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Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
Classes Start January 11th
Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future.
$50 application fee (waived w/promo FALL20).
Clinical Psychology Program Highlights
Prepare to Pursue Licensure
Your program offers a licensure team to help support you and offer expertise during your licensure process.
84% of doctoral alumni found that their Capella education was designed around working professionals.
Alumni Outcome Survey, 2019-2020.
Support From an Experienced Team
A unique support team surrounds you: licensure experts, advisors, teaching assistants—to keep you on the path of success to graduation.
Blend of In-Person and Online Experiences
A mix of coursework, face-to-face residencies, clinical practicum, internships, and research, complements online learning to help prepare you for real-world clinical settings.
Professional and Credible
Our program is designed around the core goals, objectives, and competencies that define the practice of professional psychology.
Engaging Online Learning
Access your online learning environment anytime, anywhere, with any device, and set your own schedule while meeting deadlines.
Meet Our PsyD Faculty
Our distinguished faculty members hold top credentials in their fields. They’re here to teach you critical knowledge and skills to help enrich your education and career by bringing real-world relevance to the courseroom.
Get the Support You Need for Success
Our dedicated support teams guide and advise you through every step of your educational journey. Here are some of the people you’ll work with:
Enrollment counselors
These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program, and answer all your questions about Capella.
Doctoral advising
Doctoral programs are specific and challenging. That’s why you’ll have access to expert support at every step along the road to your degree.
Career center
For this team, it’s more than resumes and interview tips. It’s about thoughtful and strategic career planning—beyond graduation.
Cost & learning format
Online education isn’t one-size-fits-all. We know you’re busy—you need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however you learn.
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$540 per credit,
145 total quarter credits,
15 max transfer credits
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
Employer & association discounts
If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount.
10% military discount
If you're an active-duty military service member, spouse, or veteran, discounts may be available.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
Understanding professional licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Clinical Psychology Sample Courses
Capella's PsyD in Clinical Psychology combines online coursework with face-to-face residencies, comprehensive clinical training and examinations, in-person fieldwork, and a dissertation.
Support to Reach the Finish Line
Our doctoral curriculum is designed to give you dedicated support early in your program—so you can be confident in the steps to completing your degree.
Dissertation mentors
During your dissertation, you’ll be matched with an experienced mentor who will help you stay on track to completing your degree.
Doctoral Advising
A doctoral degree takes special effort. It's why we offer expert support at every step to keep you moving forward toward your goal.
| PSY8220 * |
Advanced Psychopathology
In this course, learners examine theory and research associated with major psychological disorders, from the most common diagnostic concerns to dual diagnoses, comorbidity, and psycho-medical issues. Learners examine the concepts of psychopathology throughout the lifespan, then transition from studying DSM-5 concepts and terminology to evaluating clinical assessment and treatment situations. In particular, learners familiarize themselves with ways to apply theoretical concepts in a professional clinical setting while displaying sensitivity to ethical and diversity issues. Other course topics include the issues of “empirically validated” versus “evidence based” practice, the interaction of social and biological factors in etiology and treatment, and the interaction between complex Axis I and II disorders. For PsyD, MS Clinical Psychology, and MS Counseling Psychology learners only. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD Clinical Psychology learners. Prerequisite(s): PSY6210. Learners in the PsyD in School Psychology degree program are exempt from this prerequisite. |
5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY8240 * |
Advanced Psychological Testing
Learners in this course build upon competencies in assessing intelligence, achievement, and adaptive functioning, and integrate these with assessments of personality and psychopathology. Learners apply theories of personality and models of psychopathology assessment, and focus on the administration, scoring, and interpretation of the MMPI2. Learners further deepen and broaden their skills in interpreting the WAIS-IV and in selecting appropriate assessments to create integrated reports. Learners synthesize information gathered from clinical interviews with assessments of intelligence, achievement, and psychopathology to formulate diagnoses and treatment plans. Throughout the course, learners examine complex issues of diversity and ethics in psychological testing and personality assessment. Test kits are required and are available for loan at psytestkits@capella. edu. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD Clinical Psychology learners. Prerequisite(s): PSY7610, PSY8230. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY8310 |
Theories of Psychotherapy
Learners in this course critically analyze the clinical techniques and intervention methods associated with major psychotherapy approaches. Learners examine the historical context, underlying assumptions, and appropriate applications of each approach and investigate current research associated with the therapeutic effectiveness of psychotherapy. Learners also synthesize course concepts to create an integrated model of psychotherapy and explore legal considerations, empirical support, and personal beliefs and attitudes regarding issues of diversity. For PsyD and PhD in Psychology learners only. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD Clinical Psychology learners. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY8316 |
Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology
In this course, learners examine historical issues and controversies surrounding the development of evidence-based practice in psychology. Learners locate and critically evaluate research defining evidence-based practices, including review of best available research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences and values to identify and adopt effective psychological treatments and are introduced to various research designs and methods in psychotherapy research. Learners then explore the ways in which these strategies are incorporated in case conceptualization, treatment planning, and ongoing assessment. Learners also study ethical, legal, and financial issues associated with evidence-based practice. Other course topics include diversity, special populations, and culturally sensitive psychotherapies. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD Clinical Psychology learners. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY8371 |
Strategies of Clinical Supervision and Consultation
This course provides an overview of the theories, functions, and methods of clinical supervision, consultation, and advocacy. In particular, learners examine various styles of supervision, consultation, and advocacy; supervisory, consultative, and advocacy relationships; contractual issues; and ethical and legal issues associated with providing these services. Learners also review supervision, consultation, and advocacy research; apply their findings to relevant service delivery topics; and develop their own theories and approaches to clinical supervision. For PsyD Clinical Psychology and PsyD School Psychology learners only. There is a residency requirement associated with this course for PsyD Clinical Psychology learners. |
5 quarter credits |
Prepare for licensure
Our program features a rigorous combination of online coursework and face-to-face experiences that help you expand on what you’re learning in the courseroom, so you can hit the ground running in the real world.
Residency
Enhance the skills you develop in your program coursework through these intensive, onsite experiences with students and faculty.
Practicum / Internship
Apply your skills and knowledge in the field with direct client contact and supervision.
Dedicated Support
Our licensure team supports you through the license application process, and is here for you even beyond graduation.
What You’ll Learn
In our PsyD Clinical Psychology specialization, you’ll gain additional knowledge and training to provide clinical services in psychotherapy. You’ll learn to:
- Accurately administer psychological testing.
- Act consistently with professional ethics.
- Apply intervention strategies.
- Consider issues of diversity.
- Implement empirically supported treatment.
Explore a Path in Clinical Psychology
The Difference Between a PsyD and PhD in Psychology
Need help deciding between a PsyD and PhD? Learn the differences between these doctoral degree programs.
Clinical Psychology Professional Paths
Here are just some of the career paths to explore with our Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology specialization
Related job titles to explore*
- Psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- Clinical manager
- Adjunct instructor or part-time psychology faculty
- Full-time psychology faculty
- Clinical director
- Research psychologist
- Clinical therapist
Employment settings to explore
- Hospital—inpatient or outpatient
- Community college
- Land-based or online college or university
- Community counseling center
- Social service agency
- Government—local, state, federal
- Health care clinic
- Mental health clinic
- Consulting firm
- Private practice
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Other programs to explore
Is this program close to what you need, but maybe not a perfect fit? The programs below might be interesting. Check them out to find one that suits your academic and professional goals.