Overview
Loyola's Doctor of Psychology program employs a unique, service-oriented educational method and trains doctoral students to become innovators and leaders capable of meeting the evolving demands of mental health service providers. The program, approved by the American Psychological Association (APA), adheres to the scholar-professional model of education, emphasizing the integration of a comprehensive knowledge base, appropriate attitudes, and clinical skills. The first program of its kind in Maryland, this full time, five-year course of study (four years for those who hold a qualifying master's degree) leads to licensure in any state.
Loyola's Psy.D. program ensures an individualized education, with limited class sizes and a supportive, mentoring faculty. Field experience options at cutting-edge institutions such as the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the University of Maryland, the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC, provide students with distinctive learning opportunities. Moreover, Loyola has developed a comprehensive interdisciplinary clinic that students and faculty use for assessment, treatment and research in the field, so that students give back, even when they're moving their careers forward.
Program Features
Loyola's competitive, full-time doctoral degree in clinical psychology integrates service-learning, colloquia and clinical experience with foundational coursework - an approach that emphasizes Loyola's Jesuit dedication to holistic learning. Most courses are capped at fifteen students, and as a doctoral student, you will engage in close faculty mentorship, research, and training opportunities. During their first and second years of study, doctoral students receive supervised training at the Loyola Clinical Centers. Third- and fourth-year students are offered diverse placements at service learning centers, where they form working relationships with experts in the field.
Curriculum Overview
First Year
Fall Term
- PY 601 Psychodiagnostics I
- PY 615 Advanced Abnormal Psychology
- PY 620 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
- PY 707/708 Clinical Experiences
- PY 810 Psychological Measurement
- PY 925 Clinical Applications MAC
Spring Term
- PY 602 Psychodiagnostics II
- PY 621 Principles and Practices of Psychotherapy
- PY 707/708 Clinical Experiences
- PY 819 Historical and Philosophical Bases of Psychology *
- PY 832 Research Methods I
- PY 890 Dissertation Preparation
- PY 925 Clinical Applications MAC
* Incoming second year students will need to take PY 819 in the spring of their 3rd or 4th year.
Second Year
Fall Term
- PY 800 Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues
- PY 801 Principles of Objective Personality and Suicide Assessment
- PY 870 Diversity Issues in Psychology
- PY 886 Advanced Topics in Professional Psychology #1
- PY 891 Introduction to Dissertation I
- PY 920 Clinical Placement I
- PY 925 Clinical Applications MAC
Spring Term
- PY 802 Principles and Methods of Assessment
- PY 814 Biological Bases of Behavior
- PY 815 Psychopathology Seminar
- PY 833 Research Methods II
- PY 891 Introduction to Dissertation I
- PY 920 Clinical Placement I
- PY 925 Clinical Applications MAC
Third Year
Fall Term
- PY 818 Psychopharmacology
- PY 820 Cognitive and Learning
- Professional Development Course (choose 841 or 860)*
- PY 892 Introduction to Dissertation II
- PY 921 Clinical Placement II
Spring Term
- PY 813 Social and Cultural Bases of Psychology
- PY 842 Consultation and Supervision
- PY 845 Models of Psychotherapy #1
- PY 892 Introduction to Dissertation II
- PY 921 Clinical Placement II
Fourth Year
Fall Term
- Professional Development Course (choose 841 or 860)*
- PY 816 Developmental Psychology
- PY 886 Advanced Topics in Professional Psychology #2
- PY 902 Clinical Dissertation I
- PY 922 Clinical Placement III
Spring Term
- PY 819 Historical and Philosophical Bases of Psychology *
- PY 845 Models of Psychotherapy #2
- PY 886 Advanced Topics in Professional Psychology #3
- PY 903 Clinical Dissertation II
- PY 922 Clinical Placement III
* Incoming second year students will need to take PY 819 in the spring of their 4th year.
Fifth Year
Fall Term
- PY 950 Clinical Internship I
Spring Term
- PY 951 Clinical Internship II
All students will also take PY 912 Colloquium each semester as well as PY 918 Professional Development and Consultation.
Requirements
Degree requirements include 120 credit hours for students entering the first year of study, and 97 credit hours for those entering their second year. In addition to a one-year, full-time internship, all students are required to complete comprehensive examinations and a doctoral dissertation.
For more information on this program, visit the psychology department site.
Admittance to the doctoral program in psychology is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Each student recommended for admission into the program will be required to obtain, pay for, and pass a criminal background check. These background checks are routinely required by the Loyola Clinical Centers, schools, hospitals and other agencies that participate in the clinical education of our students. Failure to pass a criminal background check may make you ineligible to complete requirements and result in revocation of your acceptance into the graduate program. Additional information regarding the criminal background check process will be included in your acceptance letter.