Clinical PhD Program
Academic excellence integrated with clinically practical instruction
Our distinguished Ph.D. program is open to healthcare practitioners with a master’s degree who wish to undertake specialist education in clinical sexology. Doctoral students can complete their studies either online or on campus, and embark on a rewarding journey, consisting of five key components.
Clinical Sexology Education
The initial 12 months of the program involve sexology classes that can be completed live online (via Zoom) or on campus.
The comprehensive curriculum, taught by leading experts with significant clinical experience in their fields, includes:
- Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research of Sexual Dysfunctions
- Developmental Sexuality
- Sexual Abuse Treatment
- Sex Offender Treatment
- Legal, Ethical, and Forensic Issues in Sexuality
- Medical Issues Affecting Sexual Functioning
- Gender and Orientation
- Alternative Lifestyles and Kink
- and more
The Clinical Sexology component of IICS is required for all students. It is also offered as an individual certification through STTI – the Sex Therapy Training Institute. It provides the education for psychotherapists and other healthcare clinicians to become Board Certified Sex Therapists, Clinical Sexologists, or Sexology Educators.
The three certification titles are for designation only. The education is the same.
- Sex Therapists need to be licensed therapists to earn that designation.
- Clinical Sexologists are other healthcare providers or coaches who have master’s degrees and work with a clinical population.
- Sexology Educators are teachers and instructors in a variety of settings.
Attention will be paid to each designation during the case consultation part of the program.
Specialization Classes
In addition to general sexology classes, all students will select a specialization in one of the following six areas:
You may take any or all of them independently to expand your repertoire of therapeutic services and receive a 10% discount.
Clinical Supervision
Students engage in regular paired and group supervision/case consultation sessions, in which client cases can be extensively reviewed with the support of other students and a supervisor, who brings extensive clinical experience to the group.
Oral Exam
After the successful completion of classes, supervision/case consultation hours, and a take-home written exam, students are required to complete an oral exam for board certification, permitting them to then proceed to their dissertation.
Dissertation / Doctoral Project
Achieving a PhD hinges on the successful completion of doctoral research, encapsulated in the form of a dissertation or doctoral project. This signifies not only your expertise in a specialized field but also your significant contribution to advancing knowledge within that domain. Embarking on this journey may initially appear daunting, however, at IICS we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled support to our students throughout this process.
Both dissertations and doctoral projects necessitate extensive reading and meticulous documentation of findings through literature reviews, culminating in the identification of a research gap awaiting your exploration. The distinction lies in the purpose: a dissertation aims to measure phenomena, while a doctoral project endeavors to create innovative solutions. Throughout your academic journey, our faculty will provide unwavering guidance and mentorship, ensuring that you navigate each phase of your research with confidence and enthusiasm. At IICS we are committed to fostering an environment where research becomes an enjoyable and rewarding pursuit.
Enrollment Times & Program Cost
Our program is structured for open enrollment. Once your application is approved you can start your studies at any time.
Once you receive your letter of acceptance to the Ph.D. program, we will send you a full-length application and enrollment agreement and invoice for $600 for your program deposit, which will be counted towards your full tuition. Full tuition is $21,340 with payments spread out from 24-36 months. IITAP and AASECT-certified professionals may receive up to $4,000 tuition credit.
