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Fast Facts
TopDegrees
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
General Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00
- 18 semester hours of prerequisite psychology coursework
- GRE general test scores
Length of Program
4 to 5 years, full-time
Class Size
16
2008 Class Profiles
- Female: 81%
- Male: 19%
- Average Age: 25
- Average Overall GPA: 3.22
- Class Size: 26
- Top Home States: Illinois (65%)
Practicum Placements
- Hospitals
- Mental health facilities
- Social service agencies
- Diagnostic centers
- Clinics
Internship Placement/Match Rate (2008 and 2009)
- MWU: 100%
- National rate: 83%
Since program inception in 2003, four classes have applied for internships.
Paid Internships
- 2008: 88%
- 2009: 100%
APPIC Internships
- 2008: 88%
- 2009: 82%
APA Internships
- 2008: 6%
- 2009: 18%
2-Year Internships
- 2008: 1 student
Time to Completion
Mean: 4.2 years; median: 4 years
The program's first graduating class of Psy.D. students was in 2007.
| Year of Matriculation | # Enrolled | # Graduated w/ Doctorate | # Still Currently Enrolled | # No Longer Enrolled |
| 2003 | 8 | 8 (100%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2004 | 16 | 11 (69%) | 4 (25%) | 1 (6%) |
| 2005 | 21 | 1 (5%) | 17 (81%) | 3 (14%) |
| 2006 | 22 | 21 (95%) | 1 (5%) | |
| 2007 | 24 | 24 (100%) | 0 | |
| 2008 | 26 | 23 (88%) | 3 (12%) |
Graduation Rate
2007 was the first graduating class. All students who matriculated into the program in 2003 graduated with the doctoral degree. 2008 was the second graduating class. A majority (69%) of students who matriculated into the program in 2004 graduated with the doctoral degree.
Licensure
Varies by U.S. state where the practice is located
Career Opportunities
- Outpatient mental health clinics
- Outpatient substance abuse clinics
- Schools and school systems
- Social service agencies
- Research and testing services
- Management consulting firms
US Employment Projections through 2012
Above average growth (25 percent) for clinical and counseling specialists, especially for those holding doctorates and those working in school settings
Median Salary (2007)
- Overall: $84,413
- Hospital: $76,000
- Private Practice: $87,000
Admission Requirements
TopTo be considered for admission within our competitive selection process, applicants must submit the following documented evidence:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
- Completion of 18 semester hours of prerequisite coursework in psychology including: Introduction to General Psychology, Human Growth & Development or Personality Theory, Abnormal Psychology, Statistics or Tests and Measurements
- Graduate Records Examination (GRE) general test scores using the Midwestern University institution code of 1769
- Scores will be accepted from tests taken no earlier than January 1, 2005
- For more information about the GRE, contact Educational Testing Services (ETS) at 866/473-4373 or visit www.gre.org
- Substitution of Miller Analogies Test or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores instead of the GRE. Scores will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Demonstration of a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities
- Motivation for and commitment to health care as demonstrated by previous work, volunteer work, or other life experiences
- Oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues
- Commitment to abide by Midwestern University's Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy
- Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check
Program Description
TopProgram Philosophy
The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology Program follows the practitioner scholar model of preparation that was accepted by the American Psychological Association at the Vail Conference. This model recognizes the ongoing need in society for expertly trained practitioners in the field of clinical psychology. The practitioner scholar philosophy dictates that competent practitioners are required to have an extensive understanding of the theoretical principles in the clinical practice of psychology and the ability to utilize the knowledge in specific clinical situations. This program philosophy is to educate and train individuals to enter careers emphasizing the delivery of direct psychological services and consultation. Relevant theory, research, and field experiences are integrated toward the development of competent and ethical practitioners who are respectful of individual and cultural differences in the provision of psychological services.
Program Objectives
The Doctor of Psychology degree is designed to be a professional degree similar to the doctoral degrees provided in medicine, law, pharmacy, physical therapy, and dentistry. The Psy.D. has become the degree of choice for persons interested in becoming a high-level practitioner when pursuing a career in clinical psychology. The curriculum for the program does not follow any one theoretical perspective; rather the emphasis is upon the development of the essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills for the practice of clinical psychology.
The program of study follows the objectives of the training models endorsed by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP). Students are educated and trained in the core competency areas related to the current body of knowledge on: biological aspects of behavior, cognitive and affective aspects of behavior, social aspects of behavior, history and systems of psychology, psychological measurement, research methodology, techniques of data analysis, individual differences, human development, dysfunctional behavior and psychopathology, professional standards and ethics, theories and methods of assessment and diagnosis, effective interventions, consultation, supervision, efficacy of interventions, and issues of cultural and individual diversity. The curriculum also has a strong emphasis on the uses of pharmacotherapies for mental disorders. The program centers on the development of appropriate attitudes, knowledge, and skills reflected in the training competencies of relationship, assessment, intervention, research/evaluation, consultation/education, management/supervision, diversity, and professionalism. The overall goal is to prepare students for careers in the practice of professional psychology.
Mission
The Midwestern University Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology Program is designed to educate and train students in the general practice of clinical psychology. The program of study integrates theory, research, professional practice, and training to provide an excellent education for a variety of careers in psychology and related behavioral sciences. The program prepares clinicians who can work with a diverse population of persons who are in need of psychological services.
Estimated Cost of Attendance
Top- Annual: $440 per credit hour
- Projected program total: $101,000
Accreditation
TopMidwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 30 North LaSalle St., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602; 800/621-7440. The Psy.D. degree program is not currently accredited by the American Psychological Association. Accreditation information can be obtained from the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE; Washington, DC 20002-4242. Phone: 202/336-5979; TDD/TTY: 202/336-6123. Web Site: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/status.html
National Register Status
This program meets the Association of State & Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology "Guidelines for Defining 'Doctoral Degree in Psychology.' " Therefore, graduates of this designated program who decide to apply for licensing as a psychologist typically will meet the educational requirements for licensing. However, in each jurisdiction, there are additional requirements that must be satisfied. For exact information please contact the state or provincial licensing board in the jurisdiction in which you plan to apply.
Once licensed, graduates are eligible to apply for credentialing as a Health Service Provider in Psychology. Graduation from a designated program means that the program you completed typically meets the educational requirements for credentialing by the National Register. However, there are additional requirements that must be satisfied prior to being credentialed by the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. For further information, consult the National Register's web site: www.nationalregister.org
Related Links
TopMWU Clinical Psychology Program in Glendale
Clinical Psychology as a Career
American Academy of Clinical Psychology
American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)
American Psychological Association (APA)
American Psychological Society (APS)
Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC)
National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
