A prospective graduate student is reviewing the curriculum for a doctoral program in clinical psychology. They observe that a significant portion of the program is dedicated to the completion of a single, lengthy research paper based on an original study conducted by the student. What is the most likely primary goal of a program with this requirement?

An undergraduate student, Sam, is passionate about working at a university to research the effectiveness of new treatments for mood disorders and publish original findings. A different student, Jordan, wants to open a private practice to provide therapy to clients using established, evidence-based methods, but has little interest in conducting their own research. Considering the defining requirement of completing a lengthy, original research paper, which student's career goals are more closely aligned with a doctor of philosophy (PhD) program in clinical psychology?

Licensure Requirements for Clinical/Counseling Psychologists