To understand that applying to a PsyD degree program cannot be “boiled” down to a simple formula or fit together like a perfectly constructed puzzle, you only need to ask other prospective applicants, One puzzle piece might not always fit with the others, and the equation might not balance. However, the majority of PsyD programs place a strong emphasis on clinical training and are made to equip future psychologists with the skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat patients who present with a wide range of clinical conditions. While most programs give students the option to focus on a particular field, some are restricted to a particular patient population or therapeutic approach. Examples include the PsyD in School Psychology and the PsyD in School and Community Psychology. A clinical diagnosis or a treatment plan may serve as the foundation for some specializations.
I advise you, based on my more than 20 years of experience as a professor, dean, and admissions consultant, to take some time to consider your unique candidate profile before you start looking into which PsyD program(s) is(are) best for you. Brainstorm answers to questions like:
Answers to these inquiries will be a great place to start that can be improved upon and expanded upon as you advance through the application process. Many of the choices you make along the way, including which programs will best suit your needs and which admissions offers you accept, may be influenced by your candidate profile.
Enter a Search Term Search:
- With a Bachelor’s degree in any field and completion of three, 3-unit prerequisite courses (listed below) with a B- or higher over the previous seven years, applicants who do not have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology within seven years of application are still eligible to apply to the USF PsyD program: Research methods (required) — and at least two (2) of the following courses: — Abnormal psychology/Psychopathology Lifespan Development (this course must cover the entire
- Students must fulfill one of the following requirements in order to be eligible for admission: completion of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology from an accredited institution, within the previous seven (7) years Research methods (required), — and at least two (2) of the following courses: — Abnormal psychology/psychopathology Lifespan development (this course must cover the entire lifespan, though multiple courses may be considered to satisfy this requirement) — or — Completion of a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution, and completion of at least three (3) of the following undergraduate or graduate courses with a grade of B or better, within the last seven (7) years. To make sure that the courses you have already taken or plan to enroll in will satisfy the prerequisite coursework requirements for your application, we highly recommend getting in touch with graduate admissions before submitting your application.
- The first four years of the PsyD Program’s full-time structure are made up of academic coursework and practicum training. During this time, students must be available for practicum training in the San Francisco Bay Area. The fifth year is a full-time internship. It is possible to complete an internship in a state other than California because there are APPIC and APA internship sites all over the country. It is challenging to predict where you will be placed because the internship application process is competitive.
- We have eight core faculty members who work full-time and teach, mentor students, act as faculty advisors, and supervise dissertations. Many of our adjunct professors are qualified to serve on dissertation committees and teach as well. Our annual cohort size is about 24 students, and the student to faculty ratio is roughly 12 to 1.
- The program is a rigorous full-time course of study that includes classroom instruction and fieldwork. Monday through Friday, students must be present for all program-related activities, including classes, meetings, advising, working on their dissertations, and clinical training. Some program activities might continue into the evening.
- No, you cannot finish this program while working a traditional 40-hour workweek.
- For graduate students, there are only a few scholarship opportunities available. Most graduate students borrow money to pay for their education in some way. The U. S. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for the Federal Direct Student Loan Program and Supplemental Loans. S. citizens and U. S. Permanent Residents. U. S. In addition to additional funding from the federal Grad PLUS Loan, students are eligible to apply for up to $20,500 in federal direct loans each year. The USF school code for FAFSA is 001325. Visit FAFSA for additional information. The University of San Francisco’s Financial Aid Office provides resources to assist graduate students in covering their educational expenses. To assist in paying for tuition, fees, books, and personal expenses, find information on financial aid, loans, and payment plans. Please visit our financial aid page for more information. Last but not least, for information on scholarships, please visit the School of Nursing and Health Professions Financing your Education page.
- Please be aware that tuition rates and fees are subject to change. The University Tuition and Fees Schedule has more details about tuition and graduate student fees. Fees for graduate students in addition to tuition include mandatory health insurance (fall and spring), Associate Graduate Students of USF (AGSUSF), as well as applicable fieldwork fees and malpractice insurance fees for practicum courses.
- No, there are currently no plans to bring the PsyD program to additional locations.
- Each year, a different number of students apply to the program. We accept up to 24 students each year out of the 200–300 applications we receive each year.
- It is not the focus of our program, even though it offers the training required for graduates to enter private practice. The USF PsyD Program focuses on preparing clinicians who want to work with underserved populations in integrated behavioral health.
- PsyD holders are qualified for a wide range of careers. Our graduates will be capable of working in community mental health facilities, as well as in clinics, hospitals, independent practices, academic institutions, and research.
- Each applicant will receive a personalized evaluation because we approach admissions holistically. Before applying, no prior experience in research is required.
- A student would pick USF over other reputable PsyD programs if they were interested in the program’s focus. The USF PsyD program focuses on preparing clinicians who want to work with underserved populations in integrated behavioral health.
- Please compose a self-reflective essay of no more than 1000 words outlining your ultimate objectives as a licensed psychologist. Include how your professional and personal experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. Also, be sure to mention how your background, interests, and objectives fit with the University of San Francisco’s PsyD program and the institution’s overall mission.
- Selected applicants will be invited to the PsyD Interview Day. A program presentation, opportunities to learn about faculty research and clinical expertise, meetings with current students, individual and group interviews, as well as a question-and-answer period are all part of the interview day. The faculty will be able to evaluate an applicant’s fit with the program through all aspects of the interview day. In order to make a decision, students will also be able to learn more about the program.
- The only requirement for admission is a bachelors degree. Any graduate-level work submitted as part of an applicant’s application package will be considered.
- Our admissions policies permit students to enter with credit for prior graduate work; the transfer credit policy explains how this works. You are able to transfer in up to twelve credits. For courses to be considered transferable, they must be substantially equivalent and will be reviewed by faculty. The number of credits you have earned overall and how they were applied to the program’s graduation requirements will determine how long it takes you to finish your degree.
Are PsyD programs hard to get into?
FAQ
Is PsyD less competitive?
All doctoral programs in clinical psychology are extremely competitive (many are more difficult to get into than medical school), and the admissions process is demanding.
Can I get into a PsyD program with a low GPA?
A cumulative minimum 3. 0 (on a 4. For regular admission status, a (on a 0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is necessary. Candidates with a master’s degree from an institution with regional accreditation in a subject other than psychology must have a minimum GPA of 3. 5.
Are PsyD programs easier to get into than PhD?
The admissions requirements for PsyD and PhD candidates are similar. However, they are not interchangeable. Admission to PhD programs is typically much more challenging than admission to PsyD programs.
How many PsyD programs should I apply to?
Most experts agree that a good rule of thumb is to apply to no more than ten programs, but no less than four or five. Sit down and think about how many programs would be suitable for you before narrowing the list to a complete one.