Clinical Psychology Psy.D. - Proposed Program
Program Requirements
· Core course requirements (73 credit hours)
· Proseminar and practicum requirements (16 credit hours)
· Clinical Dissertation Requirements (3 credit hours)
· Predoctoral Internship (3 credit hours, over a minimum of 3 semesters)
· In addition to fulfilling these credit hour requirements, students must complete the Clinical Competence Examination
Professionalization Group Requirements
The Professionalization Groups are advisement groups for first-year students. These groups meet once a week for one hour and are led by a core faculty member, who will remain the students’ advisor until they identify dissertation advisors. Students discuss topics related to professional psychology and the development of a professional identity. The faculty member leading the group will help students with academic advisement, planning for field training, general consultation on problems or difficulties in the program.
Practicum Requirements (18 Credits)
The Practicum requirements represent the three required levels of field training and evaluation in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program. The first level is the Foundational Practicum (Diagnostic), the second level is the Intermediate Practicum (Interventions), and the third level is Advanced Practicum, which is flexible in focus.
The practicum proseminar accompanies each practicum course and serves as an auxiliary training component in students’ clinical training. The seminar instructor works with each student’s on-site supervisor to oversee education. The seminar instructor is primarily responsible for evaluating student progress in consultation with the on-site supervisor. Students are required to attend the seminar sessions and will be evaluated based on participation in seminar, work samples, and performance in all aspects of clinical and professional work on site. Supervision of individual cases remains the responsibility of the on-site supervisor, who has direct contact with the practicum setting and with the clients. In the proseminar, students receive didactic training, present their clinical work, and consult with peers and the seminar instructor regarding assessment and treatment issues. In keeping with the major objectives, students will:
- demonstrate skills appropriate to their level of training in conceptualization and clinical service;
- be exposed to a variety of clinical issues in different settings;
- increase their capacity to generalize their clinical experiences across domains and groups; and
- develop specific and global clinical competencies.
Students are required to take the following Practicum Courses:
- PSY-640 Foundational Practicum (6 Credits)
- PSY-720 Intermediate Practicum (6 credits)
- PSY-810 Advanced Practicum (6 credits)
Practicum Placement
Students who are eligible for practicum for the following academic year will meet with the Director of Clinical Training in the Fall to gain an introduction to the practicum selection process and to explore the sites for the following year. In consultation with the academic advisor, each student will develop a list of potential practicum sites in order of preference. All sites must be approved by the Director of Clinical Training. The Director of Clinical Training will assign students placement interviews based on each student’s ranked list. Although every effort will be made to help students obtain placement at a site that meets their training needs and goals, no particular site can be guaranteed. See the Training Manual for a specific discussion on practicum procedures and requirements.
Practicum Eligibility
The Director of Clinical Training has the authority to determine a student’s readiness for practicum. In order for a student to apply for practicum or to begin practicum, they must be in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 and not on probation), and must complete all the practicum prerequisite courses prior to the beginning of the practicum. If a student on practicum is placed on probation, the Director of Clinical Training will decide on a case-by-case basis whether practicum can be continued. Students must demonstrate a readiness to assume a professional role and to interact appropriately with clients. Personal adjustment issues, interpersonal difficulties, poor communication skills, or other behavioral problems may reflect on a student’s ability to interact with clients in a competent and ethical manner. Students must have been in attendance in the Clinical Psychology Program at D’Youville University for a minimum of two semesters before beginning practicum.
Practicum Prerequisites:
For PSY-640 Foundational Practicum:
- PSY-511 Cognitive Assessment Assessment (3)
- PSY-512 Objective Assessment (3)
- PSY-521 Psychopathology: Diagnosis, Epidemiology , Conceptualization, and Etiology (3)
- PSY-522 Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Clinical Psychology (3)
- PSY-632 Individual Differences Across the Lifespan (3)
- PSY-562 Diagnostic and Clinical Interviewing (3)
- PSY-614 Integrative Assessment (3, Corequisite)
For PSY-720 Intermediate Practicum:
- PSY-532 Evidence Based Interventions Across the Lifespan (3)
- PSY-611 Biological Bases of Behavior (3)
- PSY-612 Cognitive-Affective Basis of Behavior (3)
- PSY-711 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (3)
- PSY-614 Integrative Assessment (3)
- PSY-640 Foundational Practicum (3, Diagnostic)
For PSY-810 Advanced Practicum:
- PSY-621 Healthcare Models and Service Delivery and Health Psychology (3)
- PSY-712 Behavioral Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology (3)
- PSY-720 Intermediate Practicum(3, Interventions)
- PSY-552 Treatment Modalities (3)
- PSY-732 Psychotherapy Theory and Integration (3)
Professional Liability Insurance
All students enrolled in the Proseminar and Practicum courses must be covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Students purchase this insurance through the American or Canadian Psychological Association, depending on their country of residence. This is mandatory even if the student is otherwise insured.
Clinical Dissertation Requirements (9 Credits)
The Clinical Dissertation is a training experience designed to provide students with a guided opportunity for integrating findings from empirical research toward addressing a psychological issue. The Clinical Dissertation must be a sophisticated piece of written scholarship that demonstrates the ability to frame and address a psychological issue. The primary training goal of the Clinical Dissertation is to help students develop the skills needed to become critical consumers of the empirical literature in psychology. See the Center for Doctoral Studies and Research Dissertation Manual for more information.[HMH1]
Students are required to take a minimum of 9 credits of PSY-730 Dissertation Research
Students are expected to address a psychological issue from a theoretical and empirical standpoint. The appropriateness of the project is determined by the Clinical Dissertation Chair and committee members and is indicated by a potentially publishable review or a synthesis of findings that could be presented to professional psychologists in a conference or workshop setting. The final Clinical Dissertation document must demonstrate the following:
- a mastery of theoretical, clinical, and empirical literature relevant to the topic studied.
- methodological and statistical knowledge relevant to the area of inquiry.
- the ability to integrate specific research findings across studies and to synthesize information to support appropriate conclusions.
- the ability to write clearly and concisely in the style adopted by the profession.
Each committee will consist of 3 members. Chairs must be D’Youville faculty members, but committee members may be appointed from the community at the discretion of the chair. A list of available dissertation chairs will be provided. Each student will meet with the dissertation committee for a proposal meeting to develop a specific topic or project. This is a working meeting during which the student may receive guidance about the appropriateness and acceptable scope of the dissertation. All data-based projects must receive IRB approval. In general, data-based projects should receive IRB review after the proposal meeting, but exceptions will be allowed at the discretion of the chair. The defense of the dissertation will be open to the D’Youville community and will involve a full presentation of the research, including questions about the project. Students submit all revisions to the chair (and other committee members as appropriate) and complete additional requirements for submission to the library and dissemination within two weeks after the oral defense.
Dissertation Prerequisites:
- PSY-542 Statistics for Clinical Psychology I (3)
- PSY-531 Research Methods in Clinical Psychology (3)
Dissertation Completion
It is anticipated that a student will complete the dissertation within the 3 semesters allotted, but students must continue to register for PSY-730 Dissertation Research until the dissertation is complete. Students are expected to enroll in summer semester after beginning the dissertation.
Clinical Competence Examination Requirements
Students are required to take and successfully pass a Clinical Competence Examination (CCE) after the satisfactory completion of Intermediate Practicum and prior to applying for Internship. The CCE includes a treatment summary, a case presentation, a written case analysis, an oral presentation, and an oral examination based on the written and case presentations. This format is designed to assess students’ knowledge, clinical reasoning within a conceptual model, technical skills, relationship skills, self reflection, and ability to communicate in written and oral forms.
CCE Reports and Oral Presentations will be evaluated by the faculty to determine students’ clinical and academic competence and readiness for internship. Students must demonstrate minimum competence in all areas to pass. Results will include Pass with Distinction, Pass, Revise, and Fail. See the Doctoral Program Clinical Competence Examination Manual for more information.
CCE Prerequisites
In addition to the prerequisite courses required for Intermediate Practicum (PSY-720 Intermediate Practicum), students are also required to complete the following courses before beginning the CCE:
- PSY-720 Intermediate Practicum
- PSY-552 Treatment Modalities
- PSY-712 Behavioral Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology
- PSY-732 Psychotherapy Theory and Integration
Students who fail the CCE will be referred to the Student Development Committee to develop a remediation plan. Remediation may include additional practicum experience and/or academic work. Once the remediation is completed, the student may retake the exam once. Re-examination cannot be scheduled before one full term has elapsed. A student who fails the CCE twice will be academically dismissed from the program. Students who are asked to revise their materials will have one month in which to complete the revision and will be given a Pass or Fail result upon evaluation of the revisions.
Appealing Clinical Competence Examination (CCE) Outcome
A student who wishes to dispute her or his CCE Committee's decision has three levels of written appeal available:
- The chair of the CCE examination committee in consultation with the PsyD Program Director
- Director of the Center for Doctoral Studies and Research
- Academic Affairs Office
Internship Requirements
Students will complete a 1750-hour internship as a condition for graduation. The internship is an integral component of the doctoral program and the final experience in the clinical training sequence. During the internship, the student is expected to assume significant responsibilities and to perform major professional functions under the supervision of qualified psychologists. Because the internship is typically the last step in the student’s preparation for functioning as an independent professional, the internship experience should provide the student with a variety of appropriate role models, as well as intensive and diverse opportunities to function in the various roles expected of a clinical psychologist. Typically students begin the internship during their fifth year of enrollment. Please see the Doctoral Program Training Manual for more information.
The internship is intended to be a paid position. Students are strongly encouraged to seek internships that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA). Students may not seek internships that are not active members of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) without prior approval from the Director of Training, who will be responsible for reviewing the appropriateness of these internships based on standards in the field. An internship that is not APA accredited must nevertheless meet guidelines used by the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology to define an internship.
Students are required to take the following: PSY-910 Doctoral Internship ( a minimum of 3 credits across at least 3 semesters). Prerequisites for internship include all required courses. Students must successfully pass the Clinical Competence Examination and defend their dissertation proposal before applying for internship.
[HMH1]This manual is under development.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY-511 | Assessment I: Psychometrics and Cognitive Testing | 3 |
| PSY-512 | Assessment II: Individual Differences and Personality | 3 |
| PSY-521 | Psychopathology: Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Conceptualization, and Etiology | 3 |
| PSY-522 | Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-531 | Research Methods in Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-532 | Intervention: Evidence Based Interventions across the Lifespan | 3 |
| PSY-541 | Professional ProSeminar I – History and Systems | 3 |
| PSY-542 | Statistics for Clinical Psychology I - Univariate | 3 |
| PSY-552 | Professional Proseminar II: Group Therapy | 1 |
| PSY-611 | Biological Bases of Behavior Course Syllabus | 3 |
| PSY-612 | Neuropsychological Assessment | 3 |
| PSY-621 | Healthcare Models and Service Delivery and Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-622 | Social Issues in Health and Wellness | 3 |
| PSY-631 | Statistics for Clinical Psychology II: Multivariate | 3 |
| PSY-632 | Human Development | 3 |
| PSY-640 | Foundational Practicum | 6 |
| PSY-651 | Research Practice Project I | 1 |
| PSY-652 | Research Practice Project II | 1 |
| PSY-661 | Professional ProSeminar III: Consultation and Supervision Part 1 | 1 |
| PSY-662 | Professional ProSeminar IV: Consultation and Supervision Part II | 1 |
| PSY-711 | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | 3 |
| PSY-712 | Behavioral Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSY-720 | Intermediate Practicum | 6 |
| PSY-730 | Dissertation Research | 12 |
| PSY-741 | Professional Proseminar V: Scientific Review and Writing (combined class taught with Proseminar VII) | 3 |
| PSY-742 | Professional Proseminar VI: Internship Preparation | 3 |
| PSY-810 | Advanced Practicum | 6 |
| PSY-831 | Professional Proseminar VII: Scientific Writing and Review (combined class taught with Proseminar V) | 3 |
| PSY-841 | Professional Proseminar VIII: Professional Development | 3 |
| Total Credits | 95 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| PSY-511 | Assessment I: Psychometrics and Cognitive Testing | 3 |
| PSY-521 | Psychopathology: Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Conceptualization, and Etiology | 3 |
| PSY-531 | Research Methods in Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-541 | Professional ProSeminar I – History and Systems | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY-512 | Assessment II: Individual Differences and Personality | 3 |
| PSY-522 | Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Clinical Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-532 | Intervention: Evidence Based Interventions across the Lifespan | 3 |
| PSY-542 | Statistics for Clinical Psychology I - Univariate | 3 |
| PSY-552 | Professional Proseminar II: Group Therapy | 1 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSY-611 | Biological Bases of Behavior Course Syllabus | 3 |
| PSY-621 | Healthcare Models and Service Delivery and Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSY-631 | Statistics for Clinical Psychology II: Multivariate | 3 |
| PSY-640 | Foundational Practicum | 3 |
| PSY-651 | Research Practice Project I | 1 |
| PSY-661 | Professional ProSeminar III: Consultation and Supervision Part 1 | 1 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY-612 | Neuropsychological Assessment | 3 |
| PSY-622 | Social Issues in Health and Wellness | 3 |
| PSY-632 | Human Development | 3 |
| PSY-640 | Foundational Practicum | 3 |
| PSY-652 | Research Practice Project II | 1 |
| PSY-662 | Professional ProSeminar IV: Consultation and Supervision Part II | 1 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSY-711 | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | 3 |
| PSY-720 | Intermediate Practicum | 3 |
| PSY-730 | Dissertation Research | 3 |
| PSY-741 | Professional Proseminar V: Scientific Review and Writing (combined class taught with Proseminar VII) | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY-712 | Behavioral Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| PSY-720 | Intermediate Practicum | 3 |
| PSY-730 | Dissertation Research | 3 |
| PSY-742 | Professional Proseminar VI: Internship Preparation | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSY-810 | Advanced Practicum | 3 |
| PSY-730 | Dissertation Research | 3 |
| PSY-831 | Professional Proseminar VII: Scientific Writing and Review (combined class taught with Proseminar V) | 3 |
| PSY-841 | Professional Proseminar VIII: Professional Development | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| PSY-730 | Dissertation Research | 3 |
| PSY-810 | Advanced Practicum | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 95 | |
In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate programs, the following applies for the Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology:
A student's academic standing is determined by the cumulative quality point average (GPA). Graduate and doctoral students are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. A student who has less than a 3.0 cumulative GPA at any time is placed on academic probation for one semester. At the end of the probation semester, the student's file is reviewed by the program director. If the student's cumulative GPA is a minimum of 3.0, the student is automatically removed from probation. If a student does not achieve the 3.0 GPA, the program director or student progress committee will either dismiss the student from the program immediately or continue the student on probation for one more semester with remediation. If a minimum of 3.0 is not achieved, dismissal is automatic. A student may be on probation no more than two semesters during the entire graduate program. A student who maintains a minimum of a 3.0 average but receives more than two grades of C+ or lower will reviewed by the program graduate committee for recommendation regarding continuation in the program. See the below related to "Grades Below B:"
All grades of B- or higher are applicable to Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program at D'Youville University. Grades of C+ or lower are not applicable to the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program. If more than six credits of graduate work have received a grade below a B or if the student received a grade of C+ or lower, the student will be required to retake the course in order to continue in the program.
To appeal a decision rendered by the faculty/administration that has academic consequences, a student must follow the appeal procedures which are available at www.dyc.edu/appeals.
Full-Time Study
The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology is expected to take 5 years of full-time study. Students taking 9 credit hours during Fall or Spring terms or registered for Internship or Dissertation are considered to be studying full time. A student taking 8 or fewer credit hours in Fall or Spring is considered half time unless registered for Dissertation or Predoctoral Internship. Requests for less than full-time study must be approved by the Program Director. Leaves of Absence must be approved by the student’s Academic Advisor and the Program Director by the second week of the term during which the student goes on leave. Students returning from leave may be referred to the Student Development Committee (SDC) upon their return.
Residency Experience
All students are expected to be enrolled in the Program continuously for the duration of the planned program. Attendance during summer semester is expected while working on dissertation, and the Clinical Competence Examination is given during summer of year three. Most internships are full time for 12 months, and therefore students will register for internship for Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
Transferring Credits
Students may transfer up to 15 credits with a grade of B or better at the discretion of the program director. Credits must be from an accredited institution in courses appropriate to the program.
- Courses must have been offered in psychology at the graduate level.
- Courses must have been completed within six years of matriculation in the Program.
- A grade of "B" or above must have been earned in the requested transfer courses.
- The student may be subject to final examination in all coursework transferred into the PsyD Program.
- No credit is granted for correspondence courses or for "credit-by-examination" courses.
- Proseminar and Practicum, Internship, and Dissertation may not be waived.
CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT A COURSE OR PROGRAM REQUIREMENT
In the event that a student has a concern or question about a course they are encouraged to consult the instructor of the course before bringing concerns to the Program Director. If the situation is not resolved in consultation with the instructor, concerns and/or questions should be brought to the attention of the Faculty Advisor and then to the Program Director. To appeal a decision rendered by the faculty/administration that has academic consequences, a student must follow the appeal procedures which are available at: Academic Appeals Procedures.
STUDENT ADVISEMENT
- Each student will meet with their faculty advisor weekly during the first year of the program during the professionalization group and a minimum of twice per term thereafter. During the dissertation process, the dissertation advisor becomes the student’s academic advisor and will be in contact with the student at least once a month, but more often during many phases of the project. Requests for change of advisor must be made in writing and approved by the Program Director.
- Advisement activities will include, but will not be limited to, the following:
- providing students with the best information and counsel on policies and processes of the University;
- making students aware of the range of services and educational opportunities pertinent to their objectives;
- assisting students in choosing educational, professional, and related life objectives that are well-suited to their interests and abilities;
- making students aware that they carry the ultimate responsibility for acquainting themselves with academic and other University regulations, as well as for planning their courses in accordance with the published Program requirements, and other University policies and processes; and
- closely monitoring academic and clinical developments during all stages of progress throughout a student’s graduate career.
Semiannual Review
Each student will be evaluated by the entire faculty twice annually, with written feedback given by the advisor. A student’s progress toward developing levels of competence appropriate to each stage of training will be documented by faculty, supervisors, and academic advisors. Students exhibiting difficulties may be referred to the faculty advisor at any time. A student whose progress through the program may be in jeopardy will be referred to the Student Development Committee. Although the semiannual meeting can be an opportunity for these referrals to emerge, referrals can be made at any time.
Student Development Committee (SDC)
The SDC is charged with facilitating students’ acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for functioning as competent professional psychologists. Advisors and instructors will refer students as needed to the SDC to review and help develop remediation plans for students who are not progressing satisfactorily, and to determine students’ readiness to continue the program and/or progress to successive levels of training. Academic, professional, and interpersonal performance will be considered based on the Clinical Program Comprehensive Evaluation Policy (see below). Recommendations of the SDC typically involve increased advisement and remedial academic or clinical work, but may include leaves of absence or recommendations for dismissal from the program. These recommendations are subject to review by the Program Director and the Director of the CDSR.
ACADEMIC REVIEW/PROBATION/DISMISSAL
Repeating a Failed Course
- A student earning a grade lower than a B-, in any course or who earns a U in a pass-fail course is required to repeat the course. Both grades will remain on the student’s official transcript and the latter grade will be used to compute the student’s GPA.
Satisfactory Progress
- Students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 and complete the program within 10 years after matriculation. The Clinical Competence Examination must be passed by the end of the 5th year.
Maximum Time Frame Requirements: :
- Completion of the program in 10 years
- Completion of all required coursework in 5 years (without approved LOA)
- Completion of the CCE within 5 years (without approved LOA)
Academic Probation
- Students may be placed on probation based on review of the Student Development Committee (SDC) based on assessment of Program Competencies or the Program Professionalism policy. In these cases, students will be provided with a remediation plan with a time limit for completion. The success of the completion of the plan will be determined by the Student Development Committee (SDC).
Academic Dismissal
- A student who fails the Clinical Competence Examination (CCE) twice, or fails to complete minimum time frame requirements will be academically dismissed. Students may also be dismissed for failure to fulfill terms of a remediation plan within the allotted time frame.
PROFESSIONALISM
Comprehensive Evaluation Policy
- (adapted from The Comprehensive Evaluation of Student-Trainee Competence, Council of Chairs of Training Councils, CCTC):
- Faculty, training staff, supervisors, and administrators participating in doctoral level psychology training have a professional, ethical, and potentially legal obligation to: (a) establish criteria and methods through which aspects of competence other than, and in addition to, a student-trainee's knowledge or skills may be assessed (including, but not limited to, emotional stability and well-being, interpersonal skills, professional development, and personal fitness for practice); and, (b) ensure—insofar as possible—that the student-trainees who complete their programs are competent to manage future relationships (e.g., client, collegial, professional, public, scholarly, supervisory, teaching) in an effective and appropriate manner. Because of this commitment, and within the parameters of their administrative authority, professional psychology education and training programs, faculty, training staff, supervisors, and administrators strive not to advance, recommend, or graduate students or trainees with demonstrable problems (e.g., cognitive, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, technical, and ethical) that may interfere with professional competence to other programs, the profession, employers, or the public at large.
- As such, faculty, and supervisors will evaluate students’ (a) interpersonal and professional competence (b) self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-evaluation ; (c) openness to processes of supervision; and (d) resolution of issues or problems that interfere with professional development or functioning in a satisfactory manner .
- When a student’s conduct clearly and demonstrably (a) impacts the student’s performance, development, or functioning, (b) raises questions of an ethical nature, (c) represents a risk to public safety, or (d) damages the representation of psychology to the profession or public, the student will be referred to the Student Development Committee. Students are required to abide by the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Guidelines and Standards and will sign an agreement upon admission.
Applicants should forward the following materials to the graduate admissions office:
- A completed doctoral application with a non-refundable application fee.
- All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
- A personal statement about one's desire to become a psychologist.
- A curriculum vitae or resume.
Requirements:
- Minimum undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.80 (based on a 4.0 system) or a graduate grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 system).
- It is preferred that students have a bachelor's degree in psychology from an accredited college or university. If the BA or BS is not in psychology, a minor in psychology or related field is a minimum. If there is not an undergraduate degree or minor in psychology, the applicant is asked to contact the Director of Clinical Training before submitting the application.
- If the undergraduate degree is not in psychology, a master's in psychology, counseling or a related discipline is acceptable. At a minimum, however, applicants must have Introductory Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and a research course, or equivalent, at the undergraduate or graduate level.
- Please contact the Program Director to determine equivalence of program prerequisites.
- D'Youville University is a GRE, GRE SUBJECT TEST and TOEFL optional institution.
After an initial review of the above materials, applicants meeting requirements will be invited for interviews with two faculty members.
Students may transfer up to 15 graduate credits in psychology with a grade of B or better at the discretion of the program director. Credits must be from an accredited institution in courses appropriate to the program.