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Doctor of Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Reach the pinnacle of your career while helping others develop their potential. The online PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Capella deepens your understanding of human behavior and helps you prepare for state licensure eligibility.
The program includes coursework, face-to-face residencies, clinical practicum, internships, and research to help you put theory into practice. A support team of licensure experts, advisors, and teaching assistants will help you stay on track for graduation.
Classes start October 11
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee
At a Glance
- Online and in-person
- 9 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 4 Elective courses
- Residency
- Practicum/internship
- Clinical Dissertation
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
Additional requirements for Doctor of Psychology programs are:
- 3 letters of recommendation completed by professionals in psychology who can assess your aptitude for doctoral education in psychology
- An extended goal statement and writing sample.
- Your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
- After submitting admission materials, applicants may be required to take part in a faculty interview for assessment of professionalism and academic fit to the program
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
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; 1–2 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, 135 coursework credits, 15 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Coursework
$540 Per quarter credit
135 coursework credits; Dissertation is additional
Coursework
What is coursework?$540
Practicum and Internship
—
Included in coursework costs; additional expenses such as site-required expenses not included. Minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum hours; minimum of 2,000 supervised internship hours
Practicum and Internship
What is practicum?—
Included in coursework costs; additional expenses such as site-required expenses not included. Minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum hours; minimum of 2,000 supervised internship hours
Residency
$8,980
6 required; travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included. 4 one-week sessions and 2 two-week sessions.
Residency
$8,980
6 required; travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included. 4 one-week sessions and 2 two-week sessions.
Clinical Dissertation
$2,780 Per quarter
Clinical Dissertation
$2,780
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter, coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter, coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Amount of time spent working on practicum
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2020–21 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2020. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 4 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $540/credit 19 quarters |
$70,200.00 |
| 1 Week Residency: $600 4 |
$2,400.00 |
| 2 Week Residency: $3,290 2 |
$6,580.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 4 quarters |
$11,120.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$90,300.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings
|
$70,300.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 19 quarters |
$3,325.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 23 quarters |
$73,675.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $540/credit 19 quarters |
$70,200.00 |
| 1 Week Residency: $600 4 |
$2,400.00 |
| 2 Week Residency: $3,290 2 |
$6,580.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 6 quarters |
$16,680.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$95,869.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$75,869.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 19 quarters |
$3,325.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 25 quarters |
$79,244.00 |
Completes dissertation in 14 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $540/credit 19 quarters |
$70,200.00 |
| 1 Week Residency: $600 4 |
$2,400.00 |
| 2 Week Residency: $3,290 2 |
$6,580.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,780/quarter 14 quarters |
$38,920.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$118,100.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$98,100.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 19 quarters |
$3,325.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 33 quarters |
$101,475.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
The PsyD in Clinical Psychology program develops your theoretical and practical skills through online coursework, face-to-face residencies, comprehensive clinical training and examinations, in-person fieldwork, and a dissertation.
| 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 |
Learning outcomes
Our PsyD in Clinical Psychology equips you with comprehensive clinical skills based on the theoretical and scientific foundations of psychology, from assessment to intervention. It is designed to help you pursue licensure, subject to the requirements in your state.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate the attitudes, behaviors, and foundational knowledge required for the practice of psychology
- Act consistently with the ethics and laws pertaining to clinical practice
- Integrate science and theory into the practice of psychology
- Understand, respect, and apply issues of diversity in the practice of psychology
- Provide effective and appropriate psychological intervention to clients
- Accurately select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests
- Employ research as a means to advance the science and practice of psychology
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology.
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.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
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.
Bethany Lohr, PhD
Faculty Chair, Clinical Psychology
Ja’net Seward, PsyD
Core Faculty
Marilyn Marks-Frey, PhD
Core Faculty
Support to reach the finish line
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
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