Other Professional Preparation

The Ph.D. program is not only an opportunity for the student to take coursework and participate in research experiences that prepare them for future careers as independent researchers; it is also an opportunity to gain first-hand experience as teachers and/or as clinical supervisors. With this in mind, the student should plan a program that includes opportunities to develop and use these skills within the guidelines outlined below. Although students are encouraged to gain experience in teaching and/or clinical supervisory positions, they should consult with their major advisers and/or the Executive Officer to determine whether or not these appointments are appropriate relative to their time commitments in doctoral study.

Classroom Teaching

Students who have no teaching experience should plan to take primary responsibility for teaching at least one course in their areas of expertise. This experience may involve teaching at one of the local colleges as an adjunct instructor, fulfilling the requirements of a Graduate Teaching Fellow at one of the CUNY colleges, or as a full-time instructor. The goal of the teaching experience is twofold: to make it possible for Ph.D. graduates to have a course outline and teaching materials for at least one course they might expect to teach, and to enable those who will write the student’s letters of recommendation to speak knowledgeably about the student’s teaching ability. The Ph.D. student should obtain a course and instructor evaluation for every teaching experience and should place a copy of the evaluations in his/her file.

Clinical Supervision

Many beginning-level academic positions require clinical supervision duties. Students who enter the program with no supervisory experience should seek to obtain such experience. Frequently, teaching positions and/or Graduate Teaching Fellowships include clinical supervision responsibilities in addition to classroom teaching assignments.

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