PSYC 402 - Clinical Science Capstone

Students in the Clinical Science Capstone will apply contemporary psychological science to their experiences working in social service settings. During the semester, students will spend a minimum of five hours a week in partnership with an organization serving people living with, or at high risk for living with, mental health challenges. During class time, we will explore the connections between science and practice, discussing evidence-based interventions, ethical dimensions of social service work, specific skill development related to students’ internship responsibilities, controversies about caregiving, stress and burnout among care providers, and other topics related to students’ specific community placements. Through varied activities (e.g., shared readings, discussion, reflective writing, and guest speakers), the course seeks to deepen students’ appreciation for applications of psychological science beyond the lab and classroom.

As in Directed Research (PSYC 401), Clinical Science Capstone students will conduct a substantial research project. They will undertake a comprehensive review of past scholarship related to a key aspect of their internship experience, and they will prepare a capstone paper that uses past scholarship to ask and answer a vital question in the field. Unlike Directed Research, however, students in the Clinical Science Capstone will not be expected to gather data. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 301 and an advanced psychology course Fall semester only. (4 Credits)