An APA Accredited PsyD program is the gold standard for students looking to pursue a career as a licensed psychologist. While many career paths do not require a doctoral level degree, all U.S. states require practicing psychologists to have completed a doctoral degree (either a PhD or PsyD).
The American Psychological Association, or APA, is the largest professional and accrediting body for psychologists in the United States. Similarly to how CACREP and COAMFTE focus on counseling and marriage and family therapy, the APA focuses on psychology programs in particular. The organization represents educators, clinicians, scientists, and students pursuing PsyD programs.
While APA accredited PsyD programs can lead to a rewarding career as a psychologist, they can often be expensive and take over five years to complete. Students can enroll directly in PsyD programs after completing their undergraduate programs as masters degrees are not pre-requisite’s for these programs. With that, there are a handful of advanced standing PsyD programs that do enroll individuals who have completed some graduate education. These programs trend to be shorter as some of the foundational coursework has already been completed.
Having APA accreditation means that a licensed psychologist may also have an easier time renewing their license if they move between states, as the APA provides consistency in quality in programs across the country.
There are over 100 Psy.D. programs in the United States, so it may be difficult to narrow your search. Completing an APA accredited Psy.D. means that a licensed psychologist may also have an easier time renewing their license if they move between states, as the APA provides consistency in quality in programs across the country.This article reviews multiple, high-quality, APA-accredited Psy.D. programs to help you make your choice.
Quick Facts
- APA Accredited PsyD Programs in the United States: 114
- Fully Online APA Accredited PsyD Programs: 0
- Average Cost of an APA Accredited PsyD Program: $96,000
- Average Length of an APA Accredited PsyD Program: 6 years
- Alternative Programs That Lead to Mental Health Licensure:
- CACREP Accredited Masters in Counseling
- COAMFTE Accredited MFT Program
- CSWE Accredited MSW Programs
Featured PsyD in Psychology Programs
The Top APA Accredited PsyD Programs for 2026
The following programs are ranked as some of the best accredited PsyD programs for 2026. Factors that were used to determine what the best programs are include program cost, licensure rate, internship match rate, clinical training, and faculty.
Nova Southeastern University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
GRE requirement: Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores, but the admissions committee encourages submission of GRE scores if the applicant believes the scores will enhance their overall application. A combined score greater than 297 for GRE verbal and quantitative is preferred.
Length: 119 credits. Full-time, five-year program
Tuition: $1396 per credit plus fees.
Program Overview:
Nova Southeastern University’s clinical psychology Psy.D. program is founded on the practitioner-scientist model, which prepares students to utilize empirically supported or evidence-based assessment and intervention methods and to evaluate their efficacy. The program blends research with hands-on practice, but the emphasis is practical exposure to real-world clinical experience in environments relevant to students’ goals. Students can choose one of seven areas of concentration, including a child, adolescent, and family psychology track; a clinical health psychology track; a clinical forensic psychology track; a long-term mental illness track; a multicultural track; a clinical neuropsychology track; and a psychodynamic psychology track.
Key Highlights:
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required to be considered for admission.
- Students earn a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology as an intermediate degree, en route to earning a Psy.D.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years to complete the program per cohort has ranged from 5.2 – 5.5 years.
- 88% of students who graduated between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
- Over the past 10 years, 82 to 95% of each cohort has obtained an APA- or CPA-accredited internship
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Pepperdine University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 4-5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus
GRE requirement: Not required
Length: 89 units; Designed to be completed in 4 years, but median time to complete it is 5 years
Tuition: $182,895 (total program cost)
Program Overview:
Pepperdine’s Psy.D. program offers the opportunity to receive comprehensive training that integrates foundational course work, clinical experience, and applied research in the setting of a nationally ranked, major university. High-quality clinical training experiences, in combination with the quality of instruction and research mentoring, prepare students to obtain APA-accredited internships and to be highly competitive in the job market. One unique feature of Pepperdine’s Psy.D. program is that it requires students to complete a clinical dissertation, which provides an opportunity to investigate a clinically relevant topic and to meaningfully contribute to the profession.
Key Highlights:
- Students with more substantial research experience and interests may consider pursuing the “Research Emphasis” option within the PsyD Program.
- All applicants must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in psychology or a closely related field.
- There are options for financial aid, loans, federal work study, and scholarships to assist with funding.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years to complete the program has ranged from 4.2 to 5.4 years.
- Over the past 10 years, the percentage of students obtaining an APA- or CPA-accredited internship has ranged from 76 to 96%.
- 86% of students who graduated between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) – Psy.D. in clinical psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus
GRE requirement: Not required
Length: 98 credit hours; Full-time, 5-year program
Tuition: 1815 per credit hour plus fees at most CSPP campuses.
Program Overview:
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology employs a practitioner-scholar model of education, focusing on the integration of relevant research, applied theory, and field experience. The CSPP has multiple campuses across the United States. The sites include Anaheim, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Washington, DC. The generalist training provided across all sites prepares students to apply psychological knowledge in a variety of settings and roles. However, each campus offers unique opportunities to specialize or focus one’s studies. Areas of emphasis include forensic psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and clinical health psychology.
Key Highlights:
- There are options for scholarships, special tuition rates, financial aid, loans, and grants.
- Successful applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the median number of years to complete the program has been 5 (data taken from the flagship campus in Chicago).
- Over the past 10 years, the percentage of students obtaining an APA- or CPA-accredited internships has ranged from 83 to 100% (data taken from the flagship campus in Chicago).
- 86% of students who graduated from the CSPP campus in Chicago between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
Accreditation Details:
- The programs at the Chicago, Washington DC, Anaheim, and Los Angeles campuses are accredited by the APA. The New Orleans campus is accredited by the APA but is on “inactive” status, meaning that it is not currently accepting students. The Dallas campus is accredited by the APA on “contingency.” Contingent accreditation is granted if the program meets all standards except for the inclusion of all required outcome data on students in the program and after program completion.
Baylor University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus
GRE requirement: Waived for 2026 applications
Length: 115 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $61,695 per year plus fees.
Program Overview:
Baylor Univeristy’s Psy.D. program employs a practitioner-scientist model of training, emphasizing the preparation of students to contribute to the science of psychology and its application. A major focus of the program is coursework and supervised clinical experience through which clinical competencies can be developed. That said, the program recognizes that a doctoral-level practitioner needs to be able to integrate research into a practice-oriented career. Therefore, involvement in clinical research is a second important focus for the program.
Key Highlights:
- It is estimated that all students in good standing during the first three years of the program will receive a stipend in the form of a practicum salary of approximately $16,000 – $25,000 for the year in addition to full tuition remission.
- For the fourth year of the program, students in good standing receive a stipend of $19,000, in addition to full tuition remission, to enable the student to participate in the clinical research lab and complete the dissertation.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years to complete the program for each cohort has ranged from 5 – 6.125.
- Over the past 10 years, 100% of students have obtained an APA- or CPA-accredited internship.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Roberts Wesleyan College – Psy.D. in Clinical / School Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus
GRE requirement: Competitive GRE scores required (no established minimum).
Length: 102 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $1290 per credit plus fees.
Program Overview:
Roberts Wesleyan’s doctor of school / clinical psychology program follows a practitioner-scholar modal, preparing students to deliver evidence-based psychological services in both clinical and school settings. The program blends training in clinical and school psychology to equip graduates for a wide variety of professional roles. Students are trained to address today’s mental health challenges by utilizing skills in assessment, diagnosis, counseling and therapy, consultation, and supervision. Graduates work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, outpatient mental health clinics, private practice, and universities / colleges.
Key Highlights:
- Accepted students receive a $30,000 scholarship to be distributed over the first two years of the program.
- In exchange for the stipend, students serve as graduate assistants in their second year, mentoring first-year students in assessment.
Additional Considerations:
- Although the program offers significant instruction on working with children and adolescents, coursework spans the entire lifespan, and there are options to train at practicum sites that focus on people of all ages.
- 80% of students who graduated between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA and the National Association of School Psychologists.
Wright State University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus
GRE requirement: Not required
Length: Minimum of 90 semester hours. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $10,886 plus fees for Ohio residents (per semester). $17,396 plus fees for out-of-state residents (per semester).
Program Overview:
Wright State’s clinical psychology Psy.D. program follows a practitioner model, focusing on training students for professional practice. The educational philosophy emphasizes generalist training to give broad exposure to theoretical models, clinical skills, and professional roles. Within the generalist educational philosophy, students find opportunities to pursue interests and achieve added depth in selected areas of practice. Possible areas of emphasis within the program include child psychology; health, rehabilitation, and neuropsychology; and forensic psychology.
Key Highlights:
- Wright State offers several private scholarships, as well as funded practicum placements.
- All students receive a first-year scholarship towards tuition.
- Historically, some level of assistance is available during each year of the program.
Additional Considerations:
- For the past four years, 96 to 100% of students have obtained APA-accredited internships.
- The mean undergraduate GPA for students entering the program between 2019 and 2025 was 3.5.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Widener University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus
GRE requirement: Not required.
Length: 120 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $1200 per credit plus fees.
Program Overview:
Widener University’s clinical psychology doctoral (PsyD) program follows a scholar-practitioner model, which prepares students to apply the science of psychology to assessment, intervention, consultation, and supervision. An eclectic clinical approach is encouraged, meaning students are exposed to several different clinical orientations, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and family systems. In addition to rigorous generalist training, students have the option to specialize in one of the following: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy / Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (CBT/ACT); Psychodynamic Psychology; Cross-Cultural & Diversity Psychology; Child, Adolescent, & Family Psychotherapy; Forensic Psychology; Health Psychology; and Consulting Psychology. The program also offers the option to obtain certifications in biofeedback, neuropsychology, and school psychology.
Key Highlights:
- Widener’s Psy.D. program was ranked 11 of 50 on PsyDPro.org’s Editor’s Choice list of the best APA-accredited Psy.D. programs.
- Over 90% of students graduate within 5 years.
- 30-40 students are admitted each year.
Additional Considerations:
- 86% of students who graduated between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
- Over the past 10 years, 100% of students have obtained APA- or CPA- accredited internships.
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years to complete the program has ranged from 5 to 5.4 years.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
California Northstate University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Not required.
Length: 123 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $31,139 per year plus fees.
Program Overview:
California Northstate University’s Psy.D. program follows a practitioner-scholar model, emphasizing collaboration with medical and pharmacy students. Students incorporate the latest scientific research into promotion of health, illness prevention, consultation, assessment, and the treatment of mental conditions.
CNU’s goal is to produce psychologists who will take on a leadership role in the field of psychology and go on to encourage and inspire others.
Key Highlights:
- CNU’s program is relatively new. It began admitting students in 2018, with the first class graduating in 2023.
- Since its inception, the percentage of students obtaining an APA- or CPA-accredited internship has ranged from 38 to 60.
Additional Considerations:
- Financial assistance is available in the way of scholarships and aid.
- All graduates have completed the program in 5 years.
- The student-faculty ratio is 6:1.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Springfield University – Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology
- 4-5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Not required.
Length: 96 credits. Students can follow a 4- or 5-year track.
Tuition: $1212 per credit plus fees.
Program Overview:
Springfield University’s counseling psychology Psy.D. program follows a practitioner-scholar model, emphasizing clinical training and the application of research to practice. It provides students with foundational skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. These skills are honed for use in a variety of practice setting and across the full spectrum of adjustment and psychological disorders. Through practica opportunities, a full-time internship, a dissertation research study, and ongoing faculty mentoring, students graduate with both research and clinical experience, an in-depth knowledge of the field, and a unique focus on service and social justice.
Key Highlights:
- Fellowships, associateships, awards, scholarships, and financial aid are available.
- Students in the Psy.D. program must successfully complete a written comprehensive exam (WCE) prior to applying for their pre-doctoral internship.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the percentage of students obtaining an APA- or CPA- accredited internship has ranged from 60 to 100%.
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years to complete the program has ranged from 4 to 6.67.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Alfred University – Psy.D. in School Psychology
- 4 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus
GRE requirement: Optional
Length: 122 credit hours; 4 year minimum.
Tuition: $21,640 per year plus fees.
Program Overview:
Alfred University’s Psy.D. program in school psychology follows a practitioner-scientist model. It is designed to prepare psychologists to practice advanced skills in schools and other child and family settings. The generalist training also prepares graduates for positions in applied research, administration and supervision, mental health agencies, hospitals, higher education, and private practice.
Key Highlights:
- All full-time students in the program are granted a general graduate assistantship for $3,000, which requires the student to work 5 hours per week for a professor or university division.
- There are a small number of competitive assistantships providing 100% of tuition that are earmarked for students their second and third years of the program.
- Incoming doctoral students are considered for a small number of fellowships that provide additional funding during their first year of enrollment.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years to complete the program has ranged from 4.7 to 7.5.
- Over the past 10 years, the percentage of students obtaining an APA- or CPA-accredited internship has ranged from 0 to 25%
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Alliant International University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 4–5 years
- Campus + Online
Modality: Predominantly on campus. Up to 20% of courses can be taken online.
GRE requirement: If requisite undergraduate psychology courses have not been taken, the applicant must demonstrate 80th percentile scores or better on the GRE Psychology Test. General GRE not required.
Length: 120 units, 4- or 5-year tracks available.
Tuition: $1475 per unit.
Program Overview:
Within the Alliant International University system, there are five California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) campuses: Fresno, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Each campus offers a clinical psychology Psy.D. program. Along with clinical training, evidence-based practice, and professional guidance, students in these programs receive hands-on experience through a number of different learning opportunities with other professionals in the psychological clinical science field. The programs emphasize clinical skills and the application of research knowledge. Opportunities for specialization include Family, Child, and Couple; Forensic Psychology; Clinical Health Psychology; Buddhist Psychotherapy; and Trauma.
Key Highlights:
- Financing is available in the form of scholarships, grants, part-time employment, and loans.
- Depending on the site, students may also pursue teaching assistantships.
Additional Considerations:
- Though the programs at the four California School of Professional Psychology campuses are similar, they have distinct requirements.
- Transfer to another program or campus is not guaranteed.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
George Washington University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus
GRE requirement: Not required
Length: 83 credits. Full-time, four-year program.
Tuition: $1873 per credit plus fees
Program Overview:
George Washington University’s Psy.D. program follows a practitioner-scholar model within the clinical scientist tradition. All students hone their diagnostic and treatment skills in the university’s Center Clinic, a nonprofit community health center housed within the program. A psychodynamic perspective is represented in almost all courses to varying degrees. The series of required core courses encompass biological, cognitive, social, and cultural foundations; basic and more advanced clinical courses in psychopathology, group dynamics, assessment, psychotherapy, supervision, and consultation; and research methods, history and systems, statistics, and ethics courses. In addition to core courses, PsyD students can specialize in one of three tracks: Child and Adolescent Psychology, Adult Psychology, or Assessment.
Key Highlights:
- Students can serve on one of several “Executive Committees,” including a social wellness committee, which is focused on enhancing student well-being through community camaraderie, health, and service.
- The program offers limited funding to some incoming students; there are a handful of merit scholarships, for which all applicants are automatically considered.
- In addition, the program offers students opportunities to become teaching assistants or obtain part-time job positions (e.g. working in the clinic).
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years to complete the program for each cohort has ranged from 4 – 4.8.
- Over the past 10 years, the percentage of students obtaining an APA- or CPA-accredited internship has ranged from 54 – 100%.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Palo Alto University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Not required and not considered if submitted.
Length: Five-year, full-time program.
Tuition: $23,758 per quarter
Program Overview:
Palo Alto University (PAU) specializes in mental and behavioral health sciences and offers several different graduate degrees in these subjects. The university joined forces with Stanford University to create the PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium. The consortium follows a practitioner-scholar model and is intended for those seeking careers devoted to the direct delivery of clinical psychology services. The program provides a generalist education in clinical psychology, emphasizing evidence-based practice. The prioritization of evidence-based practice is exhibited through a commitment to promoting students’ broad and general understanding of science and to fostering students’ ability to critically evaluate scientific theories, methods, and conclusions.
Key Highlights:
- Consortium students are full-time, registered PAU students who engage in a program that is 50% Stanford-affiliated.
- The program receives approximately 650 – 750 applicants for 30 available spots.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years to complete the program has ranged from 5 to 5.46.
- Over the past 10 years, 96 to 100% of each cohort has obtained an APA- or CPA-accredited internship.
- 96% of students who graduated between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Yeshiva University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: General GRE required.
Length: 115 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $24,193 per semester plus fees.
Program Overview:
Yeshiva University’s clinical psychology PsyD program follows a scholar-practitioner model. The program is designed to educate students in the conceptual and empirical foundations of clinical psychology, train them to become knowledgeable and thoughtful scientific scholars, and train them intensively in a variety of assessment, research, and therapeutic approaches. This training is accomplished through an integrated and sequential program that is graded for complexity and one that includes didactic, practicum, and supervised experiences in diverse settings. The program emphasizes scholarly and conceptual thinking, empirical research, and values diversity of thought in clinical psychology.
Key Highlights:
- The program houses the 4th largest training clinic in the country.
- The program is one of only 14 doctoral programs in the US that offers substantive training in geropsychology.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years to complete the program has ranged from 5.04 to 5.39.
- Over the past 10 years, the percentage of students obtaining an APA- or CPA-accredited internship has ranged from 82 to 100%.
- 97% of students who graduated between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Pacific University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Not required.
Length: 155 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $44,064 per year.
Program Overview:
Pacific University’s PsyD program follows a practitioner-scholar model intended to prepare competent, ethical, and socially responsive clinicians who are committed to lifelong learning and the collaborative practice of psychology. Students are exposed to a broad, flexible model of practice that includes new service delivery models, which reflect changing needs and opportunities for clinical psychologists. Successful completion of the program results in a versatile degree for practice, teaching, or research. The coursework reflects the latest empirical findings in the field of clinical psychology and includes courses, practicum placements, and a dissertation with professional support. There are four tracks within the PsyD program, which allow students to focus training on a specific area with its own defined curriculum, research programs, and clinical practica. These include adult, child, health psychology, and neuropsychology.
Key Highlights:
- The program’s in-house clinical psychology training facilities provide the opportunity for doctoral students to build their skills with patients.
- An MA degree is generally awarded at the end of year 2. The MA is not designed as a terminal degree but is a step on the path to the PsyD degree.
Additional Considerations:
- The average undergraduate GPA for students admitted into the 2025 class was 3.58.
- In 2025, 346 people applied, and 34 students were admitted into the program.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Regent University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Not required.
Length: 116 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $1025 per credit hour.
Program Overview:
Regent University’s clinical psychology PsyD program employs a scholar-practitioner model to prepare students with a Christian worldview to practice in an ethical and professionally competent manner. The stated goal of the program is to produce “field scientists” whose practice is grounded in scientific psychology and whose approaches to practice reflect a scientific attitude. The program is committed to an integration of faith and professional training that enhances and enriches both traditions without compromising or weakening either. The faculty utilizes a variety of integration approaches to accomplish the goal of training highly competent professional psychologists who operate from a Christian worldview.
Key Highlights:
- Annually, 23 students are admitted and enrolled into the new cohort from a pool of about 100 applications.
- The internship match rate was 100% for seven consecutive years (2016-2023). All the matches were with APA-accredited sites in 2016 and 2018-2021.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years required to complete the program has ranged from 5.3 to 5.66.
- 95% of students who graduated between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Marywood University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus
GRE requirement: Optional
Length: 117 credits. Four years in residence, followed by a year-long internship.
Tuition: $1050 per credit plus fees
Program Overview:
Marywood University’s clinical psychology PsyD program follows a scholar-practitioner model and emphasizes empirically-supported assessments and interventions, including, most notably, deep immersion in CBT and DBT. The program includes foundation courses in psychology and both academic and applied training in the substantive area of clinical psychology. Although not designed to produce researchers, the Psy.D. program teaches students to be educated consumers of research. To reach this goal, they have both academic training and personal experience in research and statistics. An empirical master’s thesis or professional contribution is required, as well as a dissertation which is empirically-based. In addition, students complete three courses in research and statistics.
Key Highlights:
- Marywood was ranked the 14th “Best Value School” by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings for 2026.
- Students gain hands-on clinical experience on campus through the Psychological Services Center.
- A major in Psychology is preferred. A minimum GPA of 3.30 is expected, for both general curriculum and Psychology courses.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years to complete the program has ranged from 4.38 to 5.42.
- Over the past 10 years, the percentage of students obtaining APA- or CPA-accredited internship has ranged from 60 to 100%.
- 93% of students who graduated between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Loma Linda University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Not required.
Length: 204 units. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: $38,137 for the first year plus additional costs.
Program Overview:
Loma Linda’s clinical psychology PsyD program follows a practitioner-scholar model that places an emphasis on strong generalist clinical training, with optional specializations available. The curriculum prepares students for practice with a broad range of patient populations (e.g., children, adults, couples, families, military members, veterans, medically ill, substance use) and across a variety of settings (e.g., general, private, forensic, and VA hospitals; university / college counseling centers, community mental health centers). Options for specialization include health psychology, neuropsychology, and clinical child psychology, all of which represent areas that are projected to be in high demand in the broader healthcare landscape in the years to come. The program advertises a Christian environment emphasizing integrated learning and compassionate whole person care.
Key Highlights:
- Though funding is limited and competitive, the department provides some potential options for funding, including research / teaching assistantships, undergraduate teaching positions, partial tuition awards, funding for clinical service delivery, clinical administrative work, and other department positions.
- The PsyD program accepts approximately 15 – 17 students per year.
- The minimum undergraduate GPA required for consideration is 3.0.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years required to complete the program has ranged from 5 to 5.78.
- Over the past 10 years, the percentage of students obtaining an APA- or CPA-accredited internship has ranged from 82 to 100%.
- 80% of students who graduated between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
Kean University – Psy.D. in School and Clinical Psychology
- 5 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: General GRE required (must be taken within 5 years of applying). GRE psychology subject text is optional.
Length: 121 credits. Full-time, five-year program.
Tuition: Tuition and fees are $13,303 per semester in-state, $17,032 per semester out-of-state.
Program Overview:
Kean University’s Psy.D. program in combined school and clinical psychology prepares general practice, primary care, and health service psychologists who are competent to function in a variety of professional and academic settings and roles. This goal is achieved by intentionally combining and integrating education and training across the two practice areas of school psychology and clinical psychology, providing students with a wide breadth and depth of training in both psychological practice areas. By deeply integrating these two practice areas throughout the curriculum, the combined training program model prepares students to function as clinical or school psychologists in a wide variety of professional and academic positions, thus increasing career flexibility and marketability.
Key Highlights:
- Each cohort is limited to approximately 12 students to allow professors to work more directly with students.
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.3 is recommended for applicants.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the average time to completion has ranged from 5 to 5.3 years.
- Over the past 10 years, the percentage of students obtaining an APA- or CPA- accredited internship has ranged from 40 to 100%.
- 83% of students who graduated between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
James Madison University – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- 3 years
- Campus
Modality: On campus.
GRE requirement: Optional.
Length: 3 years of residency followed by a 1-year internship. 62 credits.
Tuition: $573 per credit in state. $1314 per credit out of state.
Program Overview:
James Madison University’s clinical and school psychology doctoral program is designed to produce leading professional psychologists who are broadly trained in the science and practice of psychology, actively self-reflective, optimally prepared to work in a wide variety of settings with diverse clientele, and demonstrably committed to an ethic of personal responsibility, social awareness, and global engagement. The program follows a combined-integrated model, which is an innovative concept that merges the traditional professional areas of clinical, counseling, and school psychology into a generalist approach that provides students with a broad foundation from which to operate. A generalist orientation opens up pathways to draw from each of the three practice areas in a manner that is complementary and synergistic.
Key Highlights:
- The program is specifically designed for students who already possess graduate degrees in mental health fields (e.g. clinical, school, or counseling graduate degrees) who wish to further their training.
- Typically, 6 students are admitted into the program each year.
Additional Considerations:
- Over the past 10 years, the mean number of years to complete the program has ranged from 4 to 5.
- Over the past 10 years, 80 to 100% of students have obtained an APA- or CPA-accredited internship.
- 98% of students who graduated between 2 and 10 years ago are now licensed psychologists.
Accreditation Details:
- Accredited by the APA.
A Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) Compared to a Doctor of Philosopy in Psycholgy (Ph.D.)
Becoming a psychologist ensures a challenging and fulfilling career in a high-demand field. The demand for psychologists is expected to grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034. There are diverse opportunities, and numerous different pathways to pursue them. With so many different pathways and opportunities available, there are several things to consider: Do you want to work in schools? Do you want to work in academia? Do you want to work with children? Do you want to work with older adults? Do you want to specialize in a certain area? Do you want your education to be focused more on clinical practice or research? It may seem like a lot to ponder, but there’s no need to worry. Many of these questions can be answered after you begin a doctoral program or even after you earn your degree, assuming you choose a program that is APA-accredited, offers strong generalist training, and provides the opportunity to pursue specific interests through clinical work and / or research.
There is, however, one decision you will need to make before you begin your journey toward becoming a psychologist: you will need to decide whether you want to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.).
A Psy.D. is ideal for someone who wants their training to focus on direct clinical experience and hands-on learning. This contrasts with a Ph.D., which is ideal for someone who wants their training to prepare them for a potential career in research, teaching, or academia. Generally, Psy.D. programs emphasize practice, while Ph.D. programs emphasize research. If you wish to dive right into clinical experiences and training, then a Psy.D. program may be the right choice for you.
FAQs
Which college or university has the best PsyD program?
APA accreditation generally ensures a high quality of training. One additional metric to consider is the extent to which a school prepares students to obtain APA- or CPA-accredited internships; an APA- or CPA-accredited internship significantly increases a graduate’s competitiveness in the job market. Both Baylor and Widener University boast impressive internship statistics; over the past 10 years, 100% of students in each program have obtained APA- or CPA-accredited internships.
Do you need to have completed a masters degree before applying to a PsyD program?
You do not need to have completed a masters before applying to and enrolling in most PsyD programs. Some programs do accept students who have already completed some graduate work, and will give them course credit towards their PsyD program.
What is the salary range for graduates of a PsyD program?
Graduates of a PsyD program typically pursue a clinical career (as opposed to a career in research or academia). Salaries vary widely depending on the clinical setting and geographic region, but starting clinical positions typically command $85,000 – $100,000 / year. Certain specializations, including forensic psychology and neuropsychology, can be more lucrative.
Do you need to attend an APA-accredited program to become a licensed psychologist?
Generally, yes. Check with the licensing board of the state where you intend to practice. Most states deny licensure to graduates of doctoral programs that are not APA-accredited.
Are all PsyD programs accredited by the APA?
Not all PsyD programs are accredited by the APA. Universities must apply for and maintain APA accreditation, and the process to do so can be quite rigorous. With that, the benefits to students that graduate from APA accredited PsyD programs easily outweigh the work required to acquire or maintain accreditation.
Are there online or hybrid APA-accredited PsyD programs?
Nearly all APA-accredited PsyD programs require in-person or on-campus study. However, there are a few options for online or hybrid learning. For example, the Alliant International University system allows up to 20% of courses to be taken online.
How long does it take to complete a APA accredited PsyD program?
Most students require five to six years to complete an APA accredited PsyD program, but some students can complete the programs in as short as four years (depending on if the program is advanced standing) or as long as seven years if the students have other commitments or take a lighter course load.
What careers can you pursue with a PsyD?
PsyD programs are designed to prepare students for careers as practitioners of psychology. There are numerous roles and settings where practitioners of psychology can work: schools, private practice, VA hospitals, nursing homes, community mental health clinics, university counseling centers, and more. Furthermore, graduates of PsyD programs are not prevented from pursuing careers in academia or engaging in scientific research. Many PsyD programs require an empirically-based dissertation, which offers research experience, and many PsyD programs offer opportunities for teaching assistantships, which provide experience relevant to a career in academia.
Can I become a licensed psychologist without completing a PsyD?
Technically yes you can become a licensed psychologist without completing a PsyD if you have completed a PhD in Psychology, but you cannot become a licensed psychologist without completing a doctoral degree.
What are the main differences between Psy.D. programs and clinical psychology Ph.D. programs?
Both Psy.D. and clinical psychology Ph.D. programs prepare students for the clinical practice of psychology, and both types of programs teach students to apply scientific research to clinical practice. Many Psy.D. programs even require students to complete research-based dissertations. However, the programs differ in emphasis. Clinical psychology Ph.D. programs are more research-oriented, while PsyD programs are more practice-oriented. For this reason, students who wish to pursue a career in academia or research may want to pursue a Ph.D., while students who wish to delve deeper into clinical practice may want to pursue a Psy.D. Another key difference is that, on average, Ph.D. programs take slightly longer to complete (5 – 7 years for Ph.D. programs vs 4 – 6 years for Psy.D. programs). Finally, Ph.D. programs typically limit cohort sizes to <10 students in order to offer 1:1 pairings between research faculty and doctoral students. Psy.D. programs have slightly larger cohorts, which can make them less competitive for admission.
