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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Pre-Doctoral Internship (Online)

PSY 7950-30I

Course: PSY 7950-30I
Credits: 1
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Psychology
CRN: 34046

Course Description

This course reflects students’ work at a full-time, external pre-doctoral internship site during their final year of training. This full-time, ~2000 hr internship is required prior to graduation in order to fulfill APA accreditation requirements as well as requirements for state licensing boards. Students’ placements are determined by their participation in the APPIC (Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers) application process the prior year. Specific emphases, roles, and responsibilities are determined and monitored by the sites, overseen by APPIC rules and expectations which are the standard in the field. (Fall [As Needed], Spring [As Needed], Summer [As Needed]) [Pass/Fail] Registration Restriction(s): PsyD students only

Required Texts

There are no required texts in this course.

Learning Outcomes

This course is designed to introduce and practice the following Profession-Wide Competencies (PWCs) in Health Services Psychology as outlined by the American Psychological Association. PWCs ii–vii apply to all students at year-appropriate levels; PWC viii is a formal emphasis for fourth-year students, and PWC ix is introduced in the third and fourth years.

PWC ii (Ethical & Legal Standards)

Be knowledgeable of and act in accordance with each of the following: the current version of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct; relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; and relevant professional standards and guidelines.

Recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise, and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas.

Conduct self in an ethical manner in all professional activities.

PWC iii (Individual & Cultural Diversity)

Demonstrate an understanding of how their own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves.

Demonstrate knowledge of the current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to addressing diversity in all professional activities including research, training, supervision/consultation, and service.

Demonstrate the ability to integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences, including intersectionality, in articulating an approach to working effectively with diverse individuals and groups.

Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with individuals whose group membership, demographic characteristics, or worldviews differ with their own.

PWC iv (Professional Values, Attitudes, & Behavior)

Behave in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, including integrity, deportment, the integration of science and practice, professional identity, accountability, and concern for the welfare of others.

Engage in self-reflection regarding one’s personal and professional functioning; engage in activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness.

Actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision.

PWC v (Communication & Interpersonal Skills)

Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals, including colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional services.

Produce and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and well-integrated; demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts.

Manage difficult communication well.

PWC vi (Assessment)

Demonstrate current knowledge and application of knowledge of diagnostic classification systems, functional and dysfunctional behaviors, including consideration of client strengths and psychopathology.

Select and apply assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity considerations and contextual influences (e.g., family, social, societal, and cultural) of the service recipient.

Interpret assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations, while guarding against decision-making biases, distinguishing the aspects of assessment that are subjective from those that are objective.

Communicate orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in an accurate and effective manner sensitive to a range of audiences.

PWC vii (Intervention)

Establish and maintain effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services.

Develop and implement evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity considerations, and contextual variables. This includes the ability to modify and adapt evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking.

Evaluate intervention effectiveness and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing progress evaluation.

PWC viii (Supervision) 

Demonstrate knowledge of supervision models and practices.

Apply supervision knowledge in direct or simulated practice with psychology trainees or other health professionals, including structured peer (vertical) supervision within the practicum team.

PWC ix (Consultation & Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills) 

Demonstrate knowledge and respect for the roles and perspectives of other professions.

Apply knowledge of consultation models and practices in direct or simulated consultation, including case consultation within the vertical team and with allied professionals as opportunities arise.

Course Requirements

Students must meet the following requirements during each semester of enrollment in PSY 7950:

  1. Maintain an approved internship placement. Remain actively enrolled in and making satisfactory progress toward completion of a full-time doctoral internship approved by the PsyD program.

  2. Fulfill internship-site requirements. Meet all attendance, training, supervision, documentation, ethical, professional, and competency requirements established by the internship site. Students must remain in good standing with the internship program throughout the semester.

  3. Demonstrate satisfactory competency development. Demonstrate progress appropriate to the student’s level of training in the APA Profession-Wide Competencies addressed by the internship. Satisfactory progress will be determined primarily through formal internship evaluations and communication with the internship Training Director or supervisors.

  4. Submit required evaluations. Ensure that all internship evaluations required for the semester are completed and submitted to the SUU PsyD program by the established deadline. When applicable, students must also complete and submit a self-evaluation or evaluation of the internship experience.

  5. Maintain communication with the Director of Clinical Training. Respond promptly to program communications and participate in check-ins or meetings requested by the Director of Clinical Training.

  6. Report concerns promptly. Notify the Director of Clinical Training as soon as reasonably possible of any concern that could affect successful internship completion, including remediation, probation, formal complaints, significant competency concerns, changes in placement or supervision, extended leave, or concerns about the quality or integrity of the training experience.

  7. Maintain accurate training records. Track internship hours and training activities according to the requirements of the internship site, APPIC, and the SUU PsyD program. Students must submit documentation of accumulated hours or progress toward internship completion when requested.

  8. Adhere to professional and ethical standards. Conduct all internship activities in accordance with the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, applicable laws and regulations, internship-site policies, and SUU PsyD program expectations.

  9. Complete end-of-semester requirements. Submit all course-related documentation and complete any required semester check-in, progress report, or Canvas acknowledgment by the deadlines listed in the course schedule.

Because this is a Pass/Fail course, a grade of Pass requires satisfactory standing at the internship site, passing internship evaluations, timely submission of required documentation, appropriate communication with the PsyD program, and adherence to professional and ethical expectations. Failure to meet one or more requirements may result in an Incomplete or Fail, depending on the circumstances and applicable program policies.

Course Outline

Course Outline
PSY 7950 does not include weekly lectures or academic assignments. Students’ primary learning activities occur through their approved doctoral internship placements. The following outline identifies the major course activities and university oversight points for the semester.

Beginning of the semester
  • Review the syllabus and course expectations.
  • Confirm internship placement, Training Director, primary supervisor, and current contact information.
  • Confirm that the student remains in good standing and is progressing according to the internship’s training plan.
  • Complete any required Canvas acknowledgment or beginning-of-semester check-in.

Throughout the semester
  • Participate fully in all required internship activities.
  • Attend required supervision, seminars, didactics, and other training experiences.
  • Maintain accurate records of internship hours and activities.
  • Demonstrate continued development in the APA Profession-Wide Competencies.
  • Follow all internship-site, ethical, legal, and professional requirements.
  • Respond to communication from the SUU Director of Clinical Training.
  • Promptly report any significant concern, change in status, remediation, extended leave, or other circumstance that could affect internship progress.

Midpoint of the semester
  • Complete a brief progress check-in with the SUU Director of Clinical Training, if requested.
  • Review progress toward internship requirements and competency goals.
  • Identify any concerns requiring additional communication or coordination between the student, internship site, and SUU PsyD program.

End of the semester
  • Ensure that the internship supervisor’s semester evaluation is submitted to the SUU PsyD program.
  • Complete any required student self-evaluation or internship-site evaluation.
  • Submit requested documentation of training hours and progress toward internship completion.
  • Verify continued good standing and eligibility to proceed into the next semester of internship.
  • Complete the final Canvas check-in or course acknowledgment.

Internship activities, evaluations, and deadlines established by the internship site remain in effect throughout the semester.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Extensions & Make-Ups
Because this is a clinical practicum course, punctuality, reliability, and accountability are essential components of your professional responsibilities. In the clinical environment, meeting deadlines, being present, and fulfilling commitments are not only academic expectations but also ethical obligations to your clients, colleagues, and the profession. Missing assignments, assessments, or clinical duties without valid justification undermines the standards of practice and professional conduct expected in healthcare settings. Please contact your supervisor immediately regarding any absences or impairment in your ability to meet clinical obligations.

Personal events such as family vacations, weddings, or oversleeping do not constitute acceptable reasons for missing clinical documentation, reports, or other practicum requirements.

Just as in professional practice, repeated or unexcused lapses in meeting obligations may have serious consequences, including loss of trust, missed opportunities, or impact on your ability to practice. The standards you uphold here reflect the standards you will be expected to maintain in your career.




Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy
Students are required to attend scheduled group supervision (all years) and individual supervision (as applicable to year of training). Students unable to attend supervision for any reason must notify the supervisor immediately. Because content and training that occur in in-person supervision are difficult to make up, absences are expected to be limited to program-related or emergency situations, and students will be expected to complete tasks associated with missed supervision. Consistent with the program manual, more than 2 absences in a semester in either context will result in a failing grade, as students cannot demonstrate competence unless they attend at least 80% of expected activities.
Attendance (Year 1): Group supervision: >2 absences per semester = failing grade (80% rule).



Course Fees

Consistent with PsyD policy. No separate fees specific to this section. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Religious / Conscience Belief Accommodation

RELIGIOUS / CONSCIENCE BELIEF ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with SUU Policy 6.7 Student Belief Accommodation, students may request, in writing, that their faculty accommodate their sincerely held religious or conscience beliefs. Students should provide their faculty with sufficient advanced notice, if possible within the first five (5) business days of the semester or session, or thereafter with good cause for requesting an accommodation after the first five (5) business days.

Faculty must provide a schedule accommodation or excuse an absence, in any course, for students to observe or participate in religious holidays or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of the student’s religious tradition or religious organization.

In courses that are required for graduation or for an academic major, a faculty member may accommodate a religious or conscience belief by modifying an assignment or examination if its content conflicts with the student’s belief. Faculty may decline the accommodation if it would fundamentally alter the course requirements. If declined, the student may request review by a neutral arbiter using the Belief Accommodation Request Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv&layout_id=5

Questions go to Assistant Provost Jake Johnson at johnsonj@suu.edu.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.