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FAQs for Doctorate Program

How do I apply?
  1. Please review the admission requirements.
  2. Access the online application.
  3. Create an account and then proceed to completing the application.

Once you submit the application you will be able to view your application document checklist. If you have questions please contact Graduate Admission at 410-617-5020.

How many applications do you receive for the program?

Each year the department receives and reviews approximately 340 applications. About 70-80 applicants are invited to interview and then about 24 initial offers of admission are made. The department also has a waitlist each year. See the Program’s Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data for applicant data from the last 7 years.

What is the deadline for admission?

All documents must be received by the Graduate Admission office by December 1.

What is the average GPA of admitted students?

The average GPA varies from year to year. See the Program's Student Admissions, Outcomes, and other Data for applicant data from the last 7 years.

Are GRE scores required?

No. The M.S./Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program will no longer be considering GRE scores as a part of our application process. Applicants should refrain from sending the GRE score reports since they will not be reviewed even if they are received. 

What is the most important part of the application?

There is no one single thing, or even a combination of things, that the committee look for. The faculty reviewing applications takes a holistic approach to application review, looking at each in its entirety.

Is an interview part of the admission process?

Interviews are extended by invitation after applications are reviewed. The interview day is a full day which includes an information session, interviews with faculty, interviews with current students and a reception at the end of the day.

Do you offer financial assistance?

The program offers fellowships each year. All applicants are considered for funding and no separate application is required for the department’s fellowships. Students have the option to apply for graduate assistantships.

How is the program structured?

Applicants will complete four years of full time coursework and clinical placement and one year of full time internship.  Students will earn a masters in psychology in January of the second year of the curriculum.  

I do not have a Bachelors’ degree in psychology, can I still apply?

Yes you can however there are specific prerequisites you must complete before starting the program. See them below.

Are there any prerequisites for the program?

All applicants to the Psy.D. program must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in psychology or another field. Applicants seeking admission must have a 3.0 from an accredited university with a major in Psychology or must have a 3.0 from an accredited university and have completed the following prerequisites: general psychology, psychopathology, statistics and/or research methods, at least one of the following: social psychology, group psychology, diversity/multicultural psychology OR personality, ANDat least one of the following: learning/cognitive theory, neuropsychology, sensation and perception, or developmental psychology. These courses do not have to be completed prior to applying, but would need to be completed prior to starting the program if accepted. These courses can be completed at any accredited institution including most community colleges and even some online programs. 

The above mentioned prerequisite courses are not only essential for readiness for doctoral study, but it is important to note that an outcome goal of the program is to adequately prepare the student for success in passing the National Licensure Examination in Psychology. A solid preparation in the breadth of psychology is essential for assisting the student in meeting this goal.

How many transfer credits will the program accept? How can I find out which ones they will accept?

Students in the program can transfer in up to 4 courses (12 credits). Once an applicant is admitted to the program, there is a process for petitioning to transfer courses in.

What is the typical class size?

We look to bring in about 17 new students each year. 

I am interested in working with a specific population. Can I specialize in the program?

While we offer a general clinical degree, students can specialize their education regarding areas of interest and population. Students can do this through electives, 3rd and 4th year clinical placements, internships, and dissertation.

What does the internship and externship time look like?

Student will complete the first 2 years of clinical placement at the Loyola Clinical Centers. In the third and fourth years of the program, students will complete their clinical placements through agencies and institutions in the greater community. Students will secure these placements with the assistance of the Director of Doctoral Field Education. For internships, our students will go through the national APPIC Match process.

What is the cost of the program?

The current tuition rate can be found on the Tuition and Fees website.

Am I able to work while pursuing the program?

The clinical Psy.D. program is a full time program. The department suggests that students limit outside work to 10 hours a week or less. Most first and second year students do not work outside of the program at all, aside from possibly a graduate assistantship position.

Are there any courses offered online?

Not at this time. All courses are offered on the Baltimore (Evergreen) campus and the Loyola Clinical Centers in Belvedere Square.

What days/times are the classes held? Where are classes held?

Again, this is a full time program. Courses, clinical placement, and supervision are offered all over the board Monday through Friday, with days and times varying dependent upon year in the program and placement.

If I am licensed in Maryland will I be able to practice in other states?

Psychologists need to be licensed in the state they are practicing in. Earning the Psy.D. from Loyola along with an APA accredited internship will ensure that graduates can apply for licensure in all 50 states.

Can I speak with a current or former student?

If you would like to be connected to a current student or alum, please contact the Director of Program Operations, Traci Martino (tpmartino@loyola.edu or call 410-617-2175.

What specializations do the professors have?

Information related to faculty research and clinical interests can be found on the faculty webpages. The department does not have specific Psy.D. faculty. Our faculty teach, provide supervision at the clinic and for research, and advise students at all three (undergraduate, masters and doctoral) levels.