Program Overview

Introduction to the Clinical Psychology PhD Program

The Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association. This program is a full-time, five-year, integrated, and organized sequence of studies and practice experiences based on the "local clinical-scientist" model of training.

About the Program

The local clinical-scientist embodies and expands upon the original scientist-practitioner model of clinical psychology. Research and clinical practice are balanced in the curriculum, and graduates function in various roles as healthcare clinicians, university scholars, program directors, and supervisors. Coursework is grounded in empirical literature that examines the interplay among biological, psychological, and social factors related to human adjustment. This bio-psychosocial perspective infuses all aspects of the doctoral curriculum and training experiences.

Sequence of Study

To graduate with the PhD, students must complete 195 quarter units of courses that include:

• 26 units of research and dissertation
• Two one-year, part-time practicum placements
• A full-time one-year internship A master's degree (MS in psychological science) is earned en route to the doctorate.

Mission Statement

The faculty, staff, and students of the School of Psychology, Family, and Community (SPFC) at Seattle Pacific University strive to become a community of learners:

• Guided by faith, exploring the implications of vital expressions of Christian faith for the human condition, as well as for emotional and relational healing and health.
• Rooted in academic discipline, fostering rigorous and creative learning environments, as well as contributing primary scholarship to the scientific study of psychological and social processes.
• Committed to service, grounding the learning community in the theory, research, and application of disciplines to produce skilled graduates who can serve with character and competence in a broken world.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

SPU's PhD in Clinical Psychology meets the educational requirements that will allow students to pursue licensure in the state of Washington. Each state has different professional licensure requirements. Eligibility for licensure may involve more than degree completion and may include professional examinations, background checks, and fingerprinting.

Admission Requirements

For admission to clinical psychology doctoral studies, the following are required:

• Online application and processing fee
• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum 3.0 grade-point average.
• An undergraduate major in psychology is preferable.
• Official transcripts
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) administered within five years of the deadline date for application to the program.
• Letters of recommendation: three academic references from current or former professors/instructors are preferred.
• Personal statement: three–four pages in length, typed, addressing career objectives, rationale for seeking a degree in clinical psychology, and why the applicant chooses to attend SPU.

International Students

If English is not the first language, students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and obtain a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test or 250 on the computer-based test. If the student is not a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, they must provide an official confidential statement of financial support covering each year of intended enrollment.

Deadline

The deadline for application is December 15.

Admission Process

The Admissions Committee of the Clinical Psychology Department will conduct a preliminary screening process. Finalists will be invited to come to campus for personal interviews in late February or early March. Admission to the doctoral program depends upon recommendation by the CPY faculty and approval from the department chair.

Transfer of Credit

If a student has a master's degree or has taken other graduate coursework in psychology at a regionally accredited institution, they may be allowed to transfer up to 20 quarter units. Courses accepted for transfer must have been passed at a grade of "B" or higher and completed within seven years of transfer.

Degree Completion

Students must complete all requirements for the doctoral degree within seven years from the quarter their first post-admission course was taken. Students who need more than seven years to complete the degree must file a time-extension petition with the director of doctoral studies.