APA Accredited
100% Match Rate Among 4th Year Interns – 2016-2018
Over 95% of Our Graduates Are Employed in a Health Service Psychology Position
Complex human problems don't have to go unresolved. By understanding and applying the science of psychology, you can promote resilience and strength.The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, offered on campus, will equip you with clincial skills — practical application of theory and therapeutic techniques — to assess and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. This terminal degree prepares you for state licensure as a clinical psychologist. You'll also prepare for national internships.
This versatile degree positions you for tremendous societal impact and earning potential.
Integrate a Christian worldview and cultural understandings in evidence-based clinical practice and research.
Work closely with respected psychology faculty and clinical supervisors committed to developing you as a clinician and professional.
Presented with Christian Psy.D. program perspectives on campus in Virginia Beach, this program can be completed in four years, followed by a one-year approved internship.
Completely On Campus
Combined Master's-Doctoral Program
Preparation for State Licensure
Through this doctorate in clinical psychology degree, you will:
Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data
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Familiarizes the student with field of professional psychology, including its history. Provides a graduate survey of the development of various training models for professional psychology, ethical issues, licensing laws and specialties within clinical psychology. Attention to the application of scientific thinking and research to clinical issues. Provides a survey of diverse approaches to integration of faith and psychology.
A survey of evidence based procedures for the assessment and treatment of child psychopathology including such disorders as AD/HD and Autism. The course also introduces the student to the field of pediatric psychology with its emphasis on the treatment of children in health settings.
Learn how to critically evaluate and use research designs such as experimental, quasi-experimental and passive-observational designs. Explores other pertinent issues such as sampling, meta-analysis techniques, ethics of research and qualitative research strategies. Present critiques of published research papers. Prerequisite or concurrent: PSY 714.
Covers training in basic listening skills related to the establishment and maintenance of a therapeutic relationship. Client-centered techniques and interventions are presented to provide a foundational basis for the building of rapport and of a therapeutic alliance.
This pre-practica training course utilizes observation and skill rehearsal to teach students evidence based practice. Students spend time observing psychotherapy and assessment cases, evaluating exemplar video production cases of psychotherapy treatment, and developing assessment and intervention skills. Prerequisites: PSY 621, PSY 638, and PSY 725.
Introduction to the major personality and psychotherapeutic theories that undergird current therapy practice. Summarizes and evaluates various psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, cognitive and family systems theories.
Focused survey of two psychotherapy orientations: cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy and behavioral therapy. Learn how to conceptualize a clinical case from each perspective, formulate theoretically consistent treatment goals and move the treatment through each of the phases of therapy using interventions from the approach. Provides an example of an empirically supported treatment protocol utilizing each therapeutic orientation. Presented in a modular fashion, divided into distinct segments focusing on each approach.
Intensive introduction to the basic concepts, techniques and strategies associated with psycho-dynamic therapies. Provides an overview of objective relations therapy to enrich appreciation of psycho-analysis. Devoted to the presentation of single cases. Prerequisite: PSY 627.
In-depth examination of substances that are abused in society. Considers characteristics, physical and psychological components, spiritual aspects, treatment options and prevention.
Examination of abnormal behavior as defined by DSM. Includes an introduction to the etiology, diagnosis, treatment and spiritual dimension of these disorders. Designed to develop clinical skills in the use of the DSM.
Examine etiological factors, diagnostic assessment and treatment issues regarding Axis II pathology, trauma-based disorders and dual diagnosis conditions. Emphasizes an examination of how current research influences the development of theory in psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSY 638.
Study of the processes of human growth and developing patterns of behavior throughout the life span. Particular emphasis on the physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth of the individual.
Familiarizes systemic and developmental theories of the family, various family therapy models and the application of theories and models to clinical cases. Emphasizes application of theory to emerging issues in family therapy (e.g., multiculturalism, gender, special populations). Facilitates awareness of your own family experiences and the impact of those experiences on your professional work.
Issues in human sexuality across the life span. Considers assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction, as well as sexuality and Scripture. Prerequisite: PSY 640. Cross-listed with COUN 556.
Conceptual and practical overview of group therapy. Consideration of relevant ethical and diversity matters; and to facilitate self-awareness and an experiential understanding of group process through group participation.
Learning goals include: how to structure a business plan, marketing techniques, staffing, budgeting, time management and managed care issues.
In-depth concepts of ethical, legal, moral and spiritual issues in therapy. Case studies often form a basis for discussion. Explores the APA ethics standards.
Introduces community psychology’s contribution to assessment, prevention, intervention and evaluation. Emphasizes major concepts in the field that address preventative and promotive strategies targeting underserved populations. Highlights paradigmatic distinctions from traditional clinical practices and community mental health systems of service delivery to expand the vision of Christian mental health professionals.
Didactic and experiential course to expand personal and professional relationship competencies in working with people in our contemporary, pluralistic society. Explores religion as an aspect of diversity.
Intensive coverage of current topics in the clinical psychology field with emphasis on the appropriate research methodology and design. Evaluates the philosophy and ethics of scientific research. Determine research for doctoral project and to develop a concept paper around the particular topic. Pass/No Pass.
Credits given for conducting research under the direction of a dissertation committee. Content of the study can be an empirical study, case study or other suitable professional activity/product. Register for three consecutive terms, at 3 credits per term. Prerequisite: PSY 718. Pass/No Pass.
Statistical methods and application to psychological research. Surveys the collection, organization and analysis of data utilizing hypothesis testing by either parametric or nonparametric techniques. Evaluates various frequency distributions and measures of central tendency. Emphasizes the application of correlational and factor analysis techniques.
Technology requirements: Students need to have access to a laptop computer that can install SPSS program for their Statistics (PSY714) and Research Design (PSY617) courses. Students can rent or purchase the SPSS program. Note that SPSS cannot be installed on a tablet, Chromebook, or similar device. Classroom assignments and exams will utilize SPSS within the class. More information about the SPSS program and system requirements can be found at: https://www.ibm.com/us-en/marketplace/spss-statistics-gradpack
Structure and function of the central nervous system is integrated with common neurological disorders such as closed head injury, Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Explores seminal work done by early physiological psychologists.
Topics include animal and human emotions and their interface with biology and social and cultural variation. Specific cognitive activities including attention and perception, consciousness, thinking and reasoning, memory and speech and languages are evaluated within a motivational framework.
Overview of the major theories, issues, data and research methodologies of social psychology. Cover a broad survey of primary research writings in the field.
Develop a proposal for a doctoral project with supervision by a faculty member. Prepare internship application materials and explore the future internship as a professional developmental stage. Prerequisite: PSY 700. Pass/No Pass.
Traces the emergence of psychology as an independent discipline from its roots in philosophy, theology and the natural sciences.
Introduces the diverse area of intelligence testing, with particular emphasis on multicultural dimensions of the topic. Administer, score and evaluate the findings of standard intelligence and achievement tests. Primary emphasis on current versions of the Wechsler scales. Examine brief IQ tests and brief neuropsychiatric screening instruments. Use your experiences with each of the above tests to explore the critical area of psychometrics found in all psychological testing.
Covers standard objective and performance based tests of personality and psychopathology. Tests covered include the current versions of the MMPI, PAI, MCMI, Rorschach (introductory material only), TAT, and other projective techniques. Learn to integrate findings into a comprehensive, domain focused testing report.
Survey of advanced topics in cognitive, psychoemotional and personality assessment. Trains to interpret a variety of testing protocols and process data for complex areas of assessment such as: differentiation of learning disabilities, detection of malingering, evaluation of comorbidities and assessment of individuals with various types of sensory deficits. Pass/No Pass.
Introduction to psychodiagnostic assessment and treatment planning. Covers a variety of related topics including: diagnostic interviewing/decision making, case conceptualization, mental status exams, standards of practice, establishing appropriate treatment plans and using manualized treatment protocols. Reviews methods of note-taking and report-writing.
Supervised clinical practicum experience in an appropriate work environment for six terms. Learn how to integrate your Christian worldview and practice with the theory and practice of psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 622. Pass/No Pass.
Incorporates advanced clinical experiences designed, arranged, implemented and conducted by doctoral students under faculty supervision. Prerequisites: PSY 733-738. Pass/No Pass.
Designed to provide students with an opportunity to integrate concepts of missions/ministry and clinical psychology. Students will participate in a short-term missions trip and provide assessment, psychoeducation, and psychotherapy services on site under the supervision of a mental health professional. The focus will be on learning how to apply clinical skills in a practical and culturally sensitive manner.
Incorporates advanced clinical experiences designed, arranged, implemented and conducted by doctoral students under faculty supervision. Prerequisites: PSY 733-738 and PSY 763. Pass/No Pass.
Theories of marital relationships, various models for working with couples and the application of theories and models to clinical cases. Emphasis on application of theory to emerging issues in marital therapy (e.g., multiculturalism, gender, special populations).
Emphasizes an integration of assessment and therapeutic theory and technique through ongoing couple and family simulations. Emphasizes supervision skills in family and couples’ treatment. Prerequisite: PSY 647.
Seminar-type course that explores issues pertinent to women in therapy. Uses a holistic approach to determine the needs of and strategies for counseling women with a focus on the Christian woman. Course offered online only.
Study of the processes of adult development and aging with a focus toward clinical applications. Explores physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of adult development and aging.
Introduction to empirically-supported and evidence-based psychodynamic therapy. Permission of instructor. Prerequisite: PSY 628.
In-depth study of empirically-supported and evidence-based psychodynamic therapy; emphasis on case conceptualizations. Prerequisites: PSY 628 and 752.
Empirically-supported and evidence-based psychodynamic therapy focused on the termination of long-term treatments. Prerequisites: PSY 628, 752 and 753.
Focuses on the development of interpersonal competency through the small, face-to-face group interaction and in the experiential mode. Opportunity for presentations and analysis of significant issues. Requirements: must be presently facilitating a therapy group. Prerequisite: PSY 654.
Develops basic considerations concerning the problem of assessment in neuropsychology. Assesses disturbances in memory, language, constructional abilities, movements, attention and concept formation and forensic issues. Reviews major neuropsychological batteries.
Explores the major models of supervision. Discussion of ethical issues, as well as typical dilemmas for the practicing supervisor. Evaluates consultations with other professionals and organizations. Provides peer supervision and completion of a consultation project.
Covers basic principles and concepts of forensic psychology. Emphasis given to legal process when danger and competence are at issue. Emphasizes critical review of pertinent literature.
Introduction to psychotropic drugs and their neurochemical bases, model of action and clinical application. Discusses principles of use and current status of psychopharmacology.
This is a didactic and practical course designed to provide the student with an overview of the theoretical and research knowledge base regarding the pertinent areas of trauma, trauma therapy, disaster mental health and crisis intervention. Additionally, the student will learn the essential components of stress prevention and resiliency programs. A special emphasis will be placed on trauma, crisis response, crisis intervention, stress management and trauma therapy as it relates to emergency service personnel: Fire, EMS and law enforcement. Students will learn about emergency service workers helping seeking behaviors and the common barriers psychologists encounter when working with this population. Pass/No Pass.
Covers the settings in which health psychology and integrated medicine are practiced, and health promotion and epidemiology. Introduces the relationship between psychological factors and medical illnesses, stress management and coping strategies and methods of consultation in health settings.
Analyzes and evaluates the contributions of psychology to the understanding of religious experience. Surveys the theory and research of the field of psychology of religion, and reviews the spectrum of major world religions. Cross-listed with GPSY 552.
Overview of several key aspects of the Christian faith that are highly pertinent to the task of integration. Pursues a broad survey of Christianity that is trans-sectarian but evangelical in perspective. Provides a panoramic survey of the Bible, church history, theology and Christian movements, and a more focused discussion of the statement of faith ascribed to by Regent University faculty and staff. Two broad themes underlie the course: 1) providing an apologetic understanding of Christianity; and 2) facilitating a Christian understanding of human nature that can inform psychology. Cross-listed with HSC 577 and PAC 577.
Applied formational approach to the Christian faith via the developing traditions of spiritual direction and the classic spiritual disciplines, and how the synthesis of spiritual direction and disciplines may be integrated into therapeutic processes. Pass/No Pass.
Examines clinical integration within a Christian worldview and explores examples of applied integrative theory and practice in assessment and treatment.
Intensive seminar that provides a culminating review of the student’s developing strategies, experiences and understandings related to the integration of Christianity and psychology. Occurs during the last term of coursework prior to the internship. Pass/No Pass.
For those who participate in a faculty member’s research team. Actively contribute to faculty research projects in a manner negotiated with a specific faculty member. Wide ranges of research activities are possible, such as: literature reviews, development of questionnaires, data collection, statistical analysis, writing and presentation. Prerequisite: Instructor approval. (Note: Only a total of three credits from this sequence may count towards satisfaction of the elective requirement.) Pass/No Pass.
Two thousand hours of supervised psychological activities in an APA-approved internship. Prerequisite: permission of clinical training director. Pass/No Pass.
In this exploding age of information, it is the objective of the library faculty to prepare graduates to be on the cutting edge of information technology. Information literacy is the ability to effectively access information for problem solving and decision-making; thus, the knowledge and abilities you glean from this course will open doors to lifelong learning. It is imperative for graduate study research. Since the information learned in this course is a vital foundation for all other coursework, its completion is required within the first semester of study. The course takes approximately ten hours to complete.
Application Deadline:
Fall:
Interview Dates for Fall 2019 Admission:
Prerequisites:
Psy.D. applicants must:
Admissions Process:
Step 1: Application
Submit your application using our Regent University Online Application.
Step 2: Application Fee
Pay the non-refundable $50 application fee online during the application process via our Miscellaneous Payments Form or by check or money order mailed to Regent University, Enrollment Support Services, 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.
Step 3: Complete Your Academic Background Questionnaire
In lieu of the previously required personal goal statement, please complete a brief admissions questionnaire based on your professional goals and interests. This should only take a few minutes to complete but please answer the questions completely and thoughtfully. This enables you to demonstrate your interest in clinical psychology with a particular emphasis on practice. The admissions questionnaire can be found here. Once completed, it will be sent directly to an enrollment counselor who will be in touch with you right away to help complete the rest of your application.
Step 4: Resume or CV
Submit a resume or curriculum vita. Please email to your admissions counselor at apply@regent.edu using the subject line: SPC Doctoral Application Pieces.
Step 5: Unofficial Transcripts
We are able to examine and view your unofficial transcripts from U.S.-based schools, which indicate successful completion of bachelor's and master's degree programs, in order to review you for an admissions decision. Please submit your unofficial transcript to our Admissions Office by email to transcripts@regent.edu using the subject line: SPC Doctoral Application Pieces.
Non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by an NACES-approved company. For further details, please review the International Admissions Checklist on the International Students Admissions page.
International Applicants: Please visit the International Students Admissions page for a more detailed explanation of the Regent University application information and to determine whether or not you qualify as an international student.
Step 6: GRE Scores
Submit official GRE scores. The GRE requirement cannot be waived. The School of Psychology & Counseling does not require the Psychology Subject Test. The writing portion of the general test is used for placement purposes. A score of 3.5 or above will exempt admitted students from having to complete the university writing course. Average GRE of admitted students: 156 Verbal and 151 Quantitative (revised score scale). These are averages based on the scores of enrolled students over the last three years.
Historically, the Psy.D. program has admitted students with GRE scores ranging from 141-164 Quantitative and 150-170 Verbal using a number of academic, experiential and interpersonal factors to determine admissibility.
For more information about the GRE you can contact:
GRE: Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ 08541, 609-771-7670 / 866-473-4373, www.ets.org/gre/
Step 7: Recommendation Letters
Use the Recommendation Request Form to submit all three recommendations below. These recommendations may not be completed by family members. Recommendations received from family members will be rejected and the applicant will be required to submit a new recommendation request for a non-family member.
Step 8: Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Simply scan and upload a copy of your driver's license, high school ID, passport, permanent resident card or official government ID card, using our secure and convenient online tool. If you would prefer to take a picture of your government-issued ID and email that to our office, please attach your ID and email to apply@regent.edu with the subject line: Government ID.
Step 9: Interview
Interviews for the Psy.D. program are by invitation only after review of the completed application. Interviews include both a group interview and a personal interview with our faculty. These interviews will take place in person on our campus in Virginia Beach on designated dates, usually in February. Participation in this interview process is expected, and applicants will bear any travel expenses. Additional details will be provided to those invited for an interview.
Applicants invited to the interview should keep in mind that an interview does not assure admission. We use a "whole person" review philosophy in making admissions decisions. No one area, either strength or weakness, is something that would cause an applicant to be admitted or denied. However, applicants should know that those with lower than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or 152 GRE-Verbal score or 144 GRE-Quantitative would be unlikely to be admitted into the program without some very unusual demonstration of abilities to compensate.
International student applicants should allow at least 4-6 weeks for an admission decision to be made once the applicant has submitted all required documents to the appropriate offices and has followed all processes and procedures required for an admission decision.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4498 or psycounadmissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
Tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year is:
Degree Level / Program | Cost Per Credit Hour |
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology | $850 per credit (In-state & Out-of-state) |
Student Fees Per Semester
University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $700 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
Psy.D Specific Scholarships
The School of Psychology & Counseling offers a variety of Psy.D. specific scholarships: Academic Merit Scholarship, Teaching Assistantships, Minority Student Merit Scholarship, First Generation Merit Scholarship and Christian Leadership Scholarship.
Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) - FAQ
1. What is a Psy.D?
The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree is designed to be responsive to society's need for psychologists functioning in a variety of leadership roles. The program promotes well-being, and the alleviation of suffering from the unique professional and scientific identity of clinical psychology. The mission of the Regent Psy.D. program strives to:
The Psy.D. program combines scholarship with intensive practitioner training that prepares graduates to provide scientifically informed servant leadership in their communities of practice. The program is a five-year, full-time course of study consisting of 124 semester hours beyond the bachelor's degree and culminates in a 2,000-hour internship and dissertation project. Students entering at the master's level may be able to complete the coursework in three years with an additional year of internship for a total of four years. The Psy.D. is designed to provide students with a broad training in psychological practice. Students also have opportunities to pursue elective concentrations in specialty areas such as clinical child psychology, marriage and family therapy, health psychology, forensic psychology and consulting psychology. The program has an integrative approach: integration of clinical work and coursework, integration of faith and practice, and integration of multicultural, ethical and diversity issues in both didactics and practice.
Admission into the Psy.D. program is limited to fall semester, due to carefully planned fixed-course progression and clinical training sequence.
As an APA-accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology, Regent's Psy.D. is designed to fulfill the typical training program requirements for licensure as a psychologist in various U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions.
2. Do I need to have a master's degree to be a good candidate for the Psy.D. program?
Actually, most of the students enrolled in the Psy.D. program do not hold graduate degrees. The admission requirement is a completed four-year bachelor's degree from a post-secondary institution with state and regional accreditation.
3. If I have an M.A. in Counseling, may I skip some the coursework and shorten the program?
While a student with a master's in a mental health field (i.e., clinical or counseling psychology, counseling, social work) may generally be able to get the equivalent of about one year of credits waived, we discourage shortening the duration of the program. For instance, the clinical training sequence is required for all students regardless of prior training. That sequence is set up over five years and to shorten the program requires third and fourth-year clinical training activities be done concurrently, which is not ideal. A better option is for students to take the five years to complete the program, but to take lighter semesters or pursue more elective work. This will enhance their training experience. All students not already holding a master's degree in clinical psychology, earn the master's as part of their doctoral training sequence. The other issue to remember is that if your master's is not in clinical psychology, your training at Regent will be also aimed at helping you reorient to a clinical psychology perspective on courses that you have already completed in a related discipline.
4. May I transfer credits from a master's program into the Psy.D. degree?
You may transfer up to 25 percent of our program's credit hours as long as the credits have not been used to complete a degree and are similar at least 75 percent with our courses.
Some courses from a completed degree can be used to waive certain courses in our program. Courses that are not transferable or that cannot be waived would be any type of clinically-focused course (e.g., practicum, therapeutic skills, etc.), and some required program didactic courses.
5. Is the GRE required if I already have a master's degree or am enrolled in a master's program?
Yes, we cannot waive the GRE requirement under any circumstances for our doctoral programs.
6. Am I eligible to receive a nested Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology?
Students who have completed 64 credit hours toward the Psy.D. and the full PSY 733-735 Practica course series are eligible to receive a nested Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. Students must complete and submit the Graduation Application found on the Registrar’s Office web page and pay the appropriate graduation fee in order to obtain the degree. Application for the M.A. is required as a condition of doctoral candidacy unless a student petitions for exemption based on having already obtained an M.A. in Clinical or Professional Psychology elsewhere.
7. Am I required to attend full time, or may I go at my own pace?
The program is set up in a cohort model and requires that you attend full time in a fixed-course progression. During the fall and spring terms, the course load is 12 credit hours; and in the summer term, the course load is nine credit hours. Therefore, you would be enrolled in classes year-round for four years with a full-time internship the final year.
8. How many hours do you recommend a Psy.D. student work per week?
Due to the number of hours you will be spending in and out of class studying, we suggest you work no more than 20 hours per week. There are a number of part-time graduate assistant positions available every semester at Regent that allow for flexible schedules.
9. I didn't major in psychology at the undergraduate level, so what do I need to do to make up for this?
Admissions requires 18 credit hours in undergraduate psychology, so you would need to make up any credit hours that fall short of that.
10. Are there any technology requirements?
Students need to have access to a laptop computer that can install SPSS program for their Statistics (PSY714) and Research Design (PSY617) courses. Students can rent or purchase the SPSS program. Note that SPSS cannot be installed on a tablet, Chromebook, or similar device. Classroom assignments and exams will utilize SPSS within the class. More information about the SPSS program and system requirements can be found at: https://www.ibm.com/us-en/marketplace/spss-statistics-gradpack
11. How many applicants do you have each year and how many are admitted?
Annually, we admit and enroll 23 students into the new cohort from a group of about 100 applications.
12. What is the average age of the students?
The average age is 26.
13. What is the path for licensure for graduates from your program?
Licensure is different in each state. However, the general standard for licensure is completion of a doctorate, including the full-time, fifth-year internship, a year of residency, and state and national licensure exams, which are taken after graduating with the doctorate. Residency can vary widely in different states. Students should examine the requirements for licensure in the state or states where they would like to practice in the future.
14. What types of clinical or practica training experiences do students gain in your program?
The clinical training sequence is a planned course of study incorporating instructive and supervised experiential training. The first two years of training occur on campus often in our Psychological Services Center. During the third and fourth year, students are typically placed off campus in a community setting. Practica training is facilitated by intensive supervision provided at training sites combined with secondary practica seminars instructed by Regent faculty. Because of the practitioner-scholar model adopted by the doctoral program, a substantial amount of the student's time will be spent applying/refining psychological knowledge and skills in clinical contexts.
15. What are some of the career options for graduates of your program?
Typically, clinical psychologists work in one of five settings after graduation: colleges and universities as professors; mental health centers as administrators, conducting assessment, diagnosis and treatment (psychotherapy); medical hospitals as consultants or liaisons to medical professionals, as well as performing similar duties to those at mental health centers; psychiatric hospitals; private practice. A survey conducted by Norcross, Krag and Prochaska (1997) found that 15 percent of clinical psychologists were employed in academic settings, 30 percent in hospitals or clinics, and 40 percent in private practice.
The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Psychological Association (APA). Contact the APA at Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242 or 202.336.5979.