Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
PsyD Program Overview
Become a highly-skilled licensed psychologist through Spalding University’s Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degree program. Among the first programs established in the country, Spalding’s PsyD program has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1989. Our strong generalist program and emphasis areas immerse students in a scholar-practitioner model that cultivates collaborative learning and evidence-based practices. Our overarching aim is to train psychologists who demonstrate a high level of professional integrity and a commitment to individual and collective well-being.
- 120 credit hours
- 5 emphases: Advanced Clinical, Forensic Psychology, Geropsychology, Health Psychology, Neuropsychology
- Summertime pre-practicum to ease the transition from academics to practice
- Three year-long practicum placements
- 90+ practicum placement partners
- Emphasis on critical thinking, ethical decision-making, self-awareness, and advocacy
Core Courses
Spalding’s 120-credit Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program immerses students in a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum that prepares practitioners who meet the needs of the times.
In addition to practicum and internships, coursework includes classes such as Psychology of Trauma, Group Psychotherapy, and Relational Systems of Psychotherapy in addition to many more courses on cutting edge topics, populations, and methods.
Further, elective classes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, couples counseling, the teaching of psychology and more, further broaden students’ training and career options.
PsyD Emphasis Areas
- Advanced Clinical Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Geropsychology
- Clinical Health Psychology
- Neuropsychology
Tuition
Learn about tuition and fees for our 120-hour PsyD program, as well as your financial aid options. The program includes practicum and internship courses.
Graduate Assistantships
A number of graduate assistantships are available to support PsyD students through tuition assistance. The assistantships are awarded each year based on availability and student skills. Approximately 40% of students are funded by graduate assistantships at some point in their training. Applicants requesting to be considered for a graduate assistantship will complete the application during the interview process.
Admission Requirements
Prepare to practice with clients across the lifespan. Discover how Spalding’s Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology can prepare you to work with children, adolescents and adults.
Accreditation
Our Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1989. The program most recently received the maximum of 10 years of reaccreditation in 2017.
Find Possibility in the Heart of the City
DISCOVER YOUR GROWTH POTENTIAL
Prepare to meet the needs of the times for underserved populations — the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that overall employment of psychologists will grow 6% between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Program Features & FAQs
Learn more about what makes the Spalding PsyD program a leader in the field of clinical psychology.
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- Carry with you an emphasis on critical thinking, ethical decision-making and the promotion of social justice.
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- Through our practicum program and internships, gain clinical experience and provide services under stellar supervision in our Center for Behavioral Health, Spalding’s community-based psychological services center, or at one of our other 80+ community partners.
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- Provide assessment and treatment to under-served populations as part of your curriculum.
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- Develop data-driven research skills during your dissertation that can be applied to future practice.
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- Participate in faculty-led Research Interest Groups (RIGs), where you can earn authorship on publications and presentations.
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- The Collective Care Center provides psychological services and supports to individuals who have had harmful identity based experiences.
Our internship match rate is consistently above the national average for PsyD programs:
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- 97-100% of our students have matched every year since 2013-14; 100% ten out of the last twelve years!
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- 100% of our students who have matched since 2014-15 have matched to accredited sites.
Yes. Federal loans for graduate school are available to most U. S. citizens (and eligible non-citizens) unless they have defaulted on previous student loans or have reached the lifetime limit (see www.fafsa.gov). Full-time PsyD students are usually eligible to borrow up to $138,500 per year.
Spalding University’s clinical psychology doctoral program’s aim is to educate strong generalist clinical psychologists who demonstrate mastery of profession-wide competencies, and who can conceptualize human behavior using a biopsychosocial perspective. The program utilizes a scholar-practitioner/local clinical scientist model that emphasizes the ability to balance and integrate research and clinical practice using high-level critical thinking skills. Within these professional goals is the overarching aim to train ethical psychologists who demonstrate a high level of professional integrity and a commitment to individual and collective well-being.
High-Impact Career Preparation
Mental health matters. Spalding PsyD graduates are cultivating wellbeing in individuals, organizations, and communities through careers in settings that include:
- Academia
- Community mental health agencies
- Correctional institutions
- Neuropsychological inpatient facilities
- Nursing homes
- Pediatric clinics
- Policy organizations
- Primary care offices
- Private practices
- Trauma treatment programs
- Veterans affairs hospitals
Earning my doctorate from Spalding University’s School of Professional Psychology (SOPP) in 2016 was truly a transformative experience. The program’s emphasis on the scholar-practitioner model equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in private practice, allowing me to confidently assess, accurately diagnose, and effectively treat my patients. Spalding’s SOPP also provided invaluable practical experience, ensuring I was well-prepared to begin my professional journey upon graduation and licensure.
Street Russell, PsyD ’16, Owner, Reclaim Wellness
Spalding’s PsyD program is led by School of Professional Psychology (SOPP) faculty.
Additional Information
Our Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1989. The program most recently received the maximum of 10 years of reaccreditation in 2017. For further information about the accreditation status of this or any other psychology doctoral program, please contact: APA Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE, Washington DC 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979; apaaccred@apa.org; www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/.
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Spalding University School of Professional Psychology
