Clinical Psychology (PsyD)


Graduate

Program Details

 

The APA accredited Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD in Clinical Psychology) educates skilled generalists as Health Service *(Clinical) Psychologists who have a solid appreciation of the role of science in all aspects of professional activity. The program provides students with the knowledge and range of skills necessary to provide psychological services in today's changing professional climate. The full time, five-year program includes four academic years and one internship year.

The Psy.D. in clinical psychology program is rooted in Xavier's strong commitment to the service of others. Xavier's Clinical Psychology graduates are employed as psychologists in positions such as mental health centers, forensic or correctional agencies, medical centers, college counseling centers and private practices. Learn more about student outcomes at Student Admissions, Outcomes, and other Data.

Additional Program Details

Admission

Application for Admission to the PsyD Program

To start your application journey, visit Xavier University's Online Application. Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort will open on August 1st, 2024 and will remain open until December 1st, 2024. GRE test scores are waived for applicants seeking admission for Fall 2025. GRE scores will not be considered for admission.

Applications must be complete by the deadline date of December 1 and must include these items:

Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended are required. These should be submitted electronically to Xavier University, or to Director of Academic Programs at address below.

  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal Statement reflecting a commitment to clinical psychology and detailing applicant's specific interests
  • Diversity Statement reflecting commitment to diversity and inclusion
  • A non-refundable $35.00 application fee is required to complete application.
  • Applicants from foreign countries or who completed their degree overseas are required to submit transcripts evaluated by World Education Service (WES), a financial statement, a sponsorship letter, and official TOEFL scores, as well as the other requirements outlined above.

Admission Criteria

  • The applicant must possess a bachelor's or master's degree or their equivalent from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are welcome to apply during the final term(s) of their bachelor's or master's, as long as the previous degree will be complete prior to beginning the PsyD. The prior academic record must indicate ability and preparation necessary for pursuing graduate studies.
  • The minimum prerequisite for the doctoral program is 15 semester hours of undergraduate courses in psychology. These must include courses in general psychology; introductory statistics from a psychology, mathematics, or statistics department; psychological research methods; and six semester hours in other undergraduate psychology courses. Pre-requisites can be in-progress at time of application.
  • An additional pre-requisite in psychological tests and measurements must either be completed/in-progress prior to application, or can be completed the summer prior to beginning the program, if admitted.
  • Grade Point Average (GPA)- A minimum 3.0 required in previous undergraduate and/or graduate program(s). Overall GPA and GPA in psychology courses are both assessed. Special note is made of honors courses or programs.
  • Research experience. This may reflect anything from collecting data to publication in refereed journals.
    Work experience. Work relevant to clinical psychology will be of special interest.
  • Three Letters of reference. Letters from academic/research sources receive the greatest weight, although those describing other types of experience are also considered.
  • Compatible interests. Compatibility of the applicant's interests with those of the faculty is considered.
    Writing skills. The applicant's ability to write, as reflected in the Personal and Diversity statement, as well as in technical writing shown in published research, is also taken into account.

The admissions committee considers many variables. The entire set of credentials presented by the applicant is considered. However, a low standing on one criterion (e.g., GPA, Experience, etc.) does not automatically mean rejection, nor does one very high standing on one criterion mean automatic acceptance. Students with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Admission Process

Submitted applications will be reviewed in December/January and interviews for those extended the invitation will be in February. Each fall, the Psy.D. program admits a cohort of 16-18 students. Offers of admission will follow the interview process and accepted applicants will have until April 15th to confirm their desire to accept and make a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit to confirm their spot. This will be credited toward fall tuition.

Once the cohort maximum has been reached, the cohort will be closed for further enrollment. Any student who was offered admission and did not confirm prior to the closure will be permitted to defer admission to the next cohort year. The Director of Academic programs will communicate regularly with accepted students regarding status of cohort. Any questions can be directed to Mack Maynard, Director of Academic Programs at maynardm3@xavier.edu.

Curriculum

The Xavier Psy.D. program is a five-year program that includes four academic years and one internship year. The program is designed to prepare students for the general practice of health service psychology. The program is offered only in full-time, in-person format. There is not a part-time, remote, and/or hybrid option.

The PsyD program provides training in three areas of interest: Children and Adolescents, Individuals with Severe and Chronic Psychopathology (ISCPP), and Health Care Psychology Across the Lifespan (HCPALS). Students have the opportunity to pursue these areas of interest by taking specialized courses, gaining experience in practicum placements, and conducting applied research.

A Master of Arts in Psychology is after successful completion of all coursework through the second spring semester.

A curriculum guide is available at this link. Please use navigation options to the left to explore other components of the program in more detail.

Interests

A unique feature of the program is the opportunity for students to develop their skills in one of three areas of interest: Children and Adolescent Psychology; Individuals with Severe and Chronic Psychopathology Problems (ISCPP), or Healthcare Psychology Across the Lifespan (HCPALS). The areas of interest are designed to expose students to basic issues and methodologies in working with populations that are presently underserved in our society. All students are required to take seven elective courses. Four of these are specified as Area of Interest Electives. The other electives are chosen by the student in consultation with their advisor. Practicum experiences are also available in the specific area of interest.

Children and Adolescents

Students who choose this focus include interests in pediatric psychology, autism and spectrum disorders, the effects of physical and emotional abuse, body image disturbances, and juvenile offenders. Courses in this area include:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
  • Child and Adolescent Assessment
  • Child and Adolescent Interventions

Health Care Psychology Across the Lifespan (HCPALS)

Courses in this area include:

  • Psychology in Primary Care
  • Clinical Health Psychology
  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Health Issues in Geropsychology

Individuals with Severe and Chronic Psychopathology Problems (ISCPP)

Students who select this focus include interests in working with individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Courses in this area include:

  • Foundations in Psychotic Spectrum
  • Intervention Techniques: Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Intervention Techniques: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

A curriculum guide is available at this link. Please use navigation options to the left to explore other components of the program in more detail.

Tuition and Fees

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Focused Faculty

Student earning their PsyD in Clinical Psychology learning from a professor

Students earning their PsyD in Clinical Psychology interact with faculty members who have diverse academic and research interests, as well as professional training. Teaching is the primary mission of the department.


View PsyD Faculty


Professional Opportunities

Student earning their PsyD in Clinical Psychology at an internship in a medical setting

Clinical practicums during the second through fourth years of the program give students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to clients at a wide range of community settings under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist.


Practicum, Clinical Competency Exam, and Internship


Accredited PsyD Program

PsyD in Clinical Psychology student at a graduation ceremony

Xavier University’s Clinical Psychology Doctoral (PsyD) program recently received a 10-year reaccreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA), the maximum length given by the association. The program has been continuously accredited by the APA since 2001, engaging in ongoing review and quality improvement.


More About the Program's Reaccreditation

Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Program at Xavier University

The Psy.D. program emphasizes the importance of a scientific foundation in psychology. It’s designed to prepare students for the general practice of health service; it also provides training in three areas of interest: children and adolescents, individuals with severe and chronic psychopathology, and health care psychology in medical settings. The basic philosophy of the Psy.D. program is to educate skilled practioners who have a solid appreciation of the role of science in all aspects of professional activity. The program recognizes a need for the student to achieve a balance between a knowledge of the basic science of psychology and proficiencies.

Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.

Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."