If you are seeking licensure to evaluate, diagnosis, and treat mental health disorders in a wide variety of clinical practice settings available in the “State of Independence,” then you will be required to enroll in one of the numerous doctoral programs in psychology in Pennsylvania.
With its strategic position in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States nearby the major northeastern hubs of New York City, Baltimore, and our nation’s capital, Pennsylvania is the ninth most densely populated and sixth most populous state.
Since Pennsylvania is one of our nation’s birthplaces as one of the 13 original founding states, it is no surprise that the state is certainly not lagging behind when it comes to delivering high-quality educational opportunities for psychologists. Whether you are interested in becoming a counseling, clinical, or school psychologist, the following is the first half (A-L) of doctoral psychology degree programs that have been approved to meet the high standards of the American Psychological Association (APA) for excellence in Pennsylvania.
Carlow University
School of Social Change
First established in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy as the only private women-centered Roman Catholic institution founded in the liberal arts tradition in Pennsylvania, Carlow University is located on a secluded 14-acre urban campus in the heart of the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh with a close-knit community of over 2,300 students. Through programs in social work, psychology, sociology, and political science, the School of Social Change is dedicated to preparing students to become leaders and change agents for promoting social justice for at-risk vulnerable populations.
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology
Well-known for being one of only three APA-accredited counseling psychology doctoral programs built with a strong social justice focus in the United States, the Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program is designed to train future psychologists to promote psychological wellness in individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, and whole communities through the lens of social justice. Beyond the completion of psychology master’s programs, the curriculum requires students to successfully complete 87 credits in approximately four years of full-time advanced graduate studies. While three of the years are devoted to coursework, advanced practicum, and the practice-oriented dissertation, the final year is reserved for the completion of a year-long full-time internship in an APA-approved counseling setting.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
3333 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 578-6408
[email protected]
Program Website
Chestnut Hill College
School of Graduate Studies
Since its inception in 1924 as a Roman Catholic four-year liberal arts college for women by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Chestnut Hill College has grown to be an inclusive faith-based community of more than 1,500 students on its 75-acre suburban campus in Fairmount Park within a short train ride away from downtown Philadelphia. According to the U.S. News and World Report, CHC is currently ranked as the 131st best college in the North. The School of Graduate Studies also prides itself on a legacy of helping professionals advance their knowledge, skills, values, and ethics to build productive careers in addressing today’s ever-changing global challenges.
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology
Designed to train clinical psychologists to practice with a complementary blend of psychodynamic and systems theories to better understand the inner psychological world of the individual, the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program enables students to build clinical skills with optional concentrations available in Psychological Assessment or Marriage and Family Therapy. While the program requires 117 credits for completion in five years for students who enter with Advanced Standing from accredited psychology master’s programs, students directly from the baccalaureate level must take an additional 18 credits and complete the program in six years. Built in a cohort-based model that facilitates cooperation and collaboration, the program seamlessly incorporates advanced coursework, supervised practicum experience, a year-long internship, and dissertation research.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
9601 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19918
(215) 248-7020
[email protected]
Program Website
Drexel University
Department of Psychology
Strategically located on a 74-acre urban campus in the dynamic University City neighborhood in central Philadelphia, Drexel University is a world-class comprehensive private global research institution focused on cooperative education and experiential learning. As one of America’s 15 largest private universities with over 25,000 students, Drexel is ranked as the 97th best college, 7th best up-and-coming university, and 12th best college for veterans in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Even more importantly, the Department of Psychology is nationally acclaimed for offering the 125th best clinical psychology doctoral program and 141st best psychology graduate programs.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology
With the primary goal of educating clinical psychologists in the scientist-practitioner model with an emphasis on the integration of psychological science and clinical practice, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program is fully accredited by the APA to deliver a broad-based education in preparation for entry-level professional psychology practice in various clinical settings. While the program takes on a general cognitive-behavioral approach, the curriculum allows students to select a concentration in Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Neuropsychology, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. As a full-time program that is designed to be completed in five years with a required doctoral dissertation and year-long pre-doctoral internship, the degree is the best fit for those with strong interested related to clinical research.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 895-6105
[email protected]
Program Website
Duquesne University
Department of Psychology
Situated on a self-contained 50-acre urban campus with breathtaking views of Pittsburgh’s skyline and a close-knit community of over 10,040 students, Duquesne University is a private co-educational Roman Catholic institution with an award-winning faculty. Consistently named among America’s top universities founded in the Catholic faith, Duquesne is currently ranked as the 121st best college, 45th best value school, and 24th top university for veterans in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the Department of Psychology is home to 157th best clinical psychology and 191st best graduate psychology programs.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Integrating psychological principles, research, and clinical practice to provide an advanced course of study focused in human science approaches, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program is ideal for graduate students who are seeking positions in independent practice, hospitals, community clinics, managed care facilities, academia, and research settings. As a 78-credit program that typically takes six to seven years for completion, the curriculum includes comprehensive examinations, an oral defense of original dissertation research, and a one-year pre-doctoral internship in an approved clinical site. While students can customize their own vocational path, the program is guided by an appreciation that clinical practice, research, and scholarship mutually enhance one another.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in School Psychology
Founded in the belief that all children are capable of learning, the Ph.D. in School Psychology program is devoted to providing in-depth professional psychological training in a research-based learning environment to prepare ethical practitioners who are committed to enhancing the well-being of youth and their families. With a modern 111-credit curriculum, the program employs all aspects of multiculturalism, examines emerging trends in the profession, and conducts continuous outcomes assessment for improvement. Since the program is fully accredited by the APA and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), graduates can become licensed for practicing psychology in schools, hospitals, child agencies, community clinics, universities, and private practices.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 396-6520
[email protected]
Program Website
Immaculata University
Graduate Psychology Department
Conveniently located on a 375-acre suburban campus in one of Philadelphia’s fastest growing western suburbs with numerous opportunities for real-world learning experiences, Immaculata University is an elite private co-educational Roman Catholic institution. Home to fewer than 3,000 students for unbeatable personal attention, Immaculata is currently ranked as the 190th best college in the entire United States by the U.S. News and World Report. The Graduate Psychology Department has a long tradition of preparing students for careers as mental health clinicians with a broad understanding of educational, cultural, ethical, philosophical, and practice issues in today’s diverse society.
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Deeply rooted in the practitioner-scholar model of professional psychology to foster the development of research skills, the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program is committed to the training objectives for doctoral programs established by the APA to prepare graduates for clinical practice at the doctoral level to make contributions to the professional community and assume leadership roles in mental health agencies. As an evening program that is designed to address the educational needs of working professionals, the curriculum requires the completion of at least 117 credit hours strongly focused on psychotherapy, diagnostics, assessment, psychopharmacology, and other areas imperative to competent clinical practice. After the successful completion of 48 credits, students entering with a bachelor’s degree can receive an embedded Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in route to the doctoral degree.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
1145 King Road
Immaculata, PA 19345
(610) 647-4400 ext. 3503
[email protected]
Program Website
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Department of Psychology
As a vibrant comprehensive public research institution with a student-centered learning community of over 15,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, Indiana University of Pennsylvania is located on a historical charming 374-acre suburban campus around 60 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. Consistently named as a “Best for Vets” university by Military Times magazine, IUP is ranked as the 177th best college, 98th top public school, and 46th best college for veterans in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. The Department of Psychology is also acclaimed for hosting the 161st best clinical psychology doctoral program in the entire United States.
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Structured to satisfy all of the academic requirements needed for professional licensure and to provide students with a solid background for immediately assuming leadership responsibilities in appropriate clinical mental health settings, the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program places a strong emphasis upon the professional applications of clinical practice to addressing a wide range of human problems. Following a scientist-practitioner training model for applied clinical psychology, the program develops skills in interpersonal relations, community outreach, program evaluation, psychological assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy. Since the program requires the completion of at least 102 credits with a dissertation and doctoral internship, most students will typically complete all requirements in four calendar years full-time.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
1011 South Drive
Indiana, PA 15705
(724) 357-4519
[email protected]
Program Website
La Salle University
School of Arts and Sciences
Inspired by St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle as a comprehensive private four-year Lasallian and Roman Catholic institution founded by the Christian Brothers, La Salle University has a close-knit community of over 7,500 students on a 130-acre urban campus in northwestern Philadelphia. According to the U.S. News and World Report, La Salle is currently ranked as the 27th best college and 6th top university for veterans in the North. From a liberal arts perspective, the School of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to building a vibrant intellectual environment for developing the full academic, personal, social, and professional potential of all students.
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
With the mission of training graduate students in the science and practice of clinical psychology so that they will be able to effectively function in a broad range of professional psychology roles, the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program is built on the practitioner-scholar model of training with a distinctive emphasis on the cognitive-behavioral approach. Intended for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a master’s degree in another mental health discipline, the curriculum is typically completed with five years of full-time advanced study, including a culminating full-year clinical internship. While the program strongly focuses on evidence-based practice, psychological theories, and psychological science, the curriculum allows students to select a concentration in General Practice, Child Clinical, or Clinical Health.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 951-1350
[email protected]
Program Website
Lehigh University
College of Education
Located on a vast 1,600-acre urban campus in the town of Bethlehem around 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia and just 75 miles west of downtown Manhattan, Lehigh University is an elite comprehensive private research institution with more than 7,000 students. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Lehigh is currently ranked as the 41st best college and 30th top value school in the entire United States. As the 42nd best education school, the College of Education also hosts the 191st best graduate psychology degree programs in the country.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counseling Psychology
Adhering to the “Benchmark Competencies for Professional Psychology” as dictated by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program is designed to train graduate students to become effective counseling practitioners who exhibit the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality mental health services to diverse client populations across clinical settings. With its focus on the scientist-practitioner model, the goal is to produce qualified psychologists who can intervene with individuals, couples, and groups from multicultural backgrounds within the context of the client’s cultural community. Typically requiring five years with a master’s degree and six years without a master’s degree, the program requires the completion of at least 100 credit hours, including an apprenticeship, advanced seminars, practicum, a year-long internship, qualifying project, and dissertation.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in School Psychology
With the objective of training qualified graduate students who wish to become school-based practitioners of psychology as well as effective consumers of research, the Ph.D. in School Psychology program enables students to complete concentrated study in the areas of Students At-Risk or With Disabilities, Pediatric/Health, or Pediatric School Psychology. Within the 107-credit program, students are required to take courses in developmental psychology, human behavior, cognitive psychology, behavioral neuroscience, multicultural issues, statistics, research design, applied behavior analysis, crisis management, behavioral assessment, early intervention, and child psychopathology. Furthermore, all doctoral students will need to complete a doctoral qualifying research project, practicum, independent study, doctoral dissertation, and full-time pre-doctoral internship.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
111 Research Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18015
(610) 758-3225
[email protected]
Program Website
In order to begin a successful career in the field of psychology, it is essential that you build strong analytical, communication, observational, listening, interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to effectively treat clients with confidence. Therefore, Pennsylvania requires that all practicing psychologists receive a doctoral degree in psychology for licensure to meet the demands of the role. If you call the “Keystone State” home, be sure to check out our first list of doctoral programs in psychology in Pennsylvania to find the degree that will perfectly match your career interests in a specialized area of professional psychology.
To see the second half the list, be sure to check out Psychology Doctoral Programs in Pennsylvania (M-Z).
