Clinical Psychology, Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)

Admission Requirements

A minimum of five undergraduate courses in psychology: general psychology, statistics, and experimental psychology are required, as well as two other courses acceptable to the departmental admissions committee. Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts for any undergraduate and graduate work, and the GRE score report. Candidates are encouraged to complete the GRE Psychology Subject Test if Psychology was not their major as an undergraduate. Please note that GRE scores and GPA may be used to narrow the applicant pool. Candidates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and GRE scores at the 50th percentile or higher will be competitive. Admission is limited to available space. Meeting the minimum requirements, therefore, does not guarantee admission.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, expressing their interest in the program (1-2 typewritten, double spaced pages). In addition, applicants must respond to the following six, brief (no more than 500 words), essay prompts:

1. Tell me about the types of extra-curricular activities you are involved in. Please include any leadership roles, volunteer work, or team membership. How has this shaped your interest in serving others?
2. Our program heavily emphasizes multiculturalism and social justice, including rural culture. What experiences and perspectives would you bring to the program in this regard? What is something you learned about yourself from at least one of these experiences?
3. Please tell us about any life experience you have had exposure to that would be beneficial to your work in this career field (co-op, internship, shadowing, or work experience).
4. If you have had any research experience in your undergraduate or graduate studies, briefly describe your involvement in it.
5. What gives you meaning and purpose? How might this be relevant in your decision to pursue clinical psychology?
6. How do you balance demands on your time, responsibilities, and self-care?

Applicants must arrange for submission of three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your abilities relevant to graduate-level study in psychology, with at least one from psychology faculty. Applicants must also submit a curriculum vitae.

Applications are completed online and must be received by December 1. Top applicants will be invited for an interview. Notification regarding admission normally will be made in February or March.

Program Requirements

CIP Code: 42.2801

Requirements for the degree are a minimum of 120 graduate hours including 12 credit hours for a year-long internship, 27 credit hours for clinical practica, 72 credit hours of required courses, 6 credit hours for the doctoral research project, and 3 hours of elective graduate courses approved by the student’s graduate advisor.

Exit Requirements

Students in the Doctor of Psychology Program must register for written and oral comprehensive examinations in their area of study (GRD 857R PsyD Clinical PSY Writ Comp Ex & GRD 858R PsyD Clinical PSY Oral Comp Ex) (0 credit hours), and must pass both of these examinations.