IV. GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL ACADEMIC DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

THE PsyD COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

CLINICAL DEPARTMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTERING THE ORAL SPECIALTY COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE CLINICAL ORAL EXAM

1. The oral exam requires the student to demonstrate in a high level written document, through an audio or videotape, and in an oral presentation, the ability to assess, formulate, treat and evaluate his or her work on a clinical case.

2. The exam is patterned after the Oral Examination for Licensure given by the New Jersey Board of Psychological Examiners as the final step in the licensing process, requiring the candidate to discuss successfully before two examiners a submitted "typical work sample." It thus provides the students with an opportunity to first experience this process in a more benign and educational atmosphere.

3. Because it is a formal process, it differs in significant ways from the more informal and collaborative style of many class presentations. It asks that the student take on the role of a professional presenting to other professionals, prepared to succinctly present the essentials of a case and to defend a point of view.