Program Timeline

The program can be completed in 5-6 years, but not in less than 5 years. The program is fulltime, requiring at least 35- 40 hours per week of school-related work. In addition, there are in-person residency requirements which include attendance at session (6 days), professional development seminars (PDS), and other requirements. See page 10 for details.

Applications are accepted for the fall term each year.

New Student Orientation (NSO) in Santa Barbara, Academic and Research coursework, a minimum of 5 PDS group meetings, plus 1 Residential Session. Academic, Clinical, and Research coursework, Clinical Practicum hours (750 hours: approximately 15-60 hours per week), 1-2 Residential Sessions, a minimum of 3 PDS meetings.

Academic, Clinical, and Research coursework, Clinical Practicum hours (760 hours: approximately 15-20 hours per week), work on completing dissertation proposal; minimum of 2 PDS meetings, and attendance at a residential session.

The doctoral program is set up to be completed in 5-6 years. Whether a student graduates in five or six years depends mostly on how much time a student requires to complete the dissertation (1 or 2 years) and accrue the 1520 hours of practicum before internship application.

For those who already have a doctorate in a specific discipline of psychology (e.g. cognitive, social, experimental, developmental), Fielding offers a Respecialization Certificate in Clinical Psychology (RCP). For more information please click here.

• Fall term: September — December • Spring term: January — April • Summer term: May — August Each calendar year is divided into 3 terms; each term lasts just under 4 months. There is a break of 1 to 3 weeks between each term.

(or Years 4 or 5) Dissertation, apply for internship, Cluster/Residential Session. (or Year 6) Internship (paid): 12 months, 40 hours per/week.

* Doctoral students may take 6 years depending on when they complete their dissertation or internship.