The Psy.D. degree in Combined Health Service Psychology is an applied clinical doctorate degree that focuses on providing health service training for those who wish to become practicing psychologists. Upon successful completion of the program, students will possess the skills necessary to provide psychological health services to diverse populations in a variety of applied settings (e.g., in-patient and out-patient medical settings, non-profit organizations, government agencies, private companies, educational settings). Students will complete course work in foundational and discipline-specific psychology, problem-solving to address psychological needs of diverse clientele, and application of research design, data collection, and analysis techniques culminating in a capstone project.

Students in the program select a concentration in Clinical, Counseling, or School Psychology.  They may also select courses for an emphasis (Clinical and Counseling only), an experience, or an exposure.   It is important to note that, in some cases, the selection may require additional hours beyond the required for the Psy.D. degree.

Clinical Psychology

Those who seek a concentration in Clinical Psychology will focus on the science of psychology to treat complex human problems and mental disorders.  In addition to foundational courses, students will complete additional course work designed to provide them with knowledge and skills to address behavioral and mental health issues faced by individuals across the lifespan including:

• Adjustment issues and traumatic stress reactions
• Emotional and psychological problems, including serious mental illness and crisis intervention
• Interpersonal or social problems and dysfunction
• Behavioral problems including substance abuse and dependence, intellectual, cognitive, and neurological conditions

Counseling Psychology 

Those who seek a concentration in Counseling Psychology will focus on facilitating personal and interpersonal functioning across the lifespan.  In addition to foundational courses, students will complete additional course work designed to provide them with knowledge and skills to focus on normative developmental and mental health issues and challenges faced by individuals across their lifespan, as well as systemic challenges (such as prejudice and discrimination) experienced in groups, workplaces, organizations, institutions, and communities. They will use strengths-based perspectives and practices to prevent and ameliorate emotional, relational, physical/health-related, social, cultural, vocational, educational, and identity-related problems.

School Psychology 

Those who seek a concentration in School Psychology will focus on work in schools and related systems of care to support the behavioral/mental health and educational success of children and youth. In addition to foundational courses, students will learn to use their knowledge and skills to provide services to learners and the systems and agencies that serve them and their families including: 

• Individuals from birth to young adulthood presenting learning or behavior problems, mental disorders evident in infancy, childhood, or adolescence, and those with specific disabilities, chronic, or acute conditions of childhood and adolescence
• Families who request services and assistance with academic and behavioral problems at home and at school
• Organizations and agencies, teachers, and other adults to enhance healthy relationships and environments that promote learning and development

The curriculum is designed with academic and experiential components to ensure alignment with requirements of the American Psychological Association (APA), APA’s Commission on Accreditation (CoA), and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Program Approval Board (School Psychology concentration only) and lead to licensure/credentials in the appropriate concentration. Students in the Combined Health Service Psychology Psy.D. program should expect to develop critical thinking and application skills to prepare them to complete a year-long internship as part of their curricular requirements.  This internship, completed under supervision of licensed professionals, will allow students to further develop their knowledge and skills in health service psychological provision to address the needs of a variety of individuals.

Students can earn a Master of Science in Health Services Psychology or School Counseling or Educational Specialist in School Psychology while completing the PsyD program if desired.

Admission Requirements

• A completed graduate application. Click HERE to access this directly.
• Statement of purpose detailing your professional goals and how those goals fit the program to which you are applying.
• Names and email addresses for three references including two professional contacts and one instructor/professor who can speak to your academic ability. The admissions office will send them a link to an online reference form. Do not list family members and please inform your references so they can expect to be contacted by the admissions office.
• A minimum 3.0 GPA (bachelor’s degree) for admission to M.S. programs and a recommended minimum 3.3 GPA (master’s degree) for admission to Ed.S. and Psy.D. programs.
• Participation in a campus visit and interview.
• Current medical immunization record.

All documentation and official transcripts must be submitted to the graduate school for the M.S., Ed.S., and Psy.D. degree programs.