Psy.D. Admissions

Unofficial Copy of Undergraduate Transcripts and Graduate Transcripts (if applicable) are required upon application. Official transcripts will be required upon admission to the program.

Students with degrees in related fields must demonstrate their foundational knowledge of psychology by receiving an acceptable score (at least the 50th percentile) on the GRE Psychology Subtest, or the Psychology Major’s Field Test. Students whose psychology degree was awarded more than 10 years ago are also encouraged to take the GRE Psychology Subtest or the Psychology Major’s Field Test.

Applicants with undergraduate degrees in psychology are not required to submit general or subject GRE scores. Students who have taken these tests may choose to submit their scores with application materials.

Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) is a minimum standard. Successful applicants will likely have higher cumulative GPAs.

Prerequisite Courses (with a minimum grade of B)

• Research Methods or Equivalent
• Statistics
• Abnormal Psychology (or equivalent)
• Courses in at least two of the following areas*
  • Developmental Aspects of Behavior
  • Biological Aspects of Behavior
  • Cognitive Aspects of Behavior
  • Social Aspects of Behavior
  • Human Diversity or Equivalent

*Relevant work experience could be considered as a substitute for foundational course
requirements on a case-by-case basis. You will be asked to describe these courses in your
application materials and submit official copies of your transcripts.

Courses Strongly Recommended (a B grade or higher is preferred, although a grade below C- is disqualifying)

• Psychometrics/Tests and Measurements
• Theory of Personality
• Introduction to Counseling/Psychotherapy and/or Substance Abuse Counseling
• Professional Ethics

In the Letter of Intent, applicants must clearly identify, through prior achievement, competencies that qualify them for the aims and expectations of the PsyD program. Applicants must outline their professional goals, objectives, and career paths, and discuss how these align with the program aims and curriculum (maximum of 1,000 words).

Applicants must submit a Statement on Cultural Awareness in Clinical Care that describes (a) views on diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical psychology, (b) evidence of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion to date, and/or (c) commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their future career (maximum of 1,000 words).

Three letters of recommendation from individuals who know the applicant well, and who can speak to the applicant’s career interest, level of conscientiousness, potential for evidence-based clinical work, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and propensity for success in the field of health services psychology.

• At least one letter from a professor speaking to the applicant’s aptitudes and competencies for doctoral level training in professional psychology.
• If applicants have relevant clinical or practical experience, include at least one letter from a supervisor who can speak to clinical proficiency and potential.

A curriculum vitae outlining academic, occupational, and professional achievements/recognitions relevant to the pursuit of doctoral studies in psychology.

The initial deadline for submitted materials is December 15th.

All submitted materials will be scored quantitatively, based on the following criteria:

• Followed application directions
• Prerequisites (courses and GPA)
• Appropriate Degree and/or Exam Score
• Statements and Qualifications Fit with Aims and Objectives of the Program
• Potential to Contribute to the Profession
• Commitment to Underserved Populations
• Letters of recommendation

Applicants will be ranked into three tiers:

• Tier 1 = Best fit with the program
• Tier 2 = Good fit with the program
• Tier 3 = Modest fit with the program

After an initial inspection of submitted materials, the program will invite those applicants who are best qualified, best prepared for doctoral studies, and who are the best fits for the aims and objectives of the Psy.D. program for a campus interview. An on-campus, two-day interview will take place on January 15th & 16th, 2025. For those applicants unable to attend the in-person interview, a Zoom option will be provided. Notifications for interviews will occur by telephone, or email if the invitee prefers. Invitations for admission will be sent shortly after the on-campus interview. Each academic year, a cohort of 10 students will be admitted to the program.

Candidates selected for admission will receive notification through the university applicant portal, and will receive an email or telephone call from a member of the admission's committee.Unless other arrangements have been made, the invitation for admission is valid for two weeks from the time official notice was sent from the University Application Portal. Please respond with an acceptance or rejection in the application portal as quickly as possible.

Transfer credit may be awarded for previous graduate coursework successfully completed at the appropriate level. Students may apply for transfer credit by completing the Transfer Credit Application form, the Transfer Equivalency Form, providing a copy of the course syllabus for the course taken, and the syllabus of the course for which the transfer credit is substituting. Decisions about transfer credit are made by the Program Coordinator in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training, and the course instructor. Note, transfer credit awarded may reduce the number of courses prescribed for a given semester, but will not impact the overall length of the training program. Graduate credit completed more than 10 years ago will not be accepted as Transfer Credit.

Proof of English proficiency is required for all applicants whose first language is not English.

International Graduate Admissions Requirements