Marywood University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational coursework, advanced clinical training, and a sustained research sequence leading to a doctoral dissertation. Core coursework typically covers psychopathology and diagnosis, evidence-based psychotherapies, psychological assessment, ethical and professional issues, multicultural competence, lifespan development, and psychopharmacology in an applied context.

Research and quantitative skills are developed through classes in research design, advanced statistics, psychometrics and methods for clinical research, alongside a mentored research apprenticeship with faculty. Practicum experiences are integrated throughout the programme, with progressively advanced supervised clinical work in individual, group and family modalities in both campus-based and community settings.

Students also complete qualifying or comprehensive examinations, a clinical competency assessment, a pre-doctoral internship placement (or equivalent supervised field placement), and an original doctoral dissertation that contributes to applied psychological knowledge.

• Typical modules: Psychopathology and Diagnosis; Assessment and Personality Measurement; Theories and Techniques of Psychotherapy; Research Methods and Statistics; Multicultural and Community Psychology; Advanced Clinical Interventions; Ethics and Professional Practice; Dissertation Seminar.
• Clinical training: sequential practicum placements, supervised assessment clinics, group therapy training, and a culminating pre-doctoral internship.
• Research: faculty-supervised projects, peer presentation opportunities, and dissertation research aimed at publishable outcomes.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master's degree or equivalent in psychology or a closely related field, with a record of strong academic performance. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a personal statement outlining professional goals and research interests, and three professional or academic references.

Relevant clinical experience or practicum hours strengthen an application. Some candidates may be considered with a strong bachelor’s degree plus substantial graduate coursework or clinical experience. Applicants should be prepared to take part in an interview and may be asked to submit a writing sample. Admission is competitive and prospective students should check current programme-specific requirements with the university.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers as licensed psychologists in clinical and counselling settings, researchers, and faculty in higher education. Common employment settings include community mental health centres, hospitals and medical settings, private practice, university counselling and research centres, schools and educational services, forensic and correctional facilities, and health care organisations.

Doctoral graduates are prepared for roles such as clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, clinical supervisor, behavioural health director, researcher, and university lecturer. The programme’s emphasis on practicum, internship and dissertation research also supports careers in applied research, programme evaluation, and leadership positions in mental health services. Candidates seeking licensure should verify state or national licensing requirements and ensure their training meets those standards.

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood offers a student-centred learning environment with small cohorts and close faculty mentorship, enabling individualized supervision for clinical training and research. The university’s location provides access to a range of practicum and community partnerships in the surrounding region, so students gain experience with diverse client populations across age groups and settings.

The programme emphasises ethical practice, cultural competence and an integrative scientist–practitioner approach that balances clinical skill development with rigorous research. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across departments, opportunities for professional development, and institutional support for conference presentation and publication activities. Prospective students should contact the programme office to discuss fit, faculty research areas and practicum placement options.