I'm currently in my first year of the clinical program at Hofstra.
In a nutshell, I can tell you among their biggest differences are the following:
- Hofstra's training model is purely built on a cognitive behavioral approach, whereas St. John's requires a dual training in CBT and psychdynamic modalities. If you're looking for a bit more eclecticism, St. John's might be the place for you, but if you're looking to become very well trained in the most empirically based therapeutic modality, then Hofstra probably gets the nod. In fact, Hofstra was honored at the recent ABCT (Association for behavior and cognitive therapies) conference as the pre-eminent training program in CBT in the country.
- While both programs have a strong research focus, it seems to me that St. John's research component is more rigorous. People there tell me they spend 20 hrs a week doing research in the first year, compared with far less at Hofstra. This means there is more time at Hofstra to breathe as well as to focus on your areas of interest.
- St. John's tends to offer a bit more in the way of financial support, so that's a make it or break it part of the deal for some people, but you'd have to wait and see what they both offer before making that part of the decision.
- People tend to take longer to complete St. John's than Hofstra.
- I can't speak for St. John's but I know that at Hofstra the students as well as the faculty are reputed to be, (and in my experience are in fact) very friendly, supportive, and down to earth.
I hope I've been helpful, feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.
Whatever you choose, good luck!
