Clinical Training Model

The overarching model of the PsyD program at Missouri State University is the Local Clinical Scientist (LCS) training model.

This approach to training emphasizes the necessary integration of research and practice in the local context and “views the clinician as functioning as a scientist in the local setting” (Stricker & Trierweiler, 1995, p. 999).

This approach encourages critical thinking and the application of scientific knowledge to clinical issues as well as contribution to the public body of knowledge in clinical psychology.

Philosophical perspective

A guiding principle of the PsyD program at Missouri State University is pragmatism.

A pragmatic approach to learning involves:

• An emphasis on actionable knowledge.
• Recognition of the interconnectedness between experience, knowing and acting.
• Inquiry as an experiential process (Kelly & Cordeiro, 2020).

Grounded in empiricism, a pragmatic approach allows for the questioning of deeply held beliefs in science, practice, and other domains encouraging action that challenges existing systems, discovers new knowledge, and implements interventions to improve psychological well-being. 

According to Sharma, Devi, and Kumari (2018) there are four primary principles of pragmatism that guide education. Each of these principles underly the PsyD program at Missouri State University and are evident in the curriculum, specializations offered, and practical training.

Utility

Everything a student learns will be useful to them in the immediate and distant future.

Interest

Courses, specializations, and practical experiences will be interesting to students. Consultation and advising will be used to match students’ interests with the appropriate course work and practicum experiences.

Experience

There is great value placed on experience. Students will become psychologists by observing and working closely with other licensed psychologists.

Integration

A pragmatic approach recognizes that human behavior does not exist in silos. The course work and practical experiences in the MSU PsyD program will be developmental, iterative, and integrated. Didactic and experiential concepts will be embedded throughout the doctorate program.