george washington university phd in psychology

Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology (STEM)

The doctor of philosophy in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology, offered through the Department of Organizational Sciences and Communication, delves into areas such as personnel selection, training and development, work motivation, and leadership. Working closely with advisors, PhD students often win awards for their research, and many present each year at conferences held by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Academy of Management.

The I-O psychology program is designed in accordance with guidelines established by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP; Division 14, APA). Graduates leave prepared for roles in academia, government agencies, consulting firms, and the private sector.

This is a STEM designated program.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences - Office of Graduate Studies The George Washington University 801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107 Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences  Frequently Asked Questions  page.

[email protected] 202-994-6210 (phone)

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 72 credits, including 42 credits in required courses, 12 credits in elective courses, and 18 credits in dissertation research.

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Forensic Psychology Program

Columbian College of Arts & Sciences

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bridging the gap between psychology & law  Investigating crimes, treating offenders and supporting victims  

The GW Forensic Psychology Master of Arts Program brings together students who are fascinated by the mind and how it drives behavior. Whether that means using tools to assess an offender's risk of reoffending, investigating unsolved crimes as law enforcement or developing a comprehensive treatment plan for offenders or victims, building a powerful suite of knowledge and skills starts here.

In courses ranging from psychopathology to law, students examine the psychological underpinnings of human behavior for those involved in the legal system. They evaluate the treatment of sex offenders and ethical issues involving interrogation. They learn techniques for successfully presenting expert testimony and advocating for at-risk individuals or populations.

This breadth and depth of training — combined with  externship opportunities found only in the nation’s capital — makes our graduates top contenders in  growing and competitive fields .  

“I can work to change the laws — I can help those people with mental illness who are being put in jail instead of mental hospitals. Having this master’s degree from GW in forensic psychology means I’ll be heard.”

Samiullah Baloch Badini MA '19, Forensic Psychology

What We Offer

Specialized MA Degree

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Help Navigate Life's Obstacles

One of the first programs of its kind, our master’s in clinical mental health counseling provides a clinical counseling foundation for serving persons facing physical, mental, emotional, or social challenges. For individuals and their families, counselors offer hope and empowerment, serving as a source of personal support and guidance to enhance their quality of life.

The program prepares graduates to enter the counseling profession in a variety of human service settings, including social services agencies, employment centers, and substance abuse programs, taking an integrated approach to counseling research and practice.

The program includes a two-semester internship wherein students deliver counseling services, under supervision, both in the program’s Community Counseling Services Center and at health and human services agencies in the community.

Request Information      

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A Standard of Excellence The 60-credit hour program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Gain Credentials Prepare to sit for board certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and pursue a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Learn From Expert Faculty Our esteemed faculty hold leadership positions in national counseling associations and can help you build networks that will last a lifetime.

The GW Advantage

Take advantage of our unique location in Washington, D.C. with access to opportunities with prestigious organizations, government entities, and professional associations. Combine course content with supervised, clinical experience in urban and suburban areas, allowing you to work with a wide range of diverse populations.

Jump to Section:   Curriculum   |  Admissions   |  Fees & Aid   |  Careers   |  Faculty   |  Events   |  Request Info

 Program at a Glance

Degree awarded:.

Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Department:

Counseling and Human Development

Course Delivery:

Main Campus

Program Entry:

Summer (Full Time) Fall (Part- or Full-Time)

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is committed to preparing knowledgeable and ethical Professional Counselors equipped for the practice of individual, couple, family, and group counseling. Our program emphasizes working with diverse populations and developing strategies to promote the social, emotional, psychological, and physical health of individuals, families, communities, and organizations. We contribute to human development, adjustment, and change by encouraging our diverse faculty and student body to engage in reflective practice, critical inquiry, civic engagement, and responsible social action. Department of Counseling and Human Development Statement on Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Being anti-racist involves the internal, interpersonal, institutional, and structural commitment to confront and eliminate racism that exists in ideals and policies. In critical reflection of our individual and collective responsibilities to dismantle white supremacy and advance anti-oppressive andragogy, the CHD department is committed to anti-racist practices that:

• Address racism and discrimination directly through explicit discussion and action;
• Increase awareness of prejudice and confront its effects through the discussion of past and present racism, stereotyping and discrimination in society;
• Disrupt and dismantle the systems and structures that codify institutional racism and oppression within the department, the university, and the counseling profession;
• Disrupt and dismantle racial power inequities within the department, the university, and the counseling profession;
• Deeply challenge and hold all members of the CHD community accountable to advance their own anti-racism praxis; and
• Ensure the content and delivery of the curricula reflects this focus.

Data from 2022-2023*

Retention Rate: 90%

Average Time to Complete the Program: 2.6 years (8 Semesters)

2021-2022 Cost: $1,870 per credit

Scholarships: Merit Based

Employment Rate (at 6 months post graduation: 94%

Employment Settings: Community mental health settings, inpatient units, intensive outpatient units, crisis counseling

Licensure Eligibility: Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). Requirements vary by state.

NCE Passing Rate: 100%

Accreditation Status: Accredited by CACREP through 2024. Program has been accredited since 1984.

Annual Fall Enrollment: 104

Number of Graduates: 18

Predicted Job Outlook (2014-2024): Nineteen percent (19%) increase, compared to 7% expected increase in total US jobs. The field of counseling will see over 30% growth in the next 10 years. (Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

NOTE: Costs are 2022-23; enrollment is Fall 2023; retention is calculated over the past year.

2022-2023 Counseling and Human Development Annual Report >

 Apply Now

• Guide to Applying
• Admission Requirements
• Application Deadlines

GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD >

To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283.

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.

• Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree
• Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
• Statement of Purpose: In 500-750 words, state your purpose for undertaking professional training as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Include your interest and knowledge of the profession, particular populations and clinical areas of interest, and career plans (> 250 words). We are interested in determining your fit with our program, so be sure to identify what aspects specific to GW's training are important for you (< 250 words). If you have not had any related experience, please use this statement to explain how your experiences connect with the field of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• GRE is Preferred

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants .

View more details about requirements    

Applications are now being accepted for Summer and Fall 2025. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283.

 Tuition & Financial Aid

• Tuition Overview

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Learn more about financing your education     

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is $1,925 per credit hour .

This program requires 60 credits .

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

View the current fee chart     

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

Being a part of GSEHD has been one of the best decisions I have made. I now feel well prepared to serve the community while providing counseling services to families and children in the DC area. Completing my education here has taught me to be independent, confident, and resilient.

TATYANA SUARES (MA '20) Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

 Career Outlook

Mental health counseling is among the fastest-growing occupations in the mental health field. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that employment will continue to grow by 22% from 2021-2031 1 . 

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook , Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm (visited November 20, 2022 ).

Graduates of our program are employed in various clinical settings, including government agencies, hospitals, mental health clinics, social services agencies, university counseling and career centers, and private practice. Many receive employment offers during their internship year. 

Our alumni area currently employed by:

• National Institutes of Health
• Community Connections Integrative Trauma Team
• Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders
• Dominion Hospital
• DC Department of Disability Services
• Phoenix House
• INOVA Health Care
• Jewish Social Services Agency
• American University Counseling Center
• Georgetown University Career Center

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Faculty  

Program Co-Director, Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Assistant Professor, Counseling and Human Development

Department Chair and Professor, Counseling and Human Development

Associate Professor, Counseling

Upcoming Events

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MA in Communication Management

Ma in organizational sciences.

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Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., the Department of Organizational Sciences and Communication provides graduate students with access to countless government and media agencies, consulting firms and organizations. The department offers three graduate degree options: the MA in Communication Management , the MA in Organizational Sciences and the PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology .

Through small classes, research and internship experience, graduate students learn to connect the dots between communication theory and objectives like employee satisfaction. They apply theory to practical situations like personnel selection, motivation and cultural workplace training. And they cultivate crucial skills for today’s workplace , examining how people inform, influence and persuade each other.

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Graduate Student Resources

"This program really teaches you a different perspective on the business world. We don’t just study the traditional way of looking at things, but we go beyond that into academic topics, as well as experiences from our work."

Eduardo Erazo MA ’12, Organizational Management

Degree Programs

PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

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Art Therapy Program

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The combined BA in Psychological and Brain Sciences and MA in Art Therapy degree is ideal for students who wish to combine their interest in psychology with a desire to help people and communities through art therapy. Program participants complete 12 graduate credits as part of their GW undergraduate program, thereby completing both degrees on an accelerated schedule.

Art therapy combines the expressive use of drawing, painting and sculpture with psychological concepts that may aid in healing the mind and body. The MA in Art Therapy includes an internship component in a psychiatric, educational or community-based settings. Founded in 1971, GW's Art Therapy Graduate Program is one of the first to receive approval from the American Art Therapy Association.

How to Apply

Students must apply to the graduate portion of the program no later than the spring term of their junior year at GW, and they must have completed 75 undergraduate credits as well as all of their prerequisites at the time of application. Students interested in the dual degree program should confer with their advisor early in their junior year.

Course Requirements

All requirements for both the  Bachelor of Arts in Psychological and Brain Sciences  and the  Master of Arts in Art Therapy  degrees must be fulfilled. 

BA in Psychological and Brain Sciences 

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs .

Program-specific curriculum:

Master of Arts in the Field of Art Therapy

The general requirements stated under  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs .

61 credits including 900 internship hours.

Learn More About the BA in Psychology

Learn More About the MA in Art Therapy

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Oksana Yakushko

Professor of Clinical Psychology Program Director

Joshua DeSilva

Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology Director of Clinical Training Deputy Director

Center Clinic Staff

Faculty and Staff

Professorial Lecturer in Clinical Psychology

Clinic Director

Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology, Director of Clinical Training, and Deputy Director

Adjunct Professor of Clinical Psychology

Emeritus Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology

Clinical Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology

Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology & Past Program Director

Postdoctoral Fellow

Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology

Staff Psychologist - Center Clinic, Adjunct Professor of Clinical Psychology

Assistant Professor of Professional Psychology

Visiting Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology

Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology

Professor of Clinical Psychology, Program Director

 Associated Faculty

• Joseph Gorin
• Carrie Holl
• Pavel Snejevski

Postdoctoral Fellows

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

• Psy.D. Program

The GRE (both general and subject) will be OPTIONAL for applicants applying for Fall 2024 admission. You may still provide GRE scores, but they are not required.

Format : In person on the Statesboro Campus Credit Hours : 114-124 Entry Term : Fall

Course Sequence

The curriculum covers the breadth of scientific psychology; the scientific, methodological, and theoretical foundations of clinical practice; diagnosing or defining problems through psychological assessment; formulating intervention strategies; and understanding diversity and multicultural issues. In the first year, students take didactic courses concurrently with experiential skill-building courses. The psychological assessment sequence is also offered in the first year. In the second year, students begin the Practicum experience. The third and fourth years include practica focused on rural practice (3rd year) and professional development (4th year). Other clinical courses are interspersed among years one through four. You may view the typical course sequence for an individual entering the program with a Bachelor’s degree on the Files and Links page.

Ready to Apply?

Request information, visit campus, or, you can :.

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

The Psy.D program originated from a longstanding and dire need for licensed psychologists in rural, underserved areas of the United States, most specifically in the rural South. The mission is consistent with Georgia Southern University’s commitment to serve the needs of the southeastern region of the country. The program has an ongoing mission to increase awareness of diversity, especially related to rural and underserved populations. The first cohort was accepted in 2007 and the first student graduated in December 2012. The Psy.D. program at Georgia Southern is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association*.

APA Accreditation

The Psy.D. Program at Georgia Southern University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

*Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st St., NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Georgia Southern psychology faculty are dedicated to preparing students for clinical psychology work, focusing especially on clinical practice in rural settings. We work closely with students, give feedback regularly, and pride ourselves on giving students a “small school” experience in a 20,000-student university.

The doctorate program in Clinical Psychology at Georgia Southern University is a full time, day program offering a course of study leading to the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. The program’s curriculum prepares graduates for the practice of Psychology with a special focus on practice in rural areas. Coursework and training prepare students for licensure as psychologists, with an emphasis on educating emerging psychologists for the underserved areas in the state of Georgia and adjacent regions in the Southeast.

The program trains students according to the practitioner-scholar model. Students are taught to become generalists effective in the delivery of psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and psychological consultation services in rural areas. Consistent with the framework of a generalist approach, the curriculum, beginning with foundational courses, strives to create and maintain a dynamic and integrative program, emphasizing behavioral, cognitive, existential, family systems, humanistic, and psychodynamic approaches to service. View the Psy.D. Goals, Objectives, and Competencies, more information about practical training experiences, the clinical qualifying exam, and the dissertation on the Files and Links page.

The program is designed to foster the academic, professional and personal development of each student. This process is aimed at helping students cultivate balance within their personal and professional growth. In addition to academic requirements, students are encouraged to take initiative and responsibility for personal and professional growth through independent readings, interaction with fellow students and faculty, attendance at colloquia, and additional elective research and practica opportunities. Students are encouraged to seek experiences that enhance personal growth and awareness through self-exploration. To this end, all students are required to complete a minimum of 10 sessions of personal psychotherapy (individual, group, or family) with a licensed therapist during their time in the program. The sessions need not be continuous, with the same therapist, nor with the same style of therapy for the entire time. All psychotherapy issues are confidential and not shared with program faculty.

The Psy.D. is a professional degree, and focuses on the development of applied practice skills. Because the program is an integral part of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in a regional university, doctoral students engage in all aspects of scholarly inquiry, including quantitative research and professional membership in state, regional, and national organizations.

The Psy.D. program aspires to provide quality graduate training to students in the field of clinical psychology. The program espouses goals, objectives, and competencies related to the practice of psychology, especially in rural communities. The goals, objectives, and competencies were derived from the program’s faculty, university mission, and community needs of southeastern Georgia, but are influenced by the policies and guidelines put forth by the American Psychological Association (APA). Students are expected to achieve all goals, objectives, and competencies.  Click here for the program’s competencies and discipline-specific knowledge.

Admissions Process

Student selection/admissions criteria.

Given the ongoing demand for doctoral level training in professional psychology and the limited number of students that we will admit per year, admission to the Psy.D. program is expected to be quite competitive. The Psy.D. program enrolls eight students each year.

To earn a Psy.D. at Georgia Southern University, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 114 credits of coursework (a minimum of one year, 12 continuous months of full-time coursework must be done in residency at Georgia Southern), three years of practicum, pass the Clinical Qualifying Examination (written and oral components), complete a dissertation, and complete a 12-month (2000-hour) clinical internship. The dissertation proposal and CQE must be defended before the student may apply for internship. The standard timeline for completion of the Psy.D. is 5 years (including the 12-month internship).

Although academic background, intellectual potential, and professional experience and skills will be key selection criteria, we intend to recruit students who are committed to providing service with predominantly rural and underserved populations. Therefore, students should carefully consider their interest in rural and underserved populations before applying to the program. Applicants will only be considered for admission to the Psy.D. program (i.e., students will not be admitted for a terminal masters degree in clinical psychology).

Undergraduate Prerequisites. To be admitted to the Psy.D. program an applicant need not have an undergraduate degree in psychology. However, the student must have earned a minimum grade of B in the following courses: Psychological Statistics, Research Design, Abnormal Psychology. In addition, students must have taken at least two of the following courses: Personality, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Learning and/or Cognition, Health Psychology, Tests and Measurement, Theories of Psychotherapy, and/or Psychology of Substance Abuse. Additional coursework in psychology and in related disciplines is likely to strengthen a candidate’s application.

Transfer of graduate courses from other institutions. Students may receive credit for graduate courses taken at a regionally accredited institution during the last five years. A maximum of 18 hours of graduate level coursework is allowed. All decisions on exempted courses lie with the Clinical Training Committee, and require any student desiring course transfer to provide documentation (e.g., syllabi, tests, grades) from the previous course.

Credit will not be given for clinical courses, with the exception of Assessment I: Psychometric Theory (PSYC 7231) and Assessment II: Intellectual Assessment (PSYC 7234).

Students wishing to be exempted from these courses must demonstrate proficiency as determined by the clinical committee. Students wishing to transfer these courses must demonstrate proficiency as determined by the Clinical Training Committee. Course equivalencies will be determined on a case by case basis. Any course deficiencies will need to be completed with attention to course sequences and prerequisites before a degree can be awarded.

Part-time Admission. The Psy.D. program is designed to be a full-time program completed in five years. However, we realize some students may desire to do a portion of the program part-time. Students may be admitted to the program with part-time status. The following criteria must be met:

• Students must apply via the same admission procedures as full-time students;
• Students can only begin the program in the Fall semester; and
• Students must be admitted with a minimum of 18 hours of course credit in non-clinical courses (i.e., they must enter the program with the maximum amount of transfer credit).

Once admitted, part-time students must:

• Enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours of coursework each semester;
• Be enrolled in the program every semester, unless a Leave of Absence is granted;
• Enroll in necessary co-requisite courses when they are required;
• Enroll in Foundations of Psychotherapy I, II, and Group Psychotherapy (PSYC 7232, 7433, and 7235) in consecutive semesters;
• Switch to full-time enrollment (minimum 9 credit hours per semester) for at least one full year to meet the residency requirement; and
• Complete the Psy.D. program within the 8-year time limit allowed for all students.

More information regarding admission to the Psy.D program .

Thresa Yancey, Ph.D. (Director of Clinical Training) [email protected] 912-478-5704

• Applications will be evaluated once per year for Fall admissions. The deadline for applications is December 15.
• Applicants will submit an application online .
• An admissions committee, consisting of the clinical psychology faculty, will review and rank order applications based on the student selection/admissions criteria.
• Grade Point Average (GPA): A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.30 is required for consideration. The average undergraduate GPA of successful applicants for the Fall 2023 class was 3.70 (on a 4.0 scale).
• A minimum grade of B in the following undergraduate courses: Psychological Statistics, Research Design, Abnormal Psychology
• Record of having taken at least two of the following courses: Personality, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Learning and/or Cognition, Health Psychology, Tests and Measurement, Theories of Psychotherapy, Psychology of Substance Abuse.
• Three letters of recommendation from former professors or appropriate employers/advisors.
• A written statement of professional goals. Please describe why you want to pursue doctoral training in clinical psychology. Also, describe how Georgia Southern University’s program is a good fit. Finally, please list three (3) Statesboro campus psychology faculty whose research interests are a match to your own. Of these three, please include at least one clinical faculty member and one faculty member who is not clinical.  This statement should be 500 words or less in length.
• A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
• Optional: Submission of a writing sample of past work provides an opportunity to showcase your writing skills, tone, and style. The sample should be no longer than two double-spaced pages. Consider submitting an excerpt or passage from a research paper or writing assignment for class, a manuscript, or other relevant works.
• An interview is required. Interviews for Fall 2024 admission will be held on February 16 & 17, 2024. All interview activities will be via video conferencing or other remote means. Applicants selected for interview will be notified by the program in mid-January.

The PsyD program seeks a diverse applicant pool. We welcome applications from under-represented ethnic minorities, women, applicants with disabilities, first-generation college graduates, and non-traditional students.

• How long is the PsyD program?

The program takes 5 years to complete, minimum. The first 4 years are on campus and the 5th year is the pre-doctoral internship.

• How many students are admitted each year?

The PsyD program enrolls 8 new students each year. We are unable to enroll more than 8 students per year.

• Do I need a Masters degree before attending the PsyD?

No, you can attend the PsyD after earning a BA/BS.

• If I have a Masters degree, do I still need to submit GRE scores? Are there minimum scores required for the GRE? How much do GRE scores count for admission?

We do not have a minimum GRE score, so we review all complete applications regardless of GRE scores. Our average GRE score for those admitted in the past 5 years is available on our website. GRE scores are only one part of the application, and we examine the entire application when making admission decisions. NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties with testing, the GRE (both general and subject) will be OPTIONAL for applicants applying for Fall 2023 admission. You may still provide GRE scores, but you are not required to.

• What days/times are classes held? Are classes in person or online?

The program is a full time day program with all courses meeting in person. Courses are only held on the Statesboro campus. Students in the first year generally have classes 4 or 5 days a week. In the 2nd year, students are in practicum approximately 12 hours per week, with courses and practicum duties varied throughout the week. In the 3rd-4th years, courses are generally in blocks (each course only meets once a week) and are on 2 or 3 days per week, with 2 days per week at the practicum site (16 hours per week). The 5th year is an internship (full time) applied for via APPIC match. 

• Are there Graduate Assistantships (GAs) available for PsyD students?

Yes! There are 4 GAs available in the Psychology Department for incoming students each year. The other incoming students can apply for GAs in various departments on campus. All GAs (regardless of whether they are in the Psychology Department or in other departments) include a stipend and a full tuition waiver (including out of state tuition) in exchange for 20 hours of work per week. Students are still responsible for university fees.

• My GPA is not quite 3.30. Can I still apply?

We cannot consider any application from a student who has less than a 3.30 GPA. For applicants whose undergraduate GPA is less than 3.30, a Masters degree GPA can be used to meet this application criterion (as long as the Masters GPA is 3.30 or higher).

• What types of clinical training experiences are available for students?

Our students have the opportunity to gain clinical experience in a number of settings. We currently have students placed in Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, military base hospitals/outpatient clinics, Regional Centers, inpatient hospital settings, community mental health centers, college counseling centers, and private practices.

• Can I transfer any classes from other graduate programs?

Yes, we do allow for limited transfer credits to apply toward degree requirements. If an applicant is granted admission, they may then petition to transfer the courses below. The decision is made by reviewing course materials. The most recent instructor for the course will review the syllabus, etc. to determine if the course is equivalent to the course here at GS. Only the following courses may be considered for transfer: Psychometric Theory, Intellectual Assessment, Developmental Psychology, Statistics, Research Design, Affective & Cognitive Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Social Psychology, and History & Systems.

• Which faculty are taking new students this year?

In general, any faculty member will be willing to mentor the research of an incoming student. We do not accept students to work in any particular faculty member’s lab or under their direction for research. All students are admitted without regard for specific match to one faculty member’s research interests. That said, all clinical faculty (and many of the experimental faculty) take new students into their labs each year. We have not had a problem with students finding research mentors.

Licensure Information

The Department of Psychology anticipates that Doctoral program graduates in Clinical Psychology may seek state licensure as a Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Registered Psychologist, Psychological Examiner, Licensed Psychologist, Applied Psychologist, or Psychological Assistant. The PsyD program at Georgia Southern University is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

The Department of Psychology has determined that the required classes and educational activities of this program will qualify a graduate to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories: American Samoa Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands require a doctoral degree in the field and a record of taking the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (passing scores vary by jurisdiction). However, the Georgia Southern program does not meet the educational requirements to be licensed in California or Maine, as they require specific coursework. Graduates would need to take additional courses before applying for a license in either California or Maine. Some jurisdictions have other requirements, such as state jurisprudence exams, supervised clinical practice after the doctoral degree is awarded (postdoctoral training), background checks, liability insurance, and reference letters.

Georgia Southern makes every effort to ensure information about educational requirements for licensure or certification is current; however, state requirements may change. Separate from educational requirements, state licensure boards may require applicants to complete professional examinations, background checks, years of professional experience, residence requirements, jurisprudence exams, training, etc. For more information, as well as for a list of applicable state boards, visit the Georgia Southern State Authorization and Professional Licensure Webpage to check the requirements of your state or territory.

Please see the first link below for information for each jurisdiction. In addition, more resources are available at the following websites:

• Licensure Information for Each Jurisdiction
• http://www.asppb.net/?page=BdContactNewPG
• https://www.asppb.net/page/CandHandbook
• https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2004/01/get-licensed.aspx

Files for Most Recent Cohort

• PsyD Program Student Handbook (2023)
• Clinical Qualifying Exams Manual (2023)
• Dissertation Manual (2023-2024)
• Course Sequence (2023)
• Practicum Manual (2023-2024)
• Profession-Wide and Program Competencies and Discipline-Specific Knowledge
• Proposed Timeline
• Presentation/Publication Policy
• Symposium/Professional Development Training Policy
• Program Sanctioned Hours
• Documentation of Personal Therapy Form
• Program Attendance Policy

Files for Previous Cohorts

• PsyD Program Student Handbook (2022)
• Dissertation Manual (2022-2023)
• Course Sequence (2022)
• Practicum Manual (2022-2023)
• Program Sanctioned Hours (2022)
• PsyD Program Student Handbook (2021)
• Clinical Qualifying Exams Manual (2021)
• Dissertation Manual (2021-2022)
• Course Sequence (2021)
• Practicum Manual (2019)
• Proposed Timeline (2021)
• Presentation/Publication Policy (2021)
• Symposium/Professional Development Training Policy (2021)
• Program Sanctioned Hours (2021)
• Documentation of Personal Therapy Form (2021)
• Clinical Qualifying Exams Manual (2020)
• Student Handbook (2019)
• Clinical Qualifying Exams Manual (2019)

Apply to Graduate School Instructions Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Guidelines and Checklist Institutional Review Board – Research Compliance Degree Forms Graduation Checklist (COGS) College Affordability Guide

Last updated: 5/22/2023

• B.S. in Psychology
• M.S. in Psychology, Behavior Analysis
• M.S. in Experimental Psychology
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Department of Psychology

Statesboro Campus: Brannen Hall, 1010 P. O. Box 8041 Statesboro, GA 30460-8041 Phone: 912-478-5539 Fax: 912-478-0751 Email: [email protected]

Armstrong Campus: Science Center, 201 Savannah, GA 31419 Phone: 912-344-2762 Email:  [email protected]

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• School of Graduate Studies
• Master's Programs
• School Psychology

School Psychology - Master of Science in Education

Empowering Students, Inspiring Educators, Transforming Schools.

The master's program in School Psychology will prepare you to apply the principles of empirical science and culturally responsive practice to the problem-solving process. Our program stresses the need for school psychologists to operate through a social justice lens, addressing systemic inequities by advocating for all children. You will gain the tools and training needed to support children’s academic skills, mental and behavioral health, and social-emotional learning.

Why UW-Whitewater?

• Small, close-knit cohorts
• Training School Psychologists since 1974
• Affordable tuition
• Dedicated faculty and staff

MSE - School Psychology

The MSE in School Psychology is a 32-credit program. This program can be started in the summer or fall terms. Full-time students can finish in as little as three semesters.

For a comprehensive overview of the program structure and required courses, please refer to the   Graduate Catalog . 

State-specific Professional Licensure information for this program can be found on the university's Institutional Research & Planning website.

To qualify for admission students must demonstrate, at a minimum, 12-credits of undergraduate or graduate coursework in psychology which include study in the three areas of child/adolescent psychology or lifespan development, abnormal psychology or psychopathology, and statistics, overall undergraduate grade point average of at least a 3.00, and meet graduate admission criteria .

The application deadline for the School Psychology program is January 15th. The next application cycle opens on March 16th. All deadlines are subject to change without notice. Accurate admission deadlines can be found on the graduate admission deadlines website . Following the January 15 deadline, the School Psychology Admissions Committee will review packets and inform all applicants as to their admission status by email.

Additional requirements for admission to the MSE School Psychology program:

• Upload an autobiographical statement. In this statement, discuss why you have chosen to pursue the field of school psychology. This statement should provide the admissions committee with a strong sample of your ability to express yourself in writing and clearly articulate your goals in pursuing the profession of school psychology.
• Provide contact information (name, organization, position/title, relationship, telephone and email address) for three (3) individuals that are knowledgeable about your potential to do graduate-level coursework.
• Complete a background check through ViewPoint.  Instructions can be found  here . 

All requirements can be submitted during the application process.

If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please  email us to determine if you could be admitted on a contingent basis.

International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  Contact us  for information and assistance.

This program at UW-Whitewater is a superior value at $585.74 USD per credit as a resident and $1,200.20 USD per credit as a non-resident for the 2024-25 academic year. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.

Financial aid

Students completing a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out if you qualify, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try [email protected] or 262-472-1130.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers an excellent opportunity for students to follow our three-year, full-time course sequence leading to state licensure and national certification as a school psychologist with completion of all requirements. The first year satisfies the requirements for the MSE program, the second and third years satisfy the Education Specalist  degree requirements through practicums and internship.

Interested in getting your Ed.S degree? Check out our Education Specalist degree program.

Interested in taking a tour of UW-Whitewater campus? You can visit in person or virtually. Visit our tours website to select your option.

Like to learn more about degree options through UW-Whitewater School of Graduate Studies? There are a few ways you can get the information you need. Visit our information sessions website to select a virtual information session related to the program you are interested in. You can also fill out a  request for information to connect with an advisor who can discuss your goals and help guide you to the right program to pursue your dreams.

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