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Students
Tuition Fee
USD 144,000
Per course
Start Date
Medium of studying
Blended
Duration
5 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Clinical Psychology | Criminal Justice
Area of study
Social Sciences | Law
Education type
Blended
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
USD 144,000
About Program

Program Overview


PsyD/MCJ Dual Degree Program

Overview

The PsyD/MCJ dual degree program integrates education in clinical psychology with specialized training in criminal justice theory, practice, and challenges. This unique program allows students to earn both a doctorate of psychology and a master's in criminal justice in five years.


At a Glance

  • Offered as: Dual Degree
  • Format: Hybrid (Online & On Campus)
  • Credits:
    • PsyD: 120
    • MCJ: 24
  • Avg. Time to Completion: 5 Years
  • College/School:
    • College of Health & Human Services
    • College of Arts & Sciences
  • Campus Location: Chester, PA

Program Overview

As a PsyD/MCJ student, you'll earn both a doctorate of psychology and a master's in criminal justice in five years. You'll begin in our nationally recognized PsyD program, where you'll develop expertise across a range of clinical applications, from applied psychology to consultation and evaluation. Through a practicum placement, internship rotations, and a research dissertation, you'll prepare for work as a leading practitioner and scholar.


Along the way, you'll integrate the study of criminal justice in online courses that prepare you to work in a variety of psycho-legal settings. When you graduate, you'll have the foundational theories and specialized training across disciplines necessary to influence the criminal justice system with your clinical psychology expertise.


PsyD/MCJ Program Information

Curriculum & Coursework Requirements

In our PsyD/MCJ program, you'll learn about and complete practica in areas of treatment and assessment in prison and court systems, along with interventions relevant to law enforcement institutions and administration and management within local, state, and federal prison systems.


Within five years of full-time study, you'll complete rigorous training at the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology leading to the PsyD while completing criminal justice coursework through electives, summer courses, and relevant field experience.


Additional professional development training in workshops and mini courses ensures you'll graduate a highly-skilled clinical psychologist prepared to take on meaningful managerial and leadership roles in criminal justice-related institutions.


Clinical Experience: Practicum, Field Placement, & Internship

At Widener, a unique clinical and internship experience is embedded in the PsyD degree curriculum.


  • Year 1: Pre-Practicum
    • The pre-practicum training is multi-modal and experiential. It offers students opportunities to learn and practice skills that are foundational to the practice of professional psychology.
  • Years 2-3: Practicum Training
    • The practicum-level placements are designed to familiarize the students with a variety of clinical settings. Each practicum offers progressively more responsibility and patient-staff interaction.
  • Years 4 & 5: Internship Training Program with three day a week clinical rotations
    • Most doctoral students in clinical psychology enter the Association for Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) match process to find a pre-doctoral internship. In contrast, our PsyD program offers a unique and fully integrated internship that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, ).

PsyD Licensure by State

Doctoral education alone is not sufficient for licensure in the United States. In addition to requiring specific educational criteria, all states require candidates for licensure to pass a national exam after completing graduate education (the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology [EPPP]), and many states also require additional experiences for licensure, including supervised post-doctoral experiences, criminal history background checks, and personal ethical/moral references. Specific requirements for each state vary, and are developed and monitored by State Boards of Psychology. A general list of State Boards and contacts can be found on the website of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.


The curriculum provided by Widener's Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology meets state educational requirements for licensure as listed below. It is strongly recommended that students who expect to pursue licensing in a particular state reach out to the licensing board to confirm specific licensing requirements. The information below is accurate, as best as could be determined based on published records of state licensing requirements, as of June 2021.


  • Widener's PsyD curriculum meets educational requirements for licensing in the following states:
    • Alabama
    • Alaska
    • Arizona
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Connecticut
    • DC
    • Delaware
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Kentucky
    • Louisiana
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Mississippi
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • Nebraska
    • Nevada
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • New York
    • North Carolina
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • Oklahoma
    • Oregon
    • Pennsylvania
    • Rhode Island
    • South Carolina
    • South Dakota
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Utah
    • Vermont
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin
    • Wyoming
  • It is still being determined whether Widener's PsyD curriculum meets educational requirements for licensing in the following states:
    • Puerto Rico
  • Widener's PsyD curriculum does not meet educational requirements for licensing in the following state:
    • California

Career Outlook & Outcomes for PsyD/MCJ Students

Potential Careers

  • Forensic psychologist
  • Police psychologist
  • Correctional psychologist

Potential Employment Sites

  • Forensic units in psychiatric hospitals
  • Correctional facilities

Practicum & Internships

  • Inpatient/outpatient clinics & hospitals
  • School counseling centers
  • Private practice settings
  • Forensic-related placements

Avg. Salary

$104,980


2021 median annual wage salary of a specialized clinical hospital psychologist


Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics


Recent Employers

  • Federal Bureau of Prisons
  • Delaware Department of Corrections
  • Southwoods Prison

Industry Growth

93% of job ads in psychology that specified a minimal educational requirement asked for a doctoral degree


Source: American Psychological Association


Why Study Clinical Psychology & Criminal Justice at Widener?

Explore Meaningful Clinical Experiences

In your first year, you'll dive into clinical psychology training that includes courses on theory and technique, laboratory activities, and discussion groups to process the nuances and challenges of clinical work.


Practicum placements continue the intensive clinical training through the third year of the program. All students are also admitted to our APA-accredited internship at the time of doctoral program admission, which translates to a placement in our exclusively-affiliated and integrated internship in years four and five.


Make an Impact on Your Community

You'll encounter countless opportunities to serve. Whether you engage in service projects with local organizations or serve community members in one of our on-campus clinics, you'll go beyond your formal training in psychology as you meet the needs of your new neighbors.


Build a Network of Industry Insiders

Your education will stretch beyond the classroom as you build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, successful alumni, and PsyD/MCJ faculty who infuse their teaching with the latest trends, technology, and thinking. By rubbing shoulders with these industry insiders, you'll graduate with a meaningful network of insiders that will follow you long after graduation.


PsyD Program Highlights

Ranked #2 PsyD in Nation

Based on its flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation


Source: Intelligent


Ranked 11 out of 50

On the list of Editors' Choice 50 Best Accredited PsyD Programs for 2022


Source: psydprograms.org


90%+ Five-Year Graduation Rate

for PsyD students


Program attrition data


Admissions & Aid

Admissions Information

Admissions Requirements

To begin the journey toward a PsyD/MCJ dual degree, students apply to the PsyD program first. During the second semester (first year) of the PsyD program, students in good standing may apply to the master's in criminal justice program.


  • PsyD admissions requirements:
    • Complete online application and pay application fee through PsyCAS.
    • Please also pay the supplemental Widener application fee.
    • Applicants must hold a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree from an accredited institution. A major in psychology is desirable, but not required.
    • Transcripts are required from all attended institutions. A minimum GPA of a 3.0 is required; competitive applicants have a 3.5 GPA or higher.
    • All entering students must have completed a course in statistics, abnormal psychology or psychopathology, and research design or experimental psychology by the time they matriculate in the fall.
    • Personal character and attributes of emotional maturity and stability, as well as a capacity for relating to and working with other people, are also major factors in reviewing the credentials of applicants. Evidence for these attributes is sought from records of past performance, letters of reference, autobiographical statement, and work history.
Application Deadlines, Materials & Interviews
  • Deadline: The PsyD/MCJ program is closed for 2023. Deadline dates for 2024 will be available at a later time.
  • Supplemental Materials: All supplemental materials must be submitted through the online PSYCAS (Psychology Centralized Application Service) system:
    • Essays
    • 3 letters of recommendation
    • Transcripts
    • Optional scholarship essays
  • Interviews: If you are selected as a top candidate for the PsyD program, you will receive an invite to one of four Admissions Interview Days, which will include an individual interview, tour, and information sessions. At this time, our plan is to hold interviews in person on campus.
Transfer to Widener

Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.


Up to one course may be waived per semester towards Widener's PsyD program. To be eligible, the waived course must be replaced with another elective. Waived courses do not count as advanced standing because the PsyD program does not offer advanced standing and is a five-year program.


Widener University accepts up to 6 transfer credits for its criminal justice program which may be applied as electives. To be eligible, the courses must've been completed within the last 5 years and the grade received must be a B or higher.


International Admissions

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.


Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.


  • How to Apply as a Graduate International Student:
    • Complete your online application
    • Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
    • Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
    • If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.


  • Applying for Aid as a Graduate Student: Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is .

In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:


  • Must demonstrate financial need
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

Paths to Savings

  • 85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid: Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.

Program Cost

Students enrolled in a PsyD dual degree program only pay for PsyD tuition and the dual enrollment fee, but will not be charged the tuition for their second program.*


  • Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (PsyD): $1,200 per credit, 120 total credits, $144,000 total cost
  • Dual Degree Fee: $934

Next Steps to Apply

  • Visit Us: We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.
  • View Admissions Events: We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.
  • Request Information: Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
  • Apply: All applications and supplemental materials are submitted through a centralized application service (CAS) system.
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About University
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Widener University


Overview:

Widener University is a private university located in Chester, Pennsylvania. It is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of law, engineering, business, and nursing. Widener is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for successful careers and meaningful lives.


Services Offered:

Widener University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Support:

    Academic advising, tutoring, writing centers, and other resources to help students succeed in their studies.

    Career Services:

    Career counseling, job search assistance, internship and co-op placement, and networking opportunities.

    Health & Wellbeing:

    Counseling services, health services, fitness centers, and wellness programs.

    Student Life:

    A vibrant campus community with numerous student clubs and organizations, athletic teams, and social events.

    Housing & Dining:

    On-campus housing options and dining services.

    Library Resources:

    Access to the Wolfgram Memorial Library, which provides a wide range of resources for research and study.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Widener University offers a dynamic campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

    Vibrant Community:

    A welcoming and inclusive environment with a diverse student body.

    Get Involved:

    Opportunities to join student clubs and organizations, participate in athletics, and engage in civic engagement.

    Experiences:

    Hands-on learning experiences, internships, co-ops, and study abroad programs.

    Campus Events:

    A variety of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Career Inside Track:

    Strong emphasis on career preparation, with a high percentage of graduates achieving career goals within six months of graduation.

    Faculty Mentorship:

    Close relationships between students and faculty, providing personalized guidance and support.

    Research & Innovation:

    Opportunities for students to engage in research and innovation, with significant annual research grant funding.

    Leadership Development:

    Programs and opportunities to develop leadership skills and prepare for future success.

    Location Matters:

    Convenient location near Philadelphia, offering access to cultural attractions, internships, and job opportunities.

Academic Programs:

Widener University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:

    Undergraduate Majors:

    Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, Nursing, and more.

    Graduate & Law Programs:

    Master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and law degrees in various fields.

    Adult & Continuing Studies:

    Flexible programs for working professionals and adult learners.

    Online Programs:

    A variety of online degree programs for students who prefer a flexible learning environment.

Other:

    Affordability:

    Widener University offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

    Alumni Network:

    A strong alumni network of over 65,000 graduates worldwide.

    Points of Pride:

    Recognized as a National College of Distinction and ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

    Community Resources:

    Access to various community resources, including clinics, centers, a library, an observatory, a museum, and an arboretum.

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