinical Psychology in a hybrid format, meaning you will be doing online coursework and you'll be in a classroom for part of the time.
Can I Really Complete My Doctorate in Psychology Degree Online? 
There was a time when you'd be hard-pressed to be able to obtain a doctorate in psychology online, but with advanced technology, today it is definitely something you can do. Many colleges now offer online programs in nearly every subject. Just like with many things though, there are caveats you'll need to be mindful of, like being aware of the rules in your state regarding psychologist licensing. Some states do not allow future clinical psychologists to complete any portion of their degrees online at all. If you plan to practice in a state like this, you will have to attend an in-person, brick and mortar school. Otherwise, you'll need to plan on practicing in a state that allows doing classes online towards your training. Most states do, but not all, so beware and do your research on that because there's nothing worse than completing your whole doctorate program and then finding out your state of practice doesn't accept your education! 

If you want to do psychotherapy and work with clients, you'll be expected to complete an internship in the form of a clinical practicum in your local area. Schools offering a doctorate in clinical psychology will expect you to find your own clinical site, but they may provide some help with this. This is the only part of your program that takes place separately from your online classroom or portal. It is an in-person experience doing therapy with clients and also meeting for supervision with your site clinical supervisor throughout your time at the site. Your practicum requirements vary by school and state board rules. If you are going to be working with clients, the clinical internship experience is necessary whether you go to an on-campus program or online.

Top Online Psychology Schools at toponlinepsychologyschools.com is a website dedicated to providing essential information for getting an online education in psychology or other mental health related fields. 
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