The Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology at Oklahoma City University provides advanced training in the scientific practice of professional psychology with commitment to evidence-based practice. This 120-hour degree program prepares students to provide evidence-based psychological services in a variety of settings to address a range of client mental health needs. It also prepares students to become competent professionals who are able to provide a variety of evidence-based mental health services, including comprehensive psychological evaluations, psychotherapy services, supervisory services, and consultative services that can be provided to diverse groups of individuals.
Our rigorous academic curriculum is provided in a supportive, student centered learning environment that fosters intellectual growth, professional behavior, and ethical behavior through active learning and individualized instruction. Upon graduation, our students will have established core foundational knowledge in psychology, have developed strong clinical skills using evidence based interventions and best practices in psychological evaluations, clinical supervision, and consultation, and be able to apply their knowledge and skills in a range of settings while adhering to APA ethical guidelines.
Upon completion of this degree and required postdoctoral licensure hours, students will be able to apply for licensure as psychologists where they can work in both the private and public sectors, including hospitals, community agencies, clinics, and private practice. While licensure requirements may differ by state, it is recommended that individuals check the licensure laws in the state in which they intend to practice to ensure what is required
By the time students graduate the program, they will have:
The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology is not currently accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The program is, however, designed to satisfy APA criteria. We are following the steps necessary to achieve accreditation in a timely manner and will apply for accreditation as soon as possible. Our application for accreditation on contingency was reviewed by the CoA. We completed our site visit on Feb. 28, 2023.
Graduation from a non-accredited program may impact eligibility for licensure in the state in which the student intends to practice. All applicants should investigate licensure requirements of the state in which they intend to practice.
More information about APA accreditation:
American Psychological Association's Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: 202-336-5979
TDD/TTY: 202-336-6123
Fax: 202-336-5978
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation
Each year, we admit one cohort of students which begin the program in the fall semester. Within each cohort there will be a limited number of openings in the PsyD program, which means that we receive more qualified applicants than what we can admit. Applicants must meet the minimal requirements for application; however, students who are admitted to the program often exceed these requirements.
To be considered for admission, students must:
All PsyD applicants must apply through the online PSYCAS application system (Psychology Central Application Service).
The 2024-25 admissions cycle will be open in PSYCAS in early September 2024 and close early January 2025.
For information on the use of PSYCAS, please visit the APA’s helpful resource guide for students using PSYCAS found here.
Application Materials
In order to complete the Psy.D. Application, applicants must submit the following:
The PsyD program consists of 120 hours that is comprised of required courses in 3 areas (clinical core, general psychology core, and research core), elective courses, applied experiences (internship/practicum hours), and capstone project hours. A Master of Science degree is conferred after a student has completed their first 2 years of coursework (51 hours) in the program, including successful completion of a master’s research project. The conferral of this degree serves as an indicator of progress toward the PsyD. We do not offer a terminal masters degree that leads to licensure.
Students who have taken graduate-level coursework in a related field within 7 years prior to admission to the program can request to have syllabi reviewed. Syllabi will be reviewed by the members of the Clinical Training Committee in consultation of the instructor who typically teaches the course (e.g. psychology core course taught by experimental faculty) to determine if the course is equivalent to courses in the PsyD program in terms of depth and breadth of coverage. Students will be notified of the decision.
Students cannot transfer in more than 24 hours of graduate coursework in related field that was completed within 7 years prior to admission to the program. Classes which fulfill a DSK or PWC are eligible to transfer except for courses in which the MLA is based on specific elements of a class, and not the overall grade. No practicum or internship hours can transfer. For the course to transfer, students also have to have made a grade of B- or higher in the course. Students may be asked to take a competency based exam in that area where it is expected that a B- or higher will be made.
We encourage applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and with diverse life experiences. Consistent with Oklahoma City University’s Nondiscrimination Policy, we pledge to recruit, select, and promote diversity by providing equality of opportunity in higher education for all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. We do not discriminate or segregate based on sex (gender), race, age, ancestry, color, disability, genetic history, national origin, marital status, medical condition, religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, parenting status, status as a veteran, or the perception that a person has one more of these characteristics.
For questions or additional information on our PsyD program, including handbook, program policies and procedures, please contact Melissa Hakman, Ph.D., at 405-208-5397 or [email protected].
For questions regarding admission into the PsyD program or PSYCAS, please contact Graduate Admissions at 405-208-5351 or [email protected].
