Psy.D. programs place more emphasis on clinical training and applying knowledge gained from psychology research through the use of empirically-based treatment/services. Ph.D. programs emphasize producing scientific research and gaining experience in teaching.

Are you in your first year in the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program? Advance from the bachelor’s level to the doctoral level in as little as one year, saving you time and money. The early entry option allows you to apply for admission to the Psy.D. program during your first year in the M.A. in Counseling and Psychological Services program. If admitted to the doctoral program, you’ll start in the Psy.D. program prior to completion of your master’s degree. If you are admitted to the Psy.D. program through the early entry option, you’ll complete your remaining master’s-level training in your doctoral coursework, and are awarded the master’s degree after completion of PYD811 Doctoral Qualifying Examination.

Psychologist licenses in Minnesota are granted by the MN Board of Psychology, and current licensing requirements can be found on the Board website. The first step toward licensure is the completion of the doctoral degree. This is just the first step, however. Many states require that individuals meet additional requirements in order to fully qualify for licensure, including but not limited to additional coursework and training, supervised clinical experiences, and successful passage of state or national exams. Other licensure requirements may include background checks, years of work experience, fingerprinting requirements, etc. State laws, regulations, and policies governing professional licensure may change at any time. In Minnesota, applicants for psychology licensure are currently required to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) Part 1 , complete one year of practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, and pass the Minnesota Professional Responsibility Exam. State requirements for licensure may change; students are reminded to check with the MN Board of Psychology to verify requirements. At this time, Saint Mary’s cannot verify that the Psy.D. program will meet educational requirements for psychology licensure in jurisdictions outside of Minnesota. While graduation from an APA-accredited program can assist with state licensure eligibility, most states typically have additional requirements beyond the completion of a doctoral degree that must be met in order to be eligible for licensure, including but not limited to additional exam requirements, additional internship hours, etc. Saint Mary’s cannot guarantee the successful attainment of licensure in any jurisdiction. Students interested in pursuing psychology licensure are responsible for familiarizing themselves with licensing requirements in their state. Additional information about this program and psychology licensure, including links to state agencies, can be found on Saint Mary’s Professional Licensure Disclosures page.

The program does not offer any formal areas of specialization, however you are able to choose from a variety of elective courses in three areas: diverse settings, diverse populations, and advanced practice. You are also able to focus on areas of interest when applying to practicum sites and setting up their individualized mentorship. The mentorship is a unique opportunity to focus on a special area of psychology that you were not exposed to in their courses or during their practicum experiences. Deciding which internship sites you’ll apply to is another method of focusing your doctoral training experiences.

The program does not offer paid research assistantships. Some part-time graduate assistant positions may be available on an as-needed basis. In addition, psychologists in the community and practicum sites will contact the program with paid opportunities for students (e.g. psychometrist positions, research opportunities, part-time psychotherapy positions). These available positions are then posted on the Psy.D. program page on Canvas for students.

The program seeks to make you aware of any training opportunities available, including in-person and virtual/web-based trainings. Also, from time to time, the program and student groups will sponsor speakers to share research and/or discuss various psychological topics. You are encouraged to become members of the Minnesota Psychological Association and American Psychological Association, and as a member, you can get substantial discounts on training opportunities and resources.