Multiple Doctoral Programs in One Department - Yay or Nay?

[193863]

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I was wondering what people think about multiple doctoral programs housed in one department. For example, one school I know offers doctoral programs in clinical, school-child clinical, and clinical health psychology. Is this advantageous? On one end, a student might have opportunities to take classes on other areas and be exposed to related topics. On the other, perhaps the department's resources might be spread too thin. Faculty members might not be as readily available, and classes or experiences you want might be more competitive. I'm speculating here.. anyone have any experience/thoughts? 👍 👎

 

[erg923]

Well actually, pretty much every school offering doctoral degrees in psychology offer more than one area. Many have clinical, cognitive, social, neuroscience etc. Obviously, to have a good psychology department you need depth and a variety of faculty interests. It is advantageous from a monetary perspective as well, as the department gets more grant/research funding form a variety of sources.

As far as having multiple areas within clinical programs (i.e.,clinical-health, child), I also do not see a problem with this. Programs don't develop these degrees or tracks without faculty expertise to teach them. Grad students do not typically have to "compete" for any classes or resources within their program.

 

[wannabePHD]

someone is definitely refering to yeshiva.

 

[193863]

it's possible.. 🙂 Figured the forum is the place to ask these random thoughts as I'm going through the process.

 

[sicologia]

Personally, I feel that having multiple doctorate programs housed in one dept. is a good thing. In my own program, I've had the opportunity to take courses in a our Clinical psych program as a School Psych Doctoral student. Not a bad deal. Also, I think it diversifies the program and draws professors from several different areas of expertise.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I think it is beneficial (get people who teach in their specialty), though I'm not sure if it will be really beneficial for the student to try and take too many classes spread across too many areas.