A Commitment to Community Engagement and Education
Our program is deeply committed to community engagement, learning to care for all members of our community, in alignment with our mission to educate clinicians and scientists equipped to serve our military and our nation’s health. We strive to create a learning environment that fosters safety, growth, and a sense of belonging for students and the department as a whole.
We recruit and retain students who are dedicated to caring for military personnel, veterans, and their families, as well as individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This includes individuals from the military, from military families, and from historically underrepresented communities defined by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, first-generation college attendance, and rural backgrounds.
Our program integrates community engagement and education throughout the curriculum. Relevant social and cultural issues are addressed in every aspect of training, including courses, practicum experiences, and discussions that emphasize the importance of understanding diverse perspectives in order to provide quality, evidence-based care. For example, foundational courses include readings and discussions of seminal research with an emphasis on sociocultural contexts and considerations. Additionally, our curriculum prepares students to provide compassionate, competent care to all individuals, particularly focusing on the unique needs of military populations to include active duty service members, veterans, and their families.
Our faculty, staff, and research labs reflect a variety of backgrounds, and several faculty members focus on topics related to underserved populations. Students are encouraged to engage in research that promotes the health and well-being of active duty service members, veterans, and their families. This includes studying psychological constructs and phenomena relevant to populations that have been overlooked in science and medicine.
Located in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and as part of the Military Health System, our program provides students with unparalleled opportunities to work with a diverse population of active-duty service members, veterans, and civilian clients through externships and practicum experiences. These opportunities emphasize the importance of understanding cultural and social dynamics in clinical settings. Students will develop the skills necessary to provide effective, evidence-based care to every person with equal dignity and respect.
APA Guidebook: Applying to Graduate and Professional Programs
APA Guidelines for Military Service Members, Veterans, and Families
APA Resource Guide for Graduate Students with Disabilities
APAGS Guide for LGBT Students Navigating Graduate Training (Proud and Prepared)