Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
Program Details
Why Earn Your Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Xavier University?
Xavier’s APA-accredited Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program provides students with the knowledge and range of skills necessary to provide psychological services in today's changing professional climate and emphasizes the importance of a scientific foundation in psychology.
The philosophy of the Psy.D. program is to educate skilled practitioners who have a solid appreciation of the role of science in all aspects of professional activity. The program recognizes a need for the student to achieve a balance between a knowledge of the basic science of psychology and proficiencies in practice. The practitioner-scientist model recognizes the continued dependence of the profession of a scientific foundation, the importance of practitioners being skilled consumers of research, and the development of applied skills that will allow the graduate to contribute to the field of clinical psychology.
Trustworthy APA Accreditation
In 2022, Xavier's Clinical Psychology Doctoral program received a 10-year reaccreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA), the maximum length given by the association. The program has been continuously accredited by the APA since 2001, engaging in ongoing review and quality improvement.
Our dedication to continually refining our doctoral program ensures that students receive the most comprehensive and up-to-date training to serve as future mental health care professionals.
Read more about the reaccreditation of Xavier University's Doctor of Clinical Psychology program.
Acquire Professional Experience
While traditional coursework and classroom learning build the foundation of expertise, participating in hands-on learning experiences vastly accelerates professional development. Working in real-world settings translates theory into practice, allowing students to strengthen clinical skills, connect with veteran practitioners, and develop individual approaches to providing quality care.
Psy.D. students have practicum field placements during the second, third, and fourth years of the program. In the fifth year of the program, students embark on a yearlong internship to gain invaluable professional experience and jump-start their career trajectory.
Access statistics on the program’s admissions, outcomes, and other data.
Admission
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Resume or CV
- Personal Statement reflecting a commitment to clinical psychology and detailing applicant's specific interests
- Diversity Statement reflecting commitment to diversity and inclusion
- $35 Application Fee
To learn more about international student admission requirements and the process, please visit International Admissions.
Learn more about the PsyD admissions process
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Curriculum
The primary goal of Xavier’s Psy.D. program and our holistic curriculum is to educate new generations of trained clinical psychologists who practice with an ethical and culturally competent approach. We designed our program to utilize a practitioner-scientist model, which achieves a balance between developing your knowledge of the basic science of psychology and elevating your practical proficiencies.
You enroll in a variety of courses to build a scientific foundation and explore topics like how biology impacts behavior, lifespan psychology, clinical psychopathology and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Additionally, you receive comprehensive training in performing assessments for children and adolescents, those who have experienced trauma, those who face alcohol and substance abuse, and in forensic psychology settings.
To refine your practical skills, you take part in clinical practicums, learn about intervention techniques to implement in your practice and undergo interprofessional education. All of these learning experiences aid in the development of your applied skills and make meaningful contributions to the field of clinical psychology and to the lives of the individuals and communities you serve.
Review Xavier’s Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology curriculum outline to learn more..
Interests
During your time in the Psy.D. program, you specialize part of your coursework by selecting one of the three following Areas of Interest (AOI):- Child and adolescent psychology
- Health care psychology across the lifespan (HCPALS)
- Individuals with severe and chronic psychopathology problems (ISCPP)
Program Outcomes
Tuition and Fees
The School of Psychology (SoP) strives to fund ALL first-year PsyD students with assistantships providing partial tuition credit and an hourly position. For continued funding throughout the program, SoP offers a number of assistantships in research, lab/teaching, and clinical positions that are application-based and competitive year-to-year.
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Request InformationTrain With Our Expert Faculty
At Xavier, you learn from the best. Our faculty members are leaders in the mental health field and equipped with years of expertise and broad-ranging academic and research interests. During your time in the program, you foster collaborative relationships with your professors and receive person
Professional Development Opportunities
During your second, third and fourth years in the doctoral program, you participate in transformative clinical practicums. These immersive experiences give you the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to clients while also partnering with a licensed clinical psychologist in numerous community settings.
Learn About Our Practicum, Clinical Competency Exam, and Internship
Committed to Diversity
At Xavier, we believe clinical psychologists should be as diverse as the populations they serve. That’s why we seek students of varying backgrounds for our Psy.D. program and cultivate an appreciation of differences among people. Our doctoral program highlights cultural competency and how to work with a broad array of individuals and communities with differing needs.
Explore Our Diversity Mission and Inclusive Approach in the Psy.D. Program
Career Outlook for Psychologists
With the destigmatization and a growing awareness of mental health, the career outlook for psychologists shows great promise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the employment of psychologists to grow by 6% annually in the next decade, translating to almost 13,000 job openings.
Additionally, psychologists earn a steady median salary of $85,330, which is nearly double the national median wage of all occupations. However, psychologists’ earning potential varies depending on numerous factors, including level of education, years of experience, industry and state of employment. Some psychologists can earn more than $139,280 annually if they serve as industrial-organizational psychologists.
With the intensive training and clinical experience acquired in our Psy.D. program, you can pursue rewarding careers in mental health centers, forensic or correctional agencies, medical centers, college counseling centers and private practices.
Discover the career paths of Xavier's Clinical Psy.D. alumni.
Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) Program at Xavier University
Launch Your Career in Clinical Psychology — Earn Your Psy.D. at Xavier. Xavier University’s Doctor of Clinical Psychology program enriches your graduate education and supports you along the path to success. With specialized areas of interest tracks, hands-on training opportunities and mentorship from dedicated faculty, you receive the instruction and training necessary to excel in the health care field. Develop your practical skills and scientific expertise in Xavier’s Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program and establish yourself as a mental health professional. Begin the application process today!
Xavier University's College of Professional Sciences prepares undergraduate and graduate students intellectually, morally and spiritually for careers and professions of service. CPS challenges students to strive for academic excellence and life-long learning through promoting collaboration and community partnerships, and incorporating research, scholarship and innovation.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."