Doctor of Psychology,
Mental Health Administration Specialization

Program Disclosures

Program Emphasis:

In this Doctoral program, you will evaluate, explain, and defend the complexities of modern mental health delivery systems in an ever-changing industry. Through advanced seminars, you will persuasively advocate on behalf of new psychological delivery methods. Seek this advanced degree to enhance your leadership in the performance of large mental health organizations. With this degree, you earn your place at the forefront of improving the quality of life for your fellow human beings.

This curriculum prepares you for a career as an innovative leader in large mental health organizations, where you employ your expertise to influence the design and execution of mental health programs.

Degree Completion Requirements:

To fulfill the requirements for the Doctor of Psychology, Mental Health Administration Specialization, you must successfully complete the following:

  • Program coursework of 68 credits
  • Attend in-residence weekends in Colorado Springs (Friday midday to Sunday midday - dates TBD) for courses ORG 7272, ORG 7101, ORG 8650. Please refer to these Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about this in-residence requirement.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00
  • 180 hours of practicum
  • Dissertation requirements

Note: The date of degree conferral recorded on the student's transcript and diploma will reflect the date the student completes all degree requirements. However, release of transcripts, diplomas, and verifications for degrees awarded are contingent upon submission of an electronic version of the dissertation for binding, the Petition to Graduate form, payment of the graduation fee, and payment of any outstanding balances with the University.

Students who waive ORG 5001 and ORG 5002 are required to take 62 total program credits in order to meet graduation requirements.

Courses:

Courses are listed in the proposed sequence. Your Student Advisor will help with scheduling your courses.

Courses

ORG 5001 Survey of Psychology I (3 credits)*

This course is a survey course developed to assist students with degrees in areas other than psychology to become prepared for graduate study in psychology. Survey I covers an introduction to research, basic psychotherapeutic concepts, cognitive development, sexual development and issues, child issues, family therapy and other therapies, learning and memory and ethics. This course is the first of two survey courses in this preparation process.

ORG 5002 Survey of Psychology II (3 credits)*

This course is the second of two survey courses. This course covers a brief history of psychology, psychoanalytic theories of personality as well as other personality theories, human motives and social motives, psychological therapies and questions about psychotherapy, intelligence measurement, personality traits and their measurement, social relation in groups, stress, health and illness and mind, self and well being.

ORG 7509 History & Systems of Psychology (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the theoretical systems, methods of inquiry, and terminologies associated with the history of psychology. The course is grounded in a broad historical understanding that builds a framework for understanding the contemporary field of psychology. The focus is on the major systems of Associationism, Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, and Existential/Humanistic.

ORG 7510 Biological Bases of Behavior (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide the student with a foundation of human physiology including the nervous, hormonal, reproductive, and sensory systems, and the attendant functions of digestion, sleep, learning and memory, emotion and other human biological functions. The course provides an essential knowledge base for most other offerings in the field of psychology.

ORG 7600 Family Systems (3 credits)

This course is an introduction to the systems approach to intervention with families. It includes a historical perspective on family theory development. The focus is on obtaining knowledge and theory about the nuclear family in traditional and alternative forms. Normal family patterns of interaction, family life cycle, family of origin, family subsystems, and societal influence are explored. Contemporary issues and outcome research literature are reviewed. This course serves as a knowledge base for further study of assessment, treatment, and intervention with families.

ORG 7210 Adult Psychopathology & Treatment I (3 credits)

This course focuses on the etiology and diagnosis of adult psychopathological disorders. Students develop skills in case conceptualization and addressing adult disorders, and differential diagnosis. Benefits and limitations of the diagnostic process are reviewed.

ORG 7260 Adult Psychopathology & Treatment II (3 credits)

This course examines the methods and techniques employed to assist adult clients in the change process with specific reference to problem diagnosis, case conceptualization, and construction of a systematic treatment plan, emerging treatment revision, assessment of outcome, termination, and ethical issues in the treatment process. While placing treatment within a theoretical context, the real emphasis in this course is on treatment techniques aimed at symptom and problem reduction.

ORG 7272 Group Process & Group Leadership in Organizations (3 credits)+

This course provides an overview of group theory, processes and dynamics in organizations. It will also examine effective behaviors and characteristics of facilitating/leading groups in an organizational setting. Students will be afforded the opportunity to participate in group simulations both as participant and facilitator. Students will receive evaluation and feedback on their group facilitation skills. A strong emphasis is placed on ethical standards and behavior in groups along with legal issues. The impact on groups of factors such as diversity, culture, distance, and others are explored.

ORG 7302 Advanced Research Methods (3 credits)

This course involves the advanced study of research design, and the quantitative and qualitative methods that can be used in addressing research questions. The course is divided into three sections, which cover social scientific inquiry and research design, quantitative methodologies, and qualitative methodologies. Qualitative methods will be emphasized, but a foundation for quantitative methodological principles will be provided. Students will be required to complete a training on ethics in research, as well as complete a qualitative research proposal in an area of interest, which may include dissertation related research.

ORG 7402 Advanced Tests & Measurements (3 credits)

This course involves the advanced study of the theory and practice of psychological measurement. Students review and apply the concepts of measurement (levels of measurement, variables, and validity and reliability of instruments and measurement procedures), and basic principles of statistics (descriptive statistics, univariate inferential statistics for comparisons of sample means, correlation, and regression), as a basis for exploring the proper use of tests and measurements in psychological research. Students will explore published research based on psychometric instruments and other measurement methodologies, and design a quantitative research proposal in an area of interest, which may include dissertation related research.

ORG 7415 Advanced Statistics (3 credits)

This course emphasizes inferential statistical concepts related to methods most appropriate to data and theories in psychology. The focus is on a quantitative approach to the concepts and methods of statistical inference. Topics include hypothesis testing, probability, multiple correlation and regression, t-tests, nonparametric tests, Analysis of Variance, Analysis of Covariance, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance. Research design issues are addressed, with a focus on selecting data analysis techniques to appropriately address research questions and apply the concepts covered to various psychological problems and real life situations. Emphasis is on developing skills in interpreting statistical results presented in research articles.

ORG 7101 Assessment Tools for Organizational Leadership (3 credits)+

This course involves the study of the theory and practice of objective personality assessment and its application to executive coaching and organizational leadership. The course focuses on how objective personality assessment is used to provide insights into readiness for leadership and management roles. Primary emphasis is on those published instruments and inventories commonly used in executive coaching, organizational leadership assessment and organizational development, including instruments such as: FIRO-B, Social Style Profile, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, CPI 260, Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode, Campbell Leadership Index, Workplace Big Five, Change Style Indicator, Campbell Organizational Survey, and Conflicts Dynamics Profile. (All of the above will not necessarily be included in each session of the course; instructors will select representative examples from classes of instruments.)

ORG 8516 Ethical Leadership in Organizational Culture (3 credits)

This course examines business and professional ethics with an emphasis on their impact in organizational operations. Personal leadership attributes and characteristics and the role of leadership in guiding the organization and its culture toward successful outcomes receive special emphasis. Topics include the social response of organizations, leadership skills and practice, key relationships among organizational cultures, structuring organizational teams and workgroups and the role of leaders in creating, maintaining and changing cultures.

ORG 8534 Advanced Seminar: Human Resources Business Strategy (3 credits)

This advanced graduate seminar explores issues and models for leveraging human resources to execute business strategy. Topics include succession planning, leadership development models, workforce staffing models, compensation models, and training and development strategies. Prerequisite: 30 semester hours of graduate work in organizational leadership, clinical or counseling psychology, or the equivalent.

ORG 8061 Administration of Grants & Contracts: Governmental & Community Funding (3 credits)

This course provides students with knowledge of the various types of funding sources, including government agencies, private and community sources, grants and contracts as well as rules, guidelines and typical procedures applied to gaining and managing funding. The course also includes basic skill building in using social capital to develop funding sources and in grant proposal development. Interagency collaboration is emphasized.

ORG 8530 Influence, Motivation & Persuasion in the Workplace (3 credits)

This advanced graduate seminar explores theories of motivating adult performance in the workplace. The exploration includes theories and application of methods for leaders to influence and persuade others in ways that motivate and engage them in their work and their organization's mission. Prerequisite: 30 semester hours of graduate work in organizational leadership, clinical or counseling psychology, or the equivalent.

ORG 8650 Strategies & Policies to Advance Mental Health Care (3 credits)+

Analyze and transform mental health treatment systems, cross cultural mental health systems, advocate for legislative change, integrate research into coherent and effective argument to analyze and transform mental health treatment systems.

ORG 8160 Mental Health Programs & Services for Special Populations (3 credits)

This course covers the unique mental health service programming options for individuals representing special populations, including individuals with traumatic brain injury, mental retardation/developmental disabilities, co-occurring disorders, physical disabilities, individuals who are homeless, individuals in distressed communities, etc. The impact of family systems is also considered.

ORG 8165 Mental Health in the Context of Community Wellness (3 credits)

This course is designed to present the student with methods of conducting needs analysis, developing presentation activities, and programs to promote positive mental health. Interaction with, and promotion within the community, is also an area of focus. Methods of conducting and presenting results of cost-benefit analysis of community mental wellness programs are also covered. Prevention and wellness programs are discussed.

ORG 8966-8970 Organizational Practicum I-V (6 credits)

Students obtain direct organizational experience during one or more organizational consulting opportunities. Each student has a University of the Rockies practicum supervisor as well as an on-site supervisor. Students have the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles related to their chosen specialization. They also have the opportunity to work with a variety of leadership styles and organizational cultures as part of their practicum experience. Students locate practicum sites based on their particular interests with the support of the School of Organizational Leadership faculty and Dean. Students must complete each term or practicum before registering for the subsequent term. Full requirements and other information can be found in the Practicum Handbook.

ORG 8990 Dissertation (5 credits++)++

Students writing a dissertation must complete a total of 5 credits by registering for five consecutive terms of dissertation credit, one credit per term. Dissertations are written per the policies, practices and procedures in the Dissertation Handbook.


Total credits 68


* Students entering the program without a Bachelor's or Master's degree in psychology or a related field are required to successfully complete ORG 5001 Survey of Psychology I (3 credits) and ORG 5002 Survey of Psychology II (3 credits) as part of the program. These two courses are designed to prepare students for the remainder of the program.

++ The successful oral defense of the Dissertation is required for graduation with a PsyD from University of the Rockies. The purpose of the Dissertation is to ensure that the student has mastered the ability to pursue a systematic investigation, which examines significant issues or problems in applied psychology. The Dissertation requirement is also designed to contribute to the student's knowledge, skills, and research expertise in psychology. Students choose a topic that addresses carefully chosen research questions that the student then investigates with quantitative or qualitative research, with a meta-analysis, or with a program design or program evaluation with human, as opposed to animal subjects. Time lines for completion of the Dissertation as well as a detailed explanation of each step and requirements in the process are described in the University of the Rockies Dissertation Handbook.

+ Contains a weekend in-residence requirement in Colorado Springs (Friday midday to Sunday midday). Dates will be published in advance. Travel and related expenses are your responsibility.