The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology degree program has been designed to prepare prospective psychologists in the delivery of ethical, culturally-competent and evidence-based diagnostic, intervention and assessment services that effectively meet the needs of diverse populations in diverse settings. To help to ensure that students are adequately prepared, the curriculum is designed to provide for the meaningful integration of theory, training, and practice and emphasize the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential to the training of clinical psychologists who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services.
Graduates are trained in the clinical practice of psychology, and are able to apply the research knowledge, clinical skills of observation, assessment, intervention, and evaluation to help different segments of our ever-changing society. The areas of competency are modeled, in part, after those specified by the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology and the standards of the American Psychological Association.
To receive a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses, consisting of 101 units of graduate-level courses and two thousand (2000) hours of clinical practice. In addition to coursework, the PsyD doctoral degree requires graduate students to engage in practicum and/or clinical experiences, to demonstrate a high level of competency in their field, and to engage in research and scholarship.
In addition to University Requirements:
Minimum Units for Completion | 101 |
Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
Research | Individualized research is required. |
Licensure | This program may lead to licensure. |
Clinical Competency Exam | Required |
Purpose Statement
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology degree program has been designed to prepare future psychologists in the delivery of ethical, culturally-competent and evidence-based diagnostic, intervention and assessment services that effectively meet the needs of diverse populations in diverse settings. Students learn to provide continuing and comprehensive mental and behavioral health care to address issues that occur across the lifespan for individuals and families. To help to ensure that students are adequately prepared, the curriculum is designed to provide for the meaningful integration of theory, training, and practice. The PsyD in Clinical Psychology degree program is designed to emphasize the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills essential to the training of clinical psychologists who are committed to the ethical provision of quality services. Specific goals of the program include the following:
Student Learning Outcomes
The program aim is to prepare prospective psychologists in the delivery of ethical, culturally-competent and evidence-based diagnostic, intervention and assessment services that effectively meet the needs of diverse populations in diverse settings.
Profession-wide Competencies:
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
If your undergraduate GPA is less than 3.00, a graduate GPA of a 3.25 is acceptable (minimum 18 units competed as part of a master's degree).
Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in psychology will need to complete at least five undergraduate or introductory graduate courses that are primarily psychological in content and must address these three required areas*:
*Two additional courses in field of psychology must also be completed. In addition, students who have not taken courses in the required areas must complete these courses early in their program as these courses serve as prerequisites.
Clinical Electives (9 units)
Clinical Intervention and Psychotherapy Requirements (24 units)
Clinical Research Project Requirements (3 units)
Consultation and Supervision Requirements (3 units)
Human Development Requirements (3 units)
Internship (2 units)
Psychology Foundations: Basic Science/Psychology Requirements (12 units)
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.