Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, supervised clinical practica, a substantial research component and a doctoral dissertation. Core areas of study typically include advanced psychopathology, psychological assessment and diagnosis, evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions across theoretical orientations, developmental and lifespan perspectives, multicultural and diversity issues in practice, professional ethics and legal issues, and advanced research methods and statistics.

• Research and methods: multivariate statistics, experimental and clinical research design, psychometrics and program evaluation.
• Clinical skills: individual and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, integrative treatment planning and case formulation.
• Assessment: cognitive and objective personality assessment, neuropsychological screening, diagnostic interviewing and report writing.
• Practicum and internship: progressively supervised clinical placements in the university clinic and community agencies culminating in an advanced pre‑doctoral internship placement.
• Dissertation: original empirical research demonstrating the candidate's capacity to contribute to the field.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a master's degree in psychology or a closely related field, or hold equivalent coursework and experience demonstrating readiness for doctoral study. Typical admissions documentation includes official transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a personal statement describing research and clinical interests, at least three letters of recommendation (preferably including academic/research references), and a sample of academic or clinical writing.

• Strong academic record at the graduate level and evidence of research potential or clinical experience.
• Relevant practicum or applied experience is desirable; supervised clinical hours strengthen an application.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency as required by the university.
• Some applicants may be invited for an interview with faculty as part of the assessment process.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme pursue careers as licensed psychologists in clinical, counselling and health care settings, as well as roles in academic research and university teaching. Typical career pathways include clinical practice in hospitals, community mental health centres, private practice and specialised treatment programmes; positions in school and organisational settings; postdoctoral fellowships in clinical or research specialisms; and faculty appointments or research director roles in academic and healthcare institutions.

The programme's emphasis on research methods and clinical training also equips graduates for roles in program evaluation, policy development, and leadership positions in public and private mental health organisations. Many graduates continue to complete the supervised hours and examinations required for state licensure as psychologists.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers personalised mentorship within relatively small doctoral cohorts, providing close faculty supervision for both clinical training and research. The university supports applied learning through its on‑campus psychological services clinic and established partnerships with community agencies and hospitals, facilitating diverse practicum and internship placements. Faculty members bring a range of clinical and research expertise, allowing students to develop specialised interests while gaining solid grounding in the scientist–practitioner model.

Additionally, the university's locations provide access to a broad network of clinical training sites and collaborative research opportunities. The programme is designed to balance rigorous empirical training with practical clinical experience, preparing graduates to meet the professional expectations of contemporary mental health practice and academia.