The Child/Family Clinical Major Area of Study is designed to provide systematic training in research and clinical skills as they apply to problems of children, adolescents, couples, and families. This track trains research-oriented clinical psychologists having a specialty interest in children, adolescents, couples, and families. The program builds on a foundation of coursework and applied experiences in normal and atypical development, child/adolescent/family assessment, and child/adolescent/family intervention.
The two cohesive themes that run throughout much of the ongoing research in this program are "developmental psychopathology" and "children in the community" -- that is a social-contextual perspective on child, youth, and family problems. At the time of entry in to the program, and each semester thereafter, students work closely with an individual faculty member on research. A mentor-apprentice model is utilized, with students gradually increasing in independence in research skills and responsibilities. Therefore, when applying, applicants are encouraged to prepare personal statements that specifically describe their research interests and goals. Because of our mentoring system, it is extremely helpful for applicants to indicate specific faculty members whose research interests match their own.
The heart of our graduate training is its close research mentorships. Students and faculty mentors work together closely, meeting regularly to discuss research and professional issues, as well as student career development. There are also a variety of social events hosted by both students and faculty members.
Information about student funding (see also the Clinical Program Data):
- Students in our program who are in good standing typically have full tuition remission and remuneration.
- About half of the students are funded with Research Assistantships in which funding is provided from a specific faculty mentor's research grant.
- Teaching Assistantships provide students with undergraduate teaching opportunities.
- Students typically begin by assisting faculty members teaching courses. Students are also required to teach one course at some point during their graduate studies in order to prepare them for university employment.
- About 20% of our students are funded on competitive fellowships, such as the University Fellowships provided by the University of Miami.”
- The graduate handbook: https://www.psy.miami.edu/graduate/handbooks/
- The application page: https://www.psy.miami.edu/graduate/how-to-apply/index.html
