phd psychology programs oregon

Graduate Program Psychology

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Degree Details

• Masters (M) Total Credits 54 Start Term Fall Delivery Method On campus
• Doctorate (D) Total Credits 108 Start Term Fall Delivery Method On campus

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Psychology Master's Degree and Doctorate Overview

Psychology master's degree or doctorate: why psu, what can i do with a master's degree or doctorate inpsychology.

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Counseling Psychology (PhD)

• Family and Human Services (BA/​BS)
• Family and Human Services (BEd)
• Counseling, Family, and Human Services (MEd)
• Couples and Family Therapy (MS)
• Prevention Science (MEd)
• Prevention Science (MS)
• Prevention Science (PhD)
• Counseling Psychology and Human Services Graduate Specializations
• Education Studies
• Special Education and Clinical Sciences

240 HEDCO Education Building 541-346-9148 [email protected]

The doctoral program is the only counseling psychology program in the Pacific Northwest that is accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, 202-336-5979), and it is recognized as acceptable for licensure by the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners. The program has been accredited since 1955.

Earning a doctoral degree in counseling psychology typically requires five to six years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. This period includes a one-year, full-time, supervised predoctoral internship. Students must complete a PhD dissertation that demonstrates a high standard of scholarship and the ability to conduct independent, original research. Students may enter the program with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.

The program follows an ecological model of training embedded in the scientist-practitioner tradition. Students learn to use evidence-based preventive and remedial intervention strategies for working with individuals, children, families, and groups within their many contexts. This includes training in culturally sensitive assessment and intervention strategies designed to increase understanding and effect change at all levels. Students engage in critical reflection on the science and practice of health service psychology and social justice advocacy as core to their training.

The doctoral program prepares health service psychologists specializing in counseling psychology who can make a significant contribution to the field through scholarly research and professional practice. Students participate in integrated classroom, practicum, and fieldwork activities in research, prevention, and intervention with children and adults, families, groups, and communities. Training experience may be had at the UO Counseling Center, Oregon State University Counseling and Psychological Services, Lane Community College Counseling Department, UO Prevention Science Institute, and in community agencies or nonprofit research centers.

Graduates are prepared to work as researchers, practitioners, and educators in research institutions, institutions of higher education, medical settings, managed and integrated health-care organizations, community college and university counseling centers, community mental health centers, juvenile corrections agencies, human resources departments in business, and career counseling agencies.

Application and Admission

Students are admitted fall term only. Prospective applicants may find detailed admission policies and procedures on the counseling psychology website . The closing date for receipt of completed applications is posted on the website for entry the following fall term. Notices about the disposition of applications are e-mailed by April 15.

Applicants are evaluated on the following:

• Academic record
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) general test scores
• Related work, research, and life experiences
• Statement of purpose in seeking admission
• Letters of recommendation
• An interview

Only completed applications are reviewed. The application process is online only; see the website for procedures.

Graduate training includes research training, completion of a predissertation research project, and completion of a dissertation as well as practicum and internship placements in which students work with children and adults, families, groups, and communities.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Research: Demonstrate the substantially independent ability to formulate research or other scholarly activities (e.g., critical literature reviews, dissertation, efficacy studies, clinical case studies, theoretical papers, program evaluation projects, program development projects) that are of sufficient quality and rigor to have the potential to contribute to the scientific, psychological, or professional knowledge base. Conduct research or other scholarly activities. Critically evaluate and disseminate research or other scholarly activity via professional publication and presentation at the local (including the host institution), regional, or national level.
• Ethical and legal standards: Be knowledgeable of, and act in accordance with, each of the following: the current version of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct; Relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; and Relevant professional standards and guidelines. Recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas. Conduct self in an ethical manner in all professional activities.
• Individual and cultural diversity: Have an understanding of how their own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves. Be knowledge of the current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to addressing diversity in all professional activities, including research, training, supervision/consultation, and service. Have the ability to integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in the conduct of professional roles (e.g., research, services, and other professional activities). This includes the ability to apply a framework for working effectively with areas of individual and cultural diversity not previously encountered during the course of their careers. Also included is the ability to work effectively with individuals whose group membership, demographic characteristics, or worldviews create conflict with their own. Demonstrate the requisite knowledge base and ability to articulate an approach to working effectively with diverse individuals and groups, and apply this approach effectively in their professional work.
• Professional values, attitudes, and behaviors: Behave in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, including integrity, deportment, professional identity, accountability, lifelong learning, and concern for the welfare of others. Engage in self-reflection regarding one's personal and professional functioning; engage in activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness. Actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision. Respond professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence as they progress across levels of training.
• Communication and interpersonal skills: Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals, including colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional services. Produce and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and well integrated; demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and the ability to manage difficult communication well.
• Assessment: Select and apply assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as relevant diversity characteristics of the service recipient. Interpret assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines, to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations, while guarding against decision-making biases, distinguishing the aspects of assessment that are subjective from those that are objective. Communicate orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in an accurate and effective manner sensitive to a range of audiences.
• Intervention: Establish and maintain effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services. Develop evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals. Implement interventions informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity characteristics, and contextual variables. Demonstrate the ability to apply the relevant research literature to clinical decision making. Modify and adapt evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence base is lacking. Evaluate intervention effectiveness and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with ongoing evaluation.
• Supervision: Demonstrate knowledge of supervision models and practices.
• Consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills: Demonstrate knowledge and respect for the roles and perspectives of other professions. Demonstrate knowledge of consultation models and practices.
• History and systems of psychology: Demonstrate knowledge of general systems and theoretical models in psychology as a general field and in Counseling Psychology as a specific discipline in applied psychology.
• Basic Psychology Core knowledge areas: Demonstrate basic competency in core knowledge areas of general psychology, including individual and developmental aspects of behavior, biological/physiological aspects of behavior, cultural and social psychology, and cognitive and affective aspects of behavior.
• Advanced integrative knowledge of basic discipline specific content areas: Demonstrate Advanced and Integrative in core knowledge areas of general psychology and application to applied psychology and research practice, including individual and developmental aspects of behavior, biological/physiological aspects of behavior, cultural and social psychology, and cognitive and affective aspects of behavior.
• Research methods: This is a Discipline-specific focused component of LO1 (Research).
• Quantitative methods: This is a Discipline-specific focused component of LO1 (Research).
• Psychometrics: This is a component of LO1 (Research) and LO6 (Assessment).

PhD Requirements

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Faculty      APS program       PsyD program       PhD program

Striving for excellence, the faculty at Pacific University’s School of Graduate Psychology prepares psychological professionals who foster collaborative relationships, have inquiring minds, create meaningful change, and dedicate themselves to models of health and well-being that support diversity and social justice.

The School of Graduate Psychology (SGP) at Pacific University educates empirically-informed psychological professionals who may choose research, practice, or other health or organizational service careers. SGP is an academic community that fosters collaborative inquiry, encouraging faculty and students to work together on program development, clinical research, and governance. Programs and individuals at SGP emphasize and are committed to psychologically-informed work that is relevant to diverse populations at the individual, family, group, and community levels.

The School of Graduate Psychology, as part of the College of Health Professions, complements Pacific University’s traditional liberal arts and sciences undergraduate offerings. The distinctive interprofessional learning environment, coupled with SGP’s emphasis on diversity, community involvement, and practical applications, creates a unique learning opportunity in the Pacific Northwest. The School of Graduate Psychology offers six degrees:

• Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (PhD)
• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (open only to students in the PsyD program)
• Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (open only to students in the PhD program)
• Master of Arts in Applied Psychological Science (APS)
• Master of Science in Applied Psychological Science (APS - currently not accepting applications)

The School of Graduate Psychology prepares students for mastery and success in a rapidly evolving, demanding profession. Clinical and applied psychology require a solid grounding in the science of psychology, a keen sense of ethics, strong interpersonal and research skills, and the ability to work in a variety of professional roles with clients and communities of a diverse range of backgrounds.

SGP provides a comprehensive and integrated educational experience that offers an extensive psychological knowledge base and fosters the development of applied clinical and research competence. SGP curricula are designed to build and integrate the many components and aspects of psychological practice. SGP emphasizes community involvement and flexible, diversity-appropriate, practical applications of scientific psychology. Depending upon the program or area of emphasis, students learn how to apply and contribute to knowledge of human behavior to resolve problems and improve conditions. The programs offer broad and general doctoral education and training that includes preparation in health service psychology. Our PsyD program places relatively greater emphasis on training for engaging in professional practice and our PhD program places relatively greater emphasis on training related to research. The PsyD program presents students with a range of theoretical perspectives and exposes them to assessment, intervention, research/evaluation, consultation/education, and management/supervision. Students in the PhD program are trained to integrate the science and practice of psychology by completing specific coursework, producing original empirical research, and engaging in clinical practicum placements. Graduates of each program, however, must demonstrate a fundamental understanding of and competency in both research/scholarly activities and evidence-based professional practice. The goal of the Master’s Program in Applied Psychological Science is to foster learning of and competence in skills necessary for responsible and ethical professional practice in a variety of contexts and settings.

SGP orients students to scholarship that contributes to an understanding of human nature, to research that informs the clinical endeavor, and to services for diverse populations. SGP recognizes that individual experiences and personal values of each practitioner are central to effective and socially responsible practice. Faculty members strive to promote development and integration of professional competence, social justice, and humanitarian values. SGP programs are responsive to the real needs of many diverse peoples in a rapidly changing society; to that end, faculty, staff, and students maintain close connections with the communities they serve.

SGP’s curriculum provides students with a solid foundation for psychological practice and continuing professional growth. Graduates have the knowledge and skills to provide psychological services to individuals, groups, and the community in a variety of contexts. They are encouraged to seek out new and innovative professional roles. Doctoral graduates are prepared to enter the post-doctoral licensing process; The APS program is designed to prepare students for employment as masters-level professionals or for further training in psychology at the doctoral level.

Full-time faculty in SGP are committed to a range of applications of psychology. Adjunct faculty include practicing psychologists and specialists in relevant areas of academic psychology. In addition to teaching and developing students’ skills, faculty function as models for the ideals of professional behavior and service to the public.

Effective January 1, 2017, the School of Professional Psychology changed its name to School of Graduate Psychology. This change reflects expansions in the school to include a variety of programs, such as the PhD Program in Clinical Psychology and the MS Program in Applied Psychological Science, both research-oriented programs. The name change also aligns the school with national trends in healthcare and psychology’s role within these developments. Most importantly, it complies with the spirit of a directive by the American Psychological Association to identify psychology as a healthcare profession.

Accreditation

All SGP programs are regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).  Additionally, the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)* since 1990. The PhD Program in Clinical Psychology was accredited by APA* (on contingency) in 2017. The Clinical Specialization of the APS program was accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)** with the graduation of its second cohort in August 2017 (See the MPCAC website for further details: http://mpcacaccreditation.org/ )

*Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street, N.E. Washington, DC, 20002-4242 Tel: (202) 336-5979; email: [email protected]

**Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council 595 New Loudon Road #265 Latham, New York 12110 Tel: (518) 785-1980; email: [email protected]

Facilities/Clinics and External Opportunities

The School of Graduate Psychology is housed on the College of Health Professions Campus in Hillsboro, Oregon.

SGP maintains the Pacific Psychology & Comprehensive Health Clinics (PCH), a multi-site training clinic that provides opportunities for supervised clinical experiences to students in both doctoral programs. Services are rendered by student clinicians under the supervision of qualified, licensed psychologists. A wide range of psychological services are made available to the community.  In addition to psychological services, PCH also offers integrated healthcare services including primary care through a partnership with National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), Speech-Language therapy, and Occupational Therapy.

The PCH has two clinical sites, one in Hillsboro and one in Portland.  Both clinics offer evidence-based interventions for treating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety,  depression, trauma, loss and grief, relationship problems, self-esteem problems, and parent-child problems, as well as cognitive and personality assessment, neuropsychological and psychological assessment, individual therapy, marital and family therapy, group therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, and consultation. Comprehensive healthcare is available at both sites. Services in Spanish are available. The Hillsboro and Portland PCH sites are easily accessible via mass transit through the MAX light-rail system.

SGP students also benefit from over 100  community placement sites for clinical practica located throughout the Portland metropolitan area and nearby communities. These external opportunities to gain clinical experience exist for students in the doctoral and master’s programs. Some of the settings where students have been placed include community mental health centers, hospitals, residential and day treatment facilities, college counseling centers, correctional facilities, and local schools.

Clinical PsyD and PhD Internships

To obtain the Doctor of Psychology or the Doctor of Philosophy degree, each student must complete an internship at sites throughout the United States and Canada. Internships are obtained through a competitive, national application process that is administered independently of SGP. SGP students have been successfully placed in hospitals, university counseling centers, mental health centers, and other institutional settings.

Sabiduría Latina/o Psychology Emphasis

“Sabiduría” in Spanish means wisdom, knowledge, learning and understanding, not only of oneself but also of others. It means using knowledge and understanding to attain balance, health, wellness, to reach goals and help others to do the same. Sabiduría states that the healing and spiritual development are interconnected, that people can live life with meaning and purpose, that illness offers an opening for integration and personal growth and that life setbacks are opportunities for growth and self-improvement (Ruiz, 1997, Coma-Diaz, 2010).

The Sabiduria Latina/o psychology emphasis allows students from all SGP programs to gain competencies in Latina/o psychology and culturally informed work/psychology that can be adapted or translated and applied to other multicultural groups. The emphasis is ideal for students with different levels of Spanish proficiency who want to be trained in Latina/o culture and/or multicultural areas. The emphasis allows students the opportunity to focus their training on culturally informed services with Latina/os and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, while at the same time working on improving their Spanish proficiency, whatever their Spanish level may be. It is not required , but it is desired, that students have Spanish language skills.

The emphasis provides students with classes, clinical practicum, and research experiences that focus on working with Latina/os and/or Spanish-speaking individuals. Outreach, health and wellness, and community psychology components and service are integrated through all the emphasis requirements.

For the PsyD program, students can choose the emphasis in combination with their track of choice (e.g., health with the Latina/o psychology emphasis). Similarly, students from the APS program can choose the emphasis in combination with their specialty (e.g., clinical psychology with a Latina/o psychology emphasis). The PhD program students can pursue the Latina/o psychology emphasis to supplement their academic, clinical, and research training.

Benefits of Joining the Sabiduría Latina/o Psychology Emphasis

The Latina/o psychology emphasis provides students with specialized training to work with Latina/os and other individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds in the most culturally sensitive manner. Our training includes courses in culturally and linguistically focused assessment and treatment, clinical supervision in Spanish, Latina/o and bilingually focused clinical training placements, multiple community outreach opportunities, cultural and international experiences, and Spanish language support. Our cohesive and supportive learning community provides students with an opportunity for faculty mentorship, close peer relationships, and lifelong professional relationships. Our emphasis is community focused, and we have an extensive community network that provides students professional and personal opportunities beyond our academic program.

Course Requirements (6 credits total)

• Depending on a student’s Spanish language skills, the student can either take the Basic Clinical Skills Bilingual Lab (1-credit course for students who have Spanish skills at the intermediate-mid level or intermediate-high level) or the Basics of Mental Health Spanish I (1-credit course for students who have Spanish skills at the intermediate-low or low level). Either course is required in first year.
• Depending on a student’s Spanish language skills, the student can either take the Treatment Planning and Intervention Bilingual Lab (1-credit course for students who have Spanish skills at the intermediate-mid level or intermediate-high level) or the Basics of Mental Health Spanish II (1-credit course for students who have Spanish skills at the intermediate-low or low level). Either course is required in first year.
• Sociocultural Foundations of Latina/o Mental Health (3 cr)
• Participation in one Latino Cultural Experience, Immersion, or International Study (1 credit – recommended in summer prior to the second year of graduate study).

Recommended courses:

• Intermediate to Advanced Spanish Language Courses (when needed and available), recommended during the third and/or fourth year.
• Multicultural Assessment or Psychological Assessment with Latinos (3 cr)
• Clinical Interventions with Latina/os (3 cr)

Clinical Requirements

For doctoral students and APS students in the clinical psychology specialty, their first clinical experience (Practicum I at the PCH Clinics for doctoral students) must include working with Latina/os and/or Spanish speaking populations, participating in the Interprofessional Diabetes Clinic (IDC), and performing outreach activities with the Latina/o community. Additionally, for doctoral students, at least one of the community clinical training experiences (either Practicum II or Clinical Fieldwork) must be focused on Latina/o populations as combined with their interest or track. Only students who want to work with Spanish-speaking clients must be tested on the OPI of the ACTFL test and score at the Intermediate-high level before Practicum I (or before internship for APS students). Priority will be given to clinical training placements supervised by bilingual and/or culturally focused supervisors. Students working with the Latina/o community either at PCH Clinics or in the community must participate in a monthly cultural and linguistic consultation group provided by PCH Clinics.

For doctoral students and APS students in the Applied Research specialty, the dissertation or thesis must be completed within an area of Latina/o mental health, in accordance with track or program research requirements. Students conducting research with the Latina/o community must participate in at least one cultural research consultation meeting in each stage of their research process (e.g., topic/research question development, measure selection, data collection, data analysis, etc.)

Faculty and Mentors

Faculty and Mentors in the Latina/o psychology emphasis include a mix of core and adjunct faculty in addition to community psychologists who provide teaching, supervision, and research mentoring to emphasis students. Faculty areas of specialization include mental health evaluation; neuropsychological assessment; individual, child, family, group, and couples psychotherapy; integrated health care; treatment of anxiety, depression and trauma, eating disorders, and obesity; parent-child relations; child and adolescent behavior problems; cross-cultural interventions, mindfulness and cultural adaptations; stress management and body-mind integrated treatments; and community psychology and wellness practices.

Admission & Selection

Application to the emphasis occurs during the first term of enrollment. Students are identified on the basis of their academic strength and fit with the emphasis based on the SGP admission selection process. If space is open, a second wave of admission and selection for students who are already part of SGP will occur at the end of each fall semester.

Students interested in the emphasis must include a letter of interest . The letter must address the following questions in no more than 2 to 3 pages total (double-spaced):

Why do you want to join the Latina/o psychology emphasis?

What are your experiences working with the Latina/o community?

What are your research and clinical interests in the field of Latina/o psychology or multicultural psychology? In what capacity do you see yourself working with Latina/os or individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds after you graduate?

What challenges do you see in yourself and the system that would affect your capacity to fulfill the professional goals of the emphasis?

What qualities do you possess that you think will make you an asset to the emphasis?

Describe your ability to speak Spanish, whatever that may be, and what steps you plan to implement to improve your Spanish language skills (oral and written).

Upon admittance into the emphasis, students who wish to complete clinical training with Spanish-speaking clients must take the OPI Spanish Placement appropriate for the student. Students identified to be part of the emphasis are invited to participate in first-year bilingual labs and/or Spanish courses.

Policies: School of Graduate Psychology

Catalog Year and Readmission

The catalog in effect at the time of a student’s initial enrollment indicates the specific requirements for that student. Students leaving the program for more than 3 terms must apply for readmission to return, and would re-enter the program under the requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

Students who have left the program voluntarily are welcome to reapply through the regular application process. This, along with official transcripts from all colleges attended during the absence from Pacific must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions office.

Academic Year

The academic year, comprised of two 15-week semesters and one 12-week term, begins in late August and continues through July. Required courses are typically offered one time per year; elective courses may be offered alternate years. Both clinical and required courses continue through the summer term. Clinical training may extend beyond term dates.

Time to Complete Degree

PsyD and PhD students must complete all degree requirements within eight (8) years of enrollment. Students entering with an approved Master’s Degree and transferred Thesis requirement have seven (7) years from matriculation to complete PhD degree requirements.

Students must complete all degree requirements for the Master of Arts/Master of Science in Clinical Psychology within three (3) years of initial enrollment. All requirements for the Master of Arts/Master of Science degree in Applied Psychological Science must be completed within four years of initial enrollment.

Credit Load

Full-time enrollment is defined as 9-16 hours per term. Permission by petition is required for enrollment of fewer than nine credits. With approved petition, students must maintain a minimum enrollment of six credits per term. Students participating in student loan programs may lose student payment deferment status if they fall below half-time enrollment. A leave of absence must be requested, by petition, if a student does not maintain continuous enrollment. Students in the APS program must petition for approval to take more than 12 credits in any given term.

Part-time study is discouraged. Part-time students should be aware that completing program requirements while maintaining full-time employment during the whole course of study would be extremely difficult.

Permission to exceed 19 credits per term must be obtained by petition from the academic advisor and program director, in consultation with the Director of Academics. Additional tuition beyond the full-time consolidated tuition (see below) will be charged per credit above 16 credits as applicable in any given term in which a student enrolls.

Registration and Auditing

Changes in course registration (cancellations, additions, or changes in credits or audit/credit status) may be made during the first two weeks of Fall and Spring semesters. (Refer to the Student Handbook for deadlines for Summer term.) Refund of tuition will be according to the University refund policy.

Students may request to audit didactic coursework, with the understanding that if it is required for their degree they will need to re-take the course for credit. If a student is enrolled to Audit a class, they are not allowed to change that registration to credit until the next time it is offered. The Audit request must be completed by the add/drop deadline for the term in which the course is being audited. Research, Clinical Training, and required coursework cannot be audited.

Only students seeking a degree may enroll in courses.

Add/Drop/Withdrawal Schedule

Students may drop a semester-long course through the 10th day of the semester without having the course appear on the transcript. After this point, and through the 10th week of the semester (fall and spring; between the 2nd and 8th week in summer), students may withdraw from a course through BoxerOnline registration management system and a “W” is posted on the transcript. Withdrawals after the 10th week normally are not permitted unless approved by the Director of Academics.

Requests for changes in registration after the second week of class must be in writing and have the approval of the Director of Academics. Registration changes that occur beyond the add/drop deadline in any given term may be subject to a fine.  See SGP Student Handbook for more information.

Students may not withdraw from a clinical training placement or end the placement before the previously authorized end date without approval from the Director of Clinical Training, the Clinical Mentor, and the site supervisor; unapproved and/or early withdrawal will be considered an issue of professional concern and may result in failure of the placement.

Repeated Courses

If a course taken at Pacific University is repeated at Pacific University the higher grade is counted in the grade point average.  Both grades remain on the student record.

Courses taken at another institution following matriculation at Pacific University will not count toward graduation requirements without prior approval of the Program Director and Director of Academics.

Remediation

Students who do not earn a “B” or better in any required course must re-take that course for credit to meet graduation requirements.  As most SGP courses are offered once per academic year, a student may need to wait until the following year to remediate a course, thus delaying their degree completion.  Questions regarding the need for remediation should be addressed to the Program Director.

Continuous Enrollment/Leave of Absence

A formal leave of absence must be requested by petition for any term a student does not enroll. Students are allowed three total (consecutive or non-consecutive) leaves of absence during their matriculation. The time-to-completion deadlines for degrees (e.g., 4 years for APS, 8 years for PsyD and PhD) do not change with a leave of absence. Students with a break in enrollment of more than three consecutive terms are considered to be withdrawn from the program.

Courses and PsyD Dissertation are graded with a letter grade and supplementary comments from the instructor. Grades used are A, B, C, and F. Students must earn “B” or better in program requirements to continue progressing through their respective programs. Internship, Laboratories, PhD Thesis and Dissertation, all Clinical Practica, and APS Research projects are graded on a Pass/No Pass basis (P=B or above). X is used for continuing courses; the X converts to P or N when the course is completed.

Incomplete Grades

An instructor may issue a grade of Incomplete (I) only when the major portion of a course has been completed satisfactorily but health or other emergency reasons prevent the student from finishing all requirements of the course. Prior to submitting an Incomplete grade, the instructor and the student complete an Incomplete/WP Grade Contract detailing the completion and submission of all remaining work, as well as the timeline. After submission of the work, the instructor completes a Grade Change form and submits it to the Director of Academics for approval; the form is then processed by the Registrar.

Latest Completion/Expiration Date s

Fall Incompletes: April 15 of the following year

Spring Incompletes: July 15 of the same year

Summer Incompletes: November 15 of the following academic year

If agreed-upon work is not completed and no grade change submitted by the deadline (and an extension has not been granted), when the Incomplete expires the grade becomes an F or N. Faculty may request an extension of an Incomplete (before the expiration date of the Incomplete) by notifying the Registrar’s office.

Work in Progress Grades

Occasionally, situations arise where it is not possible to submit a course grade at the end of a term, because a curricular component is planned to occur after the term ends (external research sites, for example) or an unanticipated situation arises preventing completion within the term (such as broken equipment). The WP grade was created as a placeholder to be used until a permanent grade is submitted. The WP grade is to be used for an entire course or group within a course, not an individual. The WP must be replaced by a permanent grade before the end of the term immediately following (e.g., the end of Summer term for Spring courses), or it will turn to N or F (depending on the grade scheme for the course).

For both Incomplete and WP Grade requests, instructors complete the Incomplete/WP Grade Contract with the student and submit to the Director of Academics, who will process it with the Registrar’s office for determination of appropriate grade.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Good academic standing in the School of Graduate Psychology is defined as continued enrollment, satisfactory academic progress, appropriate interpersonal functioning, sound clinical skills, and appropriate professional/ethical conduct and attitudes. Students are evaluated at least annually.

Students will be given regular reports on their progress in the program. A student who is not performing adequately according to the standards will receive notification through written feedback and/or individual advisement. After receiving such feedback, failure to improve performance before the next scheduled evaluation may result in academic probation.

Students placed on academic probation will receive formal written notification outlining the reasons for probation and expectations that must be met in order for probation to be lifted. Failure to meet the requirements of probation in a timely manner may result in removal from the School.

Faculty will evaluate academic performance, clinical skills, research progress, and professional development and behaviors demonstrated in the educational environment and in clinical performance according to standards set forth in the University Catalog, the SGP Student Handbook, the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, and elsewhere.

In the case of flagrant and intentional violations of the Code of Academic Conduct, or the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct students may be removed from the School without previous warning at any time in their academic career.

Information regarding review of student progress is detailed in program-specific student handbooks.

In general, program decisions regarding academic standing are final. A decision may be appealed only if the student can show that:

• there was an error in the procedure used by the faculty,
• there is new evidence sufficient to alter the decision, or
• the sanction imposed was not appropriate to the severity of the violation of professional or academic standards.

Details of professional and academic standards, evaluations procedures, and the appeals process are available in the Professional Programs Catalog, the University Student Handbook, the PsyD, PhD, and MA/MS in Applied Psychological Science Student Handbooks, and additional resources available from the school’s administrative office.

Grade Changes

Once a course grade has been submitted to the Registrar, it is considered final and may be changed only for the following reasons: to correct a recording, posting, or computational error; to change an Incomplete or WP grade to a final letter grade; to adjust a disputed grade after the appeal process has come to a close (see below); or if a documented illness/emergency prevents a student from requesting and receiving an approved Incomplete Grade Contract before final grades are due.

Official grades (BoxerOnline) and E*Value comments may be revised by the Director of Clinical Training (DCT) if the supervisor or DCT learns information about student performance during that term that was not available at the time of the evaluation.

Faculty members submit Grade Change Request forms to the Director of Academics for approval; Grade Change forms are available on Moodle (SGP Faculty Resources – Faculty Forms & Templates).

Appealing a Course Grade

A student who wishes to appeal a final course grade should first meet with the instructor of the course to present questions and concerns about the grade. If this meeting does not provide adequate closure, the student may then meet with the Program Director (in coordination with the Director of Academics); the student may then meet with the Dean of SGP. Beyond the Dean of SGP, the student may challenge via appeal to the CHP Standards & Appeals committee. Appeal to University SAC. The decision of the University SAC is final.

Transfer Credit

Students may apply to transfer credits earned for graduate work in psychology taken at a regionally accredited college or university after the awarding of the bachelor’s degree if the course is equivalent to a course in the program of matriculation. The instructor of the proposed equivalent course will evaluate the syllabus documentation to determine whether credit will be awarded. An “A” grade must have been earned; in no case will credit be given for work that was not graded or formally evaluated. In cases of courses graded on a Pass/No Pass system, course performance will be carefully evaluated.

For the PsyD Program a maximum of 21 course credits may be transferred. For the PhD Program, 15 credits of graduate coursework may be transferred, an additional 3 credits of history of psychology (at the undergraduate [waiver] or graduate level), and 12 credits of Thesis may be transferred. All credits must have been taken within the four years immediately preceding admission to the School.  For the Master’s in Applied Psychological Science Program, the same requirements apply, but a maximum of 12 credits may be transferred.

Practicum and internship credits are not transferable, and the Thesis may be transferred in the PhD program with approval.

Students coming from an APA-accredited doctoral program into the PsyD or PhD program may transfer in additional credits. See program-specific transfer form or contact the Program Director.

Commencement:

Commencement for all SGP programs occurs in August, although degree conferral can occur in January, May, or August depending upon when degree requirements are met. Students are not required to participate in the commencement ceremony. All degree requirements must be completed except for internship to be allowed to participate in commencement ceremony.  Questions of eligibility to participate should be directed to the Program Director.

The School of Graduate Psychology does not award graduation honors.

Tuition and Fees: School of Graduate Psychology

Students enrolled for 9-16 credits are charged full-time tuition. Students enrolled for more than 16 credits are charged the full-time rate plus the per credit rate for each credit over 16. Students enrolled in fewer than 9 credits are charged the per credit rate.

Financial Aid

Graduate Assistantships Outstanding applicants to the MA/MS (APS) and PsyD Programs may be offered Graduate Assistantships with admission. These positions offer an opportunity to work directly with a full-time faculty member of the School. A payment of $3,000 per year is offered.

Teaching Assistantships Returning students in the PsyD and PhD Programs in Clinical Psychology and in the MA/MS Program in Applied Psychological Science may apply for positions to assist course instructors in preparation of course materials and in facilitation of course mastery by students. A payment of $1,200 per course is offered.

Research Assistantships All students in their first and second year in the PhD Program in Clinical Psychology receive Research Assistantships of $5,000 per year. Students are assigned to a faculty member who oversees the assistantship, and for whom they work up to 7 hours per week during the 11-month academic year. This award is contingent upon maintaining good academic standing and doing quality work as judged by the respective faculty member.

Service Scholarships Applicants to the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology may apply for multi-year Service Scholarships, which are awarded at the time of formal notification of admission. These scholarships are initially typically in the amount of $3,000-$4,000 per year and are for a 3-year period. Returning students may apply for 1-year Service Scholarships.

Calendar: School of Graduate Psychology

https://pacificu.app.box.com/file/278123655838

• Clinical Psychology, MA
• Applied Psychological Science, MA
• Clinical Psychology, MS
• Clinical Psychology, PhD
• Clinical Psychology, PsyD
• GPSY 503 - Professional Orientation & Ethics
• GPSY 504 - Assessment of Individuals
• GPSY 505 - Psychological Assessment
• GPSY 510 - Cultural Foundations
• GPSY 511 - Ethnic Minority Student Seminar
• GPSY 512 - Helping Relationships
• GPSY 513 - Helping Relationships Lab
• GPSY 520 - Introduction to Diagnosis
• GPSY 535 - Group Dynamics
• GPSY 541 - Psychoactive Substances
• GPSY 570 - Organizational Behavior Theory
• GPSY 580 - Research Methods
• GPSY 581 - Statistics
• GPSY 582 - Statistics II
• GPSY 583 - Statistics Lab
• GPSY 600 - Development
• GPSY 601 - Biological & Cognitive Foundations
• GPSY 602 - Social & Systems Foundations
• GPSY 651 - Community-Based Research Methods I
• GPSY 652 - Community-Based Research Methods II
• GPSY 653 - Community-Based Research Methods III
• GPSY 662 - Small n and Non-parametric Analyses
• GPSY 666 - Structural Equation Modeling
• GPSY 680 - Master’s Thesis
• GPSY 682 - Advanced Research Seminar I
• GPSY 683 - Advanced Research Seminar II
• GPSY 685 - Community Research Project
• GPSY 687 - Clinical Practicum
• GPSY 690 - Evidence-Based Practice Sample
• GPSY 692 - Clinical Research Fieldwork
• GPSY 701 - First Year Seminar
• GPSY 703 - Intro to Health Service Psychology
• GPSY 720 - Psychometrics
• GPSY 722 - Evidence Based Practice: Theories
• GPSY 723 - Evidence Based Practice Lab
• GPSY 724 - Evidence-Based Practice: Applied
• GPSY 725 - Basic Clinical Skills
• GPSY 729 - Treatment Planning & Interventions
• GPSY 731 - Career Counseling
• GPSY 734 - Trauma Theory & Practice
• GPSY 735 - Basic Clinical Skills Lab
• GPSY 736 - Psychology & the Law
• GPSY 741 - Psychopharmacology - Child
• GPSY 743 - Assessment of Children Lab
• GPSY 745 - Basic Clinical Skills Lab: Bilingual
• GPSY 749 - Tx Plan & Intervention Lab: Bilingual
• GPSY 750 - Health Psychology Seminar
• GPSY 751 - Psych Assessment & Mgmt of Chronic Pain
• GPSY 753 - Couples Psychotherapy
• GPSY 761 - Neuropsychology: Neurological Disorders
• GPSY 762 - Neuropsychology: Psychiatric Disorders
• GPSY 763 - Neuropsychology: Medical Disorders
• GPSY 764 - Neuropsychological Seminar
• GPSY 775 - Professional Communication
• GPSY 786 - Neuropsychological Assessment Practicum
• GPSY 787 - Pre-Practicum
• GPSY 790 - Pre-Internship Seminar
• GPSY 791 - Clinical Fieldwork: Part-Time
• GPSY 792 - Clinical Research Fieldwork
• GPSY 800 - History and Systems
• GPSY 802 - Advanced Life Span Psychology
• GPSY 807 - Cognitive/Affective Bases of Behavior
• GPSY 808 - Eating D/o, Obesity & Weight Stigma
• GPSY 809 - Pediatric Psychology
• GPSY 810 - Parent-Child Interactio Therapy
• GPSY 811 - Biological Bases of Behavior
• GPSY 813 - Indiv/Social Bases of Behavior
• GPSY 814 - Human Diversity
• GPSY 815 - Psychology of Gender
• GPSY 817 - Child & Adolescent Interventions
• GPSY 818 - Group Interventions
• GPSY 819 - Diversity Skill Integration
• GPSY 820 - Psychopathology & Diagnostic Process
• GPSY 821 - Cognitive Assessment
• GPSY 822 - Personality Assessment
• GPSY 823 - Projective Assessment
• GPSY 824 - Neuropsychological Assessment
• GPSY 825 - Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• GPSY 826 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy
• GPSY 829 - LGBT Psychotherapy
• GPSY 830 - Cross-Cultural Psychology
• GPSY 831 - Clinical Supervision
• GPSY 832 - Multicultural Assessment
• GPSY 833 - Assessment Lab
• GPSY 834 - Neuropsychological Assessment Lab
• GPSY 835 - Juvenile Forensic Psychology
• GPSY 836 - Adult Forensic Psychology
• GPSY 840 - Correctional Psychology
• GPSY 841 - Assessment of Children
• GPSY 843 - Human Sexuality and Clinical Issues
• GPSY 845 - Family Therapy
• GPSY 846 - Child Psychopathology & Interviewing
• GPSY 847 - Substance Use - Lifespan
• GPSY 848 - Sociocultural Foundations Latinx MH
• GPSY 849 - Clinical Interventions with Latinx
• GPSY 850 - Health Psychology
• GPSY 851 - Psychopharmacology - Lifespan
• GPSY 853 - Mindfulness-Based Interventions
• GPSY 855 - Gestalt Therapy
• GPSY 858 - Brief Psychotherapies

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Forest Grove, Hillsboro & Eugene Campuses Closed

Update: Pacific University’s Forest Grove, Hillsboro and Eugene campuses, and all Pacific healthcare clinics, remain closed all day Friday, Jan. 19. More Details

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

The School of Graduate Psychology's PsyD program emphasizes coursework reflecting the latest empirical findings in the field. Accredited by the American Psychological Association * since 1990, we combine courses, practicum placements, and dissertation with professional support to help you successfully complete the program with a versatile degree for practice, teaching, or research. Our in-house clinical training facilities provide clinics for training doctoral students. 

We're here to help on your way to your PsyD! Learn about the admissions process and contact your admissions counselor.

How to Apply

Generalist Foundation with Specific Concentrations

Varied faculty interests provide students with exposure to a broad range of theoretical perspectives and assessment, intervention, research/evaluation, consultation/education and management/supervision skills. Four tracks within the generalist program allow students to focus training on a specific area with its own defined curriculum, research programs, and clinical practica.

With diverse classes, students, and professional interests students will easily find classmates and colleagues who share their interests. Student-led groups offer mentoring support to incoming students, making them feel welcome from the start.

Post Graduation

Our graduates have the knowledge and the skills to provide psychological services, including traditional areas of psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and applied research. We also teach the business, organizational, and political aspects of graduate psychology so that students can seek innovative leadership roles, launch a private practice, or take on a supervisory position at a mental health facility.

Fully Accredited PsyD in Clinical Psychology Program

Pacific University’s PsyD Program is Accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation .

Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: 

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation  American Psychological Association  750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 202-336-5979 | [email protected]  www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Student Admissions, Outcomes, & Other Data  - Updated October 1, 2023

School of Graduate Psychology 503-352-7277 | Fax: 503-352-7320

190 SE 8th Ave., Ste. 260 Hillsboro, OR 97123

Jenni Gottschalk |  Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Admissions 800-933-9308 Ext 7225 or 503-352-7225 | [email protected]

Application information

Meet the Clinical Psychology PsyD faculty at Pacific University.

To prepare competent, ethical, and socially responsive practitioner-scholars who are committed to the lifelong learning and collaborative practice of psychology.

Discover the PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree requirements, curriculum, and tracks.

Clinical training, practicum & internship information for the Clinical Psychology PsyD at Pacific University.

Our psychology clinic offers outpatient assessment and comprehensive health and therapy services in downtown Portland and Hillsboro for Oregon Health Plan and self pay patients. 

Explore PsyD in clinical psychology tuition and financial aid.

Pacific University provides this General Disclosure to students prior to enrollment or financial commitment. 

Related Programs

Upcoming events.

• graduate psychology

Schwartz has extensive teaching experience in graduate clinical psychology beginning in 1981. He was a core faculty member of the Illinois School of Professional Psychology for over 30 years. 

The university's Master of Social Work and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology programs will split a two-year, $1.8 million grant from the Oregon Health Authority aimed to increase the capacity and diversity in the state's mental health workforce.

Students earned bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in audiology, dental hygiene, psychology, health sciences, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, and education and leadership.

School of Medicine Clinical Psychology Program

Clinical psychology program.

The Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology (CPP program) at OHSU is accredited, on contingency as of November 9, 2022, expiring November 9, 2027.  For more information about APA accreditation or specific information about the accreditation status of our doctoral program please contact:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 First Street NE Washington, DC 20002-4242

Telephone:  (202) 336-5979 Email:  [email protected] Web:  www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Prospective Applicants for Fall 2024

The Doctoral Program in clinical Psychology (hereafter known as the Clinical Psychology PhD or Clinical Psychology Program) is the only one in Oregon that is sponsored and primarily housed within an academic medical center, and as such, this placement facilitates students' learning opportunities within the program's three key areas: 1) health psychology, 2) neuroscience of mental health disorders, 3) intervention development and evaluation.

For Fall 2024 applicants, we are likely to admit students into labs focused on the following research areas:

• Early neurodevelopment, including infant neuroimaging and maternal-child mental health (Alexander Dufford, Ph.D.)
• Veteran suicide prevention (Alan Teo, M.D., M.S.)
• Aging and neurodegeneration (Jacob Raber, Ph.D.)
• The Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center is one of several dozen NIA Alzheimer's Disease Centers in the U.S. and the only one of its kind in Oregon. Our center is recognized as a national leader in dementia care and research. Research studies at the Layton Center include clinical trials, and studies focused on behavioral interventions, caregiving, advanced technology, and healthy aging. (Miranda Lim, M.D., Ph.D.)
• Improving patient-centered outcomes among individuals with cancer (Shannon Nugent, Ph.D. and Donald Sullivan, M.D.)
• Cognitive and biological risk factors for suicide in youth with mood disorders (Rebekah Huber, Ph.D.)

Situated on the western hills of the Willamette River, OHSU offers views of the surrounding area including nearby Mt. Hood, and in the distance, Mt. Rainer and Mt. St. Helens. OHSU is located close to public transport. For more information, please visit here .

Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP) - " Interested in Clinical Psychology Grad School? "

Clinical psychology

What is a clinical psychologist.

Clinical psychologists are trained clinician-scientists who investigate the causes and correlates of mental and behavioral disorders, addiction, and behavioral health using rigorous scientific methodologies. These range from variable and person-centered approaches to the examination of broader levels of care that can impact individual and group mental health. Thus, graduates are trained as skilled scientists/researchers, and as license-eligible clinicians. These scientist-clinicians are thus positioned to conduct translational research, develop new treatments, discover mechanisms, and improve the practice and delivery of mental and behavioral health care in multiple settings including medical and other care settings.

What is the study of clinical psychology?

Psychology is the study of the mind and associated behavior, emotion, and cognition. Our program follows a clinical science model for graduate training, defined as "psychological science directed at the promotion of adaptive functioning".  Clinical Psychology is the study of those systems in dysfunction ("mental and behavioral disorders") and the application of methods to heal them. Clinical Psychology thus entails "clinical science," the experimental, quantitative, and qualitative study of the phenomenon of mental illness and health, as well as the clinical practice skills of assessment and behavioral treatment of mental health disorders. Its purview thus includes human problems from neurodevelopmental conditions (such as intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), behavioral disorders (such as conduct disorders, antisocial behavior/aggression, and addictions), and mental and perceptual disorders (such as schizophrenia, mood disorders), psychological reactions to traumatic events, and behavioral health.

What does licensure entail?

To obtain a license*, trainees must pass a national licensing exam and submit relevant documentation of post-doctoral clinical supervised hours to the licensing authority in the state in which they plan to practice. Because states vary in how many post-doctoral hours they require, with some requiring additional exams beyond the base national licensing exam, licensing is state-administered. Those who obtain a license can practice psychology in the state in which they are licensed, including conducting psychological assessment, testing, and psychotherapy and consultation. Note that prescription privileges for psychologists are restricted to certain states with special provisions for that privilege in those few states (e.g., Oregon is not one of them). Within those states, additional training and licensure are required to obtain prescription privileges for those who want them. The standard clinical psychology license does not include a license to prescribe medications.

*our program is designed to ensure that graduates will be able to pursue licensure in the state of Oregon. 

OHSU's program focus

The Clinical Psychology PhD program provides students with an in-depth focus on the following key areas:

• Health psychology is the study and use of psychological methods to improve physical health and address physical disease in children and adults. This area closely overlaps with what is also referred to as behavioral health.
• The neuroscience of mental health disorders, entails the study of brain structure, function, and connectivity that is associated with mental health conditions.
• Implementation science emphasizes training in the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral and psychological interventions for mental disorders and behavioral health problems.

Thus, our graduates will have a complement of skills that bridge and unite health psychology, neuroscience, and implementation science. Students do not need to apply for a specific focus. All students will obtain training across areas, although graduates will likely specialize in one area, based on their primary mentorship assignment.

Campus facilities

Students in the program will have access to all of the OHSU physical facilities, library, and other resources . A new expansion and renovation of the Psychiatry Department research space in Multnomah Pavilion provides an excellent hub for student learning and research efforts, including a dedicated meeting room for the program's seminars and classes.

Through the OHSU library , students will have access to psychology, psychiatry, developmental, and biomedical journals; to statistical and programming software; and to electronic data base search tools necessary for their studies.

All courses will be taught on campus, face-to-face. However, appropriate technology will be employed, where appropriate. In their research lab, students will use advanced research technology, depending on the lab, including MRI and EEG brain imaging, psychophysiological recording equipment and associated analytics software and pipelines. Instructional courses will require the use of some advanced statistical software (MPLUS, R, SAS, SPSS, FSL, SPM, AFNI) and in some instances, programming languages (in particular, Python, SCIKIT-Learn) for those learning advanced prediction modeling. 

At OHSU, we embrace the full spectrum of diversity, including age, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We respect and support diversity of thought, ideas and more.

To fully leverage the richness of our diversity at OHSU, we strive to create, maintain and promote a community of inclusion. Inclusion means we honor, respect, embrace and value the unique contributions and perspectives of all employees, patients, students, volunteers and our local and global communities. It also includes removing barriers to individual success.

Because the field of Clinical Psychology represents a diverse population, recruitment of a diverse student body is a high priority for our program, and as an institution. The OHSU Clinical Psychology PhD Program will implement long-term and systematic efforts to attract and retain diverse faculty and students by partnering with the OHSU Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Our faculty members have successful track records of obtaining Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research grants from the NIH, to facilitate training and retention of under-represented minorities in graduate training. For more information about OHSU's commitment to diversity and inclusion and resources available to students from under-represented groups, see the Center for Diversity and Inclusion . 

• Employee Resources
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• Undergraduate Resources for Applying to Grad School
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• Adjustment, Identity, and Racism (AIR) Lab
• Attention and Performance Lab
• BEAVERS Lab
• Perception, Cognition and Performance Lab
• Substance Use & Neurocognition Lab
• Youth Adjustment Lab
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Graduate psychology.

• About our Program
• PhD Faculty Mentors

We are a research-intensive PhD program located on the Corvallis campus, offering full-time students a variety of hands-on opportunities and close working relationships with faculty.  

Graduate students form an integral part of the School’s research and teaching activities and they represent the future of psychology research and discovery.

Our graduate students conduct research in the following areas:

• Psychological Science of Teaching and Learning
• Engineering Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Psychological Clinical Science (clinical psychology)

Contact Info

Email: [email protected]

College of Liberal Arts Student Services 214 Bexell Hall 541-737-0561

Deans Office 200 Bexell Hall 541-737-4582

Corvallis, OR 97331-8600

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School of Psychological Science

Reed Lodge 2950 SW Jefferson Way Corvallis, OR 97331 Phone:  541-737-2311

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

At a glance.

Students matched for quality internship placement

Average number of mentors reported by our PsyD students - more

Accredited program - more

Program Length

5 years of in-person education to earn both a non-terminal masters degree and a doctorate

Newberg, Oregon

Semester Credit Hours

Cost Per Semester Credit Hour

Average Tuition Cost Per Year

$28,000* - total program costs

Graduate Assistantships

85% of students receive compensation in positions related to their training -  more

* All stated financial information is subject to change. Financial aid available.

Ever Hopeful . Ever Forward .

Every person deserves a chance to experience the fullness of life. To laugh, to cry, to hurt, to heal. To push through challenges and emerge with clarity, confidence and self-understanding.

At George Fox, we’ll prepare you to meet people in their time of need. You’ll learn to care for every aspect of their humanity, including their spiritual side, so they can find the strength – and the hope – that lies within themselves.

You’ll also contribute to research that enhances our understanding of the human condition. This isn’t just an education. It’s a calling of the heart and a way forward for us all.

Create Clarity and Drive Discovery

Transform lives and advance the field of psychology by integrating spiritual care and research-based strategies into your life’s work. It all starts here.

Culturally & Spiritually Informed

Explore different belief systems, examine your own spiritual journey and gain the perspective you need to provide complete care to diverse individuals and communities.

Powered by Mentorship

Walk alongside mentors and practitioners whose expertise is matched by a commitment to your personal and professional growth.

Comprehensive & Customized

Generate knowledge as part of a research team and focus on your interests in a variety of clinical settings and three specialized tracks.

Elevate Your Spiritual Awareness

Don’t dance around the subject of spirituality – embrace it as an essential dimension of the human condition and the clients you serve. Understanding spiritual belief systems and diverse worldviews is a vital aspect of multicultural competency, and your experience at George Fox will equip you to treat people from all walks of life with understanding, compassion and sensitivity.

“The spiritual training I obtained in this PsyD program at George Fox set me up to do amazing work with my clients,” says Kameron Dill, director of pediatrics at Sundstrom Clinical Services. “I am so grateful that I chose a program that has the integration component to help me treat my clients from a broader worldview lens.”

How We Approach Spirituality

Learn from Caring Mentors

Be inspired by professors and practitioners who invest in your development as a psychologist. They’ll share what they’ve learned as practitioners, help you cultivate your interests and encourage you to explore new horizons. You’ll also be paired with a peer mentor, opening the door to thoughtful conversations and timely advice.

“I've received mentorship not only from my professors and the people in my classrooms, but also from my supervisors,” says Manesha Ram, a third-year student in the program. “I get academic and clinical mentorship, so I learn about theory on one hand and practice on the other. I have people supporting me in all of those things.”

Our Commitment to Mentorship

Find Strength in Community

Earn your PsyD in a diverse learning community that’s grounded in trust, mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose. You’ll build lasting relationships that energize your personal and professional life. Be accepted. Be nurtured. Lean on each other when the going gets tough. And celebrate accomplishments – together.

“The cohort model fosters stepping into a group of people and becoming family,” says Shaun Davis, who runs a private practice and serves as a mentor for our students. “My classmates became the support system. We encouraged each other. We helped de-stress each other. It was something so surprising to me, and I don't know that I could have done the program without it.”

Learn on the Leading Edge

Conduct groundbreaking studies and discover new ways to help patients lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Collaborate with your professors and peers as part of a research team and gain specialized knowledge in primary care, child and adolescent psychology, or assessment.

“At George Fox, I’ve had the chance to work with peers and faculty on research projects,” says Melissa Flores, who elevated her understanding of holistic care by taking the primary care track. “It’s been a life-changing experience to pursue research topics I’m passionate about and have the opportunity to contribute to the field of psychology.”

Research Opportunities

Specializations

100% Internship Placement. Immediate Impact.

All of our students secure national internships. Put your knowledge to work in multiple settings, including college counseling centers, medical clinics, mental health centers, forensic placements and an integrated care internship.

“One of the things that was important to me when I started at Fox was that I wanted a new and different experience,” says Joanna Harbarts, a psychologist resident with Cornerstone Clinical Services. “I’ve found that my training has prepared me to handle anything that comes into my office.”

Practicums & Internships

Be Close to Everything

Live and learn in the heart of Oregon. You’ll attend classes at our 108-acre campus in Newberg, home to cozy coffeehouses, quaint shops and restaurants that cater to every taste. When it’s time to refresh your mind and spirit, go for a stroll along our campus creek, explore the picturesque Willamette Valley, take a short drive to Portland or head to the beach, just 63 miles away. George Fox University is close to everything.

Gain the breadth and depth of knowledge you need to excel as a psychologist. Immerse yourself in theory and delve into classes that cover a variety of crucial areas, including diversity, spiritual integration and psychotherapy.

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD Degree) Requirements

Completed by all students, complete the following:.

Required for Master's Degree:  PSYD 501, 502, 503, 504, 505

Required for Master's Degree: PSYD 507, 708

Required for Master's Degree: PSYD 511, 513

Choose one of the following:

Required for Master's Degree: PSYD 521, 557, 558

Required for Master's Degree: PSYD 530, 531, 551, 552

Required for Master's Degree: PSYD 571, 616, 630

Required for Master's Degree: PSYD 517

Required for Master's Degree: PSYD 532, PSYD 533

Complete 10 hours of the following:

Students must complete a total of 10 dissertation credits. Course is repeatable. A minimum of one credit of dissertation enrollment is required each fall and spring of the second through fourth years of the program.

Required for Master's Degree: two credits of PsyD 805

Continuing Dissertation

Complete 15 hours from any elective offering in the curriculum..

Provides an overview of physiological, sociological, and psychological aspects of sexuality and sexual dysfunctions. Approaches to evaluation and treatment of dysfunctions and consideration of the influences of beliefs upon the causes and remediations of problems are included. Prerequisite: PSYD 532-533 Practicum I.

Effective Summer 2024.

Resources & Disclosures

• Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data
• GSCP Curriculum and Licensure Requirements Across States and Territories

Program-Specific Disclosures: George Fox does not require students or trainees to comply with specific policies or practices related to the institution's affiliation or purpose. It does require staff and faculty to adhere to a statement of faith and the mission, vision and values of the university.

Dalton Young

The faculty at George Fox have come alongside me to nurture and grow my skills in therapy and assessment across the lifespan with an emphasis on rural, underserved populations, which I desire to serve throughout my career. During my experience within the PsyD program, faculty have encouraged me to lean into my strength of assessment and have challenged me to expand my skill set within therapy and working with children and adolescents.

Admissions Counselor

Admissions Counselor, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Inquire about the PsyD Program

George Fox University is required to make cost of attendance (COA) information publicly available on this website.

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College of education menu, college of education, phd in counseling psychology.

Our program is designed for students to complete requirements within 5–6 years. This includes a 1-year internship experience following completion of course requirements.

If you enter the program with a master’s degree in counseling psychology or an allied mental health field, you can complete the program within 4–6 years.

If you do not enter with a master’s degree, you can obtain a master of science (MS) degree in route to the PhD.

All students are required to complete two independent research projects (e.g., the specialty area paper and the dissertation) as well as pass written comprehensive exams.

PhD Requirements — Total Credits: 165

Curriculum progression plan, course work.

• CPSY 613 Introduction to Counseling Psychology
• CPSY 621 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
• EDUC 612 Social Science Research Design
• EDUC 614 Educational Statistics
• EDUC 640 Applied Statistical Design and Analysis
• CPSY 614 Theories of Counseling
• CPSY 615 Counseling Diverse Populations
• CFT 620 Mental Health and Diagnosis
• CFT 624 Group Psychotherapy
• CPSY 617 Theories of Career Development
• CPSY 609 Micro Counseling Skills
• CPSY 609 Beginning Practicum
• CPSY 612 Professional Ethics

Learning Activities

• CITI Certification obtained
• Ethics Oral Exam passed
• CPSY 609 Adult Practicum
• CPSY 651 Advanced Individual Counseling Interventions
• EDUC 642 Multiple Regression in Educational Research
• SPSY 672 Intellectual Assessment
• CPSY 642 Child-Family Interventions
• CPSY 605 History and Systems of Psychology
• SPSY 651 Cognitive-Affective Aspects of Behavior O or SPSY 652 Biological Aspects of Behavior E
• SAP Research Paper completed/passed
• Theoretical Orientation I essay passed
• Adult Interventions Clinical Competency I – oral and written passed
• CPSY 609 Child and Family Practicum
• EDUC 644 Applied Multivariate Statistics
• CPSY 622 Psychological Assessment II
• CPSY 610 Experimental Course E
• Elective Credits TBA
• Scientific Aspects of Behavior Comprehensive Exam question passed
• Research Comprehensive Exam question passed
• Diversity/Multicultural I Comprehensive Exam passed
• Child/Family Interventions Clinical Competency II – oral and written passed
• Assessment Clinical Competency III passed
• CPSY 654 Supervision and Consultation
• Advanced Statistics (e.g., EDLD 633 Structural Equation Modeling I or EDLD 628 Hierarchical Linear Models I )
• CPSY 609 Externship
• CPSY 602 Supervised College Teaching
• Elective credits TBA
• Experiential supervision training completed
• CPSY 603 Dissertation
• Conference presentation completed
• Diversity/Multicultural II essay completed
• Theoretical Orientation II essay completed

O – Odd years E – Even years

Oregon State University

Academic Catalog

Clinical science graduate option.

This option is available within the Psychology major at the following location:

The Clinical Science graduate option within the Psychology PhD program provides training in both research and service delivery using a clinical science training model that integrates the theoretical and empirical basis of human behavior, affect, behavior, and health with effective assessment, prevention and intervention. This entails an emphasis on empirical approaches to advancing knowledge through coursework in core psychological content areas; scientifically-grounded clinical courses; research methods and statistics; and practica placements providing in vivo experiences preparing students to provide high quality clinical services. Consistent with a university commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the program provides opportunities to deepen the knowledge and skills that strengthen psychological science and service delivery by interrupting intersectional forms of oppression. Graduates are skilled in using scientific methods and evidence to design, develop, select, evaluate, implement, deliver, supervise, and/or disseminate empirically-based clinical assessments, interventions, and prevention strategies, giving them the tools to thrive in positions that are heavily focused on research, teaching and supervision, practice, or a balance of these areas.

Option Code: 9701

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate the standing, practice, and methods of an emerging clinical psychologist.
• Demonstrate the ability to appropriately adopt, adapt, and abandon clinical assessments, prevention strategies, and interventions with diverse clients.
• Apply knowledge and expertise to supervision of clinical work and experiences of trainees in clinical psychology.

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Counseling (ph.d., mcoun).

The mission of the Oregon State University graduate program in counseling is to prepare professional leaders who promote the social, psychological and physical well-being of individuals, families, communities and organizations. We believe that such professional leaders stand for social, economic and political justice and therefore must be prepared to be proactive educators, change agents and advocates in the face of injustice. Professional leaders are sensitive to life span developmental issues, demonstrate multicultural awareness, and recognize a global perspective as integral to the preparation of professional leaders.

There are multiple options for the College of Education Counseling program:

Ecampus (hybrid-online)

• Master of Counseling (MCoun) in School Counseling
• Master of Counseling (MCoun) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling

OSU-Cascades

The Counseling major is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

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• Summer Term

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English language requirements .

English language requirements for international applicants to this program are the same as the standard Graduate School requirements .

Additional Requirements

Additional supplemental information is requested.

Application requirements, including required documents, letters, and forms, vary by program and may not be completely represented here. The processing of your application will not be completed until these requirements have been met. Please, before applying to this program, always contact the program office to confirm application requirements.

Application Process

Please review the graduate school application process and Apply Online .

Dates & Deadlines ?

Admissions deadline for doctoral applicants, admissions deadline ecampus masters: school counseling.

priority deadline

final deadline

Admissions Deadline Ecampus Masters: Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Admissions deadline osu-cascade master of counseling: clinical mental health counseling, admissions deadline osu-cascade master of counseling: school counseling track.

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MCoun)
• School counseling (MCoun)

MAIS Participation

This program is not offered as a MAIS field of study.

AMP Participation ?

This program does not participate in the Accelerated Master's Platform (AMP)

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Faculty Position: Director of Clinical Training for Pacific University’s PsyD Program

The School of Graduate Psychology (SGP) in the College of Health Professions at Pacific University Oregon is seeking applicants for a Director of Clinical Training in SGP’s PsyD program (Tenure-track or Extended-Term). This is an 11-month position. We seek applicants with a PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology with experience in doctoral clinical training. Come join our committed PsyD program faculty dedicated to the education and training of a vibrant, active, and diverse student body.

The APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PsyD program aims to prepare competent, ethical, and socially responsive practitioner-scholars who are committed to the lifelong learning and collaborative practice of psychology. In addition to the generalist training, the PsyD Program creates opportunities for students to focus training in health psychology, clinical child, and neuropsychology. Areas of expertise are open, and we welcome applications from psychologists with interest engaging with the local Latin community.

Consistent with APA’s EDI Framework (2021), we are dedicated to creating a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive community that prepares future health service psychologists to work in a range of settings and roles. The successful candidate will work with the PsyD Program Director and other PsyD faculty to oversee practicum experiences and prepare students applying to Pre-doctoral Internships. Candidates must be licensed or license- eligible as a psychologist in Oregon.

Interested applicants should submit the following: 1. Curriculum Vitae 2. Detailed letter of interest and competencies, including your philosophy of teaching/mentoring and how you use a biopsychosociocultural lens in your work 3. Example syllabi and teaching evaluations

Applicants who progress to the interview stage will be asked to supply names and contact information of three potential references.

Applicants may submit their application materials by visiting the following website:

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=75260&clientkey=ABFDAFED645B6920 CFDB8559C078F8A5 

The search begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the position should be directed to the PsyD Program Director, Dr. Robert Harris, [email protected].

In addition to the PsyD program, SGP is also home to an MA Program in Applied Clinical Psychology (MPCAC accredited), a Clinical Psychology PhD program (APA accredited), and a doctoral Internship (APA accredited). SGP also has an in-house training clinic, with locations in downtown Portland and Hillsboro. SGP is housed within the College of Health Professions of Pacific University, also home to schools of physical therapy, audiology, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, dental health science, pharmacy, and health care administration. Opportunities for interprofessional collaboration are plentiful. 

We are located in Hillsboro, OR, 15 miles west of Downtown Portland and easily accessible by public transit. The Portland-metro area consistently ranks among the most livable regions in the U.S., and the surrounding area (e.g., Mt. Hood National Forest, Pacific Ocean, Willamette Valley) provides a wide range of recreational activities. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, Pacific University strongly encourages BIPOC, persons with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. For more information and to review detailed hiring policies and procedures, go to www.pacificu.edu. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

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What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree?

Author: University of North Dakota May 22, 2024

Psychology has taken center stage.

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With anxiety and depression on the rise —alongside the diagnosis of various mental health disorders such as ADHD, bipolar, and autism—psychology has taken a front-row seat. There are people discussing mental health in all spaces of life, be it mainstream media, movies, books, social media, and conversations between friends and family. 

This exposure, while enlightening, only scratches the surface of the diverse field of psychology, the scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychologists work across various environments and employ a multitude of methods to understand complex mental processes and behaviors. 

So, what can you do with a psychology degree? Well, given the vastness of the field, a degree in psychology opens up numerous pathways and roles, each offering unique contributions to society. Keep reading as we explore the numerous opportunities such a degree unlocks.

What is a Psychology Degree?

A psychology degree is centered on the intricate workings of the human mind and behavior. It aims to understand how and why we think and act the way we do. Common topics covered include cognitive processes, emotional and social dynamics, brain functions, and psychological disorders. 

Psychology career paths begin with a bachelor's degree as students are introduced to fundamental psychological theories and findings. Then, as students advance, they have the opportunity to specialize in more focused areas through graduate degrees or certifications, choosing paths like clinical psychology, forensic psychology, neuropsychology, or organizational psychology. 

Such advanced specializations enable graduates to apply their skills in various professional settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, schools, corporate environments, and research institutions. Thus, a psychology degree provides a strong foundation for understanding human behavior as well as equips students with the versatility to pursue a wide range of impactful careers in both scientific and practical domains.

What Can You Do with a Psychology Degree?

To demonstrate the broad applicability of psychological principles across various domains and highlight the field's capacity to address diverse human needs through specialized knowledge and skills, let's examine some roles you can pursue with a degree in psychology. Each contributes uniquely to understanding human behavior and mental processes and directly impacts individual and community well-being.

1. Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists are integral in mental health services, offering psychotherapy and behavioral interventions for mental illnesses ranging from depression to schizophrenia. As part of their work, they try to understand a patient's condition through psychological testing and crafting personalized treatment plans based on the results. 

Becoming a clinical psychologist requires a Psy.D. or Ph.D., followed by a supervised clinical internship of 1-2 years and successful completion of licensing exams. This extensive training prepares them to handle complex psychological issues in various settings such as clinics, hospitals, or private practice.

2. Counseling Psychologist

These psychologists perform many of the same functions as clinical psychologists but often deal with less severe psychological conditions. They focus on helping clients adjust to life transitions or cope with stress and anxiety, providing tools for personal development and better mental health management. 

Counseling psychologists work in diverse environments, including academic, health, corporate, and community sectors. To reach these professional environments, they need to have a license to practice, which typically involves obtaining a diploma from an accredited master’s or doctoral program in psychology, completing an internship, and passing state-regulated exams.

3. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological theories to organizations and the workplace to boost morale, increase productivity, and optimize organizational structure. They also engage in leadership development, training, policy planning, and recruitment strategies. Thus, these psychologists have an important role in society as they have the capacity to shape the way we work and interact during working hours. 

To take a role as an organizational psychologist, a master’s degree can be suffiecient. However, for higher-level positions a Ph.D. may be necessary.

4. School Psychologist

School psychologists are crucial in educational settings. They help students succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. Moreover, they collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments. 

Typical tasks may include conducting psychological assessments, counseling, and designing educational and behavior management programs. School psychologists typically require an Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.), which consists of three years of graduate study and a one-year internship.

5. Forensic Psychologist

The work of such psychologists blends psychological practices with the legal and criminal justice systems. They assess the psychological state of individuals involved in legal proceedings, prepare psychological evaluations for court cases, and provide expert witness testimony. They may also work with offenders, providing rehabilitation programs or risk assessment. 

Forensic psychologists need a doctoral degree, specialized training in forensic psychology, and a state license to practice. In addition to psychological knowledge, their work often requires them to understand legal standards, making their role particularly complex. 

6. Health Psychologist

Health psychologists focus on how behavior and social context influence health and wellness. They work to improve patient outcomes through behavioral change programs, stress management techniques, and by addressing psychosocial factors that affect health. 

This role is key in chronic disease management, preventative healthcare, and system-level intervention to promote health at a community or population level. Practitioners usually need a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in health psychology, and many also pursue postdoctoral work to specialize further, mainly if they aim to provide clinical services where licensure is required.

7. Research Psychologist

Research psychologists play a significant role in advancing the understanding of human behavior and mental processes through empirical research. These professionals design and implement studies, analyze data, and publish results that contribute to the scientific foundation of psychology. 

They often specialize in areas like cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, or social psychology and find careers in academic settings, government research institutions, and the private sector. A Ph.D. in psychology is typically necessary to lead research projects and teach at the collegiate level.

8. Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists focus on understanding the relationship between the physical brain and behavior. They assess cognitive function, diagnose conditions, and treat patients suffering from brain injuries or neurological disorders. 

These professionals work in hospitals, clinical settings, and research facilities. To enter the field and achieve board certification, they must undergo extensive training, including a doctoral degree in neuropsychology or clinical neuropsychology, followed by a postdoctoral residency in neuropsychology.

9. Rehabilitation Psychologist

These psychologists focus on helping individuals cope with disabilities and chronic health conditions, aiming to enhance their functional abilities and quality of life. They assess psychological needs, provide counseling, and develop treatment strategies that promote personal and social adjustment. 

A doctoral degree in psychology, typically specializing in rehabilitation, is necessary, along with a clinical internship and licensure to practice independently.

10. Social Worker

Lastly, social workers support individuals, families, and communities to overcome life's challenges, such as poverty, abuse, addiction, and mental illness. They provide therapy and crisis intervention as well as connect clients with other resources to improve their circumstances. 

While closely related to psychology, social work emphasizes social systems and social change, focusing on direct community involvement. A degree in social work (BSW for entry-level positions and MSW for clinical roles) is required, along with state licensure to practice clinically.

Benefits of a Psychology Degree

One of the primary benefits of a psychology degree is the vast career opportunities discussed so far. However, a psychology degree also equips individuals with a skill set that encompasses skills highly valued in any profession, making psychology graduates well-prepared for challenges and leadership roles in their chosen fields. 

Additionally, careers in psychology can be incredibly lucrative and personally satisfying. Psychologists often work directly with individuals or communities to improve their mental well-being, providing a unique opportunity to make a tangible, positive impact on others' lives. This rewarding aspect attracts many to the field.

Is a Psychology Degree Worth It?

Absolutely, a psychology degree is worth it. In addition to the rewarding career paths it encompasses, which can profoundly impact people's lives, the degrees also provide a strong foundational skill set applicable in virtually every industry today.

With the growing recognition of mental health's critical role in overall health, the demand for trained professionals in psychology is high, ensuring that graduates find meaningful and stable careers.

The Bottom Line

So, a psychology degree opens a world of possibilities, catering to a wide range of interests and career aspirations. Whether your passion lies in understanding the criminal mind, assisting those in need of mental health support, or exploring the depths of human cognition, UND provides the perfect starting point with its Bachelor in Psychology . 

For those aiming to specialize further, UND offers advanced opportunities, including a master's in Forensic Psychology , Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology , Counseling Psychology , and General Experimental Psychology , as well as an undergraduate certificate in Forensic Psychology . Each program is designed to deepen your expertise and enhance your professional impact. At UND, you won't just be studying psychology; you'll be preparing to help others.

What pays the most with a psychology degree? ( Open this section)

While salaries can vary widely in psychology, the highest earners typically are found in specialized areas such as clinical neuropsychology or industrial-organizational psychology, where professionals can earn six-figure salaries. These high earnings often depend on factors such as the specific role, industry, and geographic location.

Does psychology require math? ( Open this section)

Yes, psychology degrees generally require some math, particularly statistics, to support psychological research and data analysis.

What is the hardest field in psychology? ( Open this section)

Clinical psychology is often considered one of the hardest fields due to its demanding nature, intense emotional engagement, and the extensive education required to practice.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? ( Open this section)

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and tend to focus on biological factors of mental health conditions, while psychologists primarily provide psychotherapy and treatment based on behavioral interventions.

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