Are you interested in learning more about the doctoral programs in psychology in Pennsylvania to get on the fast track towards success as a professional practicing psychologist? Whether you are searching for a small liberal arts college with a close-knit community or a major research university with enrollment in excess of 40,000 students, look no further than Pennsylvania. The “Keystone State” is home to many top-ranked universities that may hold the key for unlocking a rewarding career in psychology.
The following is the second half (M-Z) of psychology doctoral programs that have been given the stamp of approval by the APA within Pennsylvania. To peruse the first part of the list, see Psychology Doctoral Programs in Pennsylvania (A-L).
Marywood University
Psychology and Counseling Department
Standing proudly on a hilltop 115-acre suburban campus overlooking the city of Scranton in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania, Marywood University is a private comprehensive residential Catholic institution founded by the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. With a total enrollment of over 3,400 students, Marywood is ranked as the 48th best college in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. The Psychology and Counseling Department provides a wide range of programs that are designed to train psychologists, counselors, mental health professionals, and human service practitioners.
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology
With the mission of training qualified graduate students to provide state-of-the-art ethical and culturally sensitive clinical services to multicultural populations, the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program is focused on producing research-informed clinical practitioners with essential assessment, intervention, and consultation skills. Including a selection of electives, supervised field practicum experiences, research topics, and internships, the curriculum requires the completion of at least 48.5 credits at the master’s level and 64.5 credits at the doctoral level for a total of 113 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. Although the program enables students to receive clinical training as a generalist, interested individuals may choose to concentrate their studies in applied practice with children, adolescents, or adults.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
2300 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
(570) 348-6270
campenni@marywood.edu
Program Website
Pennsylvania State University
Department of Psychology
Based on an immense 8,556-acre urban campus in the “Happy Valley” of central Pennsylvania with majestic views of Mount Nittany, Pennsylvania State University is the state’s flagship land-grant public research institution with more than 95,000 students enrolled at 24 campus locations statewide and online. Boasting one of the nation’s largest graduate schools, Penn State is ranked as the 37th best college, 8th top public school, and 1st best university for veterans in the entire nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the Department of Psychology is recognized for offering the 30th best psychology graduate programs in the U.S.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Structured to fit the APA criteria for graduate training in professional psychology to allow graduates to apply for licensure in the majority of states nationwide, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program is focused on providing qualified graduate students with experience in applied clinical settings as well as research training in psychopathology. With one of the largest training clinics in the nation, students benefit from gaining hands-on experiences in the Social Cognition Research Lab, Personality Disorders Program, Practice Research Network (PRN), the Center for the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression, and more. Students generally complete advanced coursework during their first three to four years, complete their dissertation project in the fifth year, and participate in a pre-doctoral internship in the sixth or seventh year.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in School Psychology
As a scientist-practitioner program that has been strongly rooted in both psychology and education for effective school-based practice, the Ph.D. in School Psychology program is focused on the major areas of assessment, diagnosis, intervention, consultation, program evaluation, and supervision.
The school psychology program at Penn State is also among the Top 15 Most Affordable School Psychology Degrees in the U.S.
Within the program, students will receive hands-on training in conducting research relevant to schools, interpreting current cutting-edge research literature, incorporating empirical findings into applied practice, adopting a scientific approach to school-based problems, and utilizing scientifically grounded principles in assessing their practice. The program is available for both students with a bachelor’s degree as well as students who have already completed one of the nation’s accredited psychology master’s programs.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
201 Old Main Street
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-9514
sxm40@psu.edu
Program Website
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Psychology Department
Founded in 1899 to offer degree programs in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, psychology, business, and forensic science, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine is one of the largest osteopathic medical schools in the United States with over 2,415 students based on its 17-acre urban campus in the heart of Philadelphia. As the national leader in primary care education, PCOM’s Psychology Department is also distinguished for offering the 171st best clinical psychology graduate program in the entire nation.
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Available for in-practice mental health professionals who have a master’s degree and at least two years of experience working in human services, the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program aims to educate professional clinical psychologists to ensure they can effectively meet the individual and collective mental health needs of all people with empirically-supported cognitive and behavioral therapies. As an 89-credit multi-year program based on the competencies of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, the curriculum typically is completed in five years. Successful completion of the coursework, practicum, internship, and dissertation will enable graduates to qualify for the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) for licensing.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
(215) 871-6442
robertd@pcom.edu
Program Website
Temple University
Department of Psychology
As a leading dynamic metropolitan public research institution that has been named the fourth largest provider of professional education in the United States, Temple University is based on a 330-acre urban campus in the center of downtown Philadelphia with a community of over 39,000 students. Boasting one of the most comprehensive academic programs in the world, Temple is currently ranked as the 121st best college, 60th top public school, and 24th best university for veterans in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the Department of Psychology is home to the 26th best clinical psychology and 52nd best psychology doctoral programs in the country.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology
With a reputation for being the largest doctoral program within the College of Liberal Arts, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program strives to train competent scientist-practitioners who are both the producers and consumers of psychological science to function successfully in clinical practice, academic, and research settings. Within a distinctively scientific framework, the program immerses students directly in both research and clinical training throughout their tenure, beginning in the very first semester. After completing the full-time five-year program with its doctoral dissertation and pre-doctoral internship experience, graduates may go on to assume leadership roles in private research firms, universities, private practices, hospitals, mental health centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, community clinics, and more.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in School Psychology
Following a scientist-practitioner model of training to emphasize a school psychologist’s basic intervention skills as derived from an in-depth understanding of psychological science, the Ph.D. in School Psychology is the only program of its kind in Philadelphia to receive full accreditation through the American Psychological Association (APA). With a multi-disciplinary focus that provides a broad look at the specialties within school psychology, the program offers valuable opportunities to participate in clinical practicum and research beginning in the first year throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Graduates of the program also have the chance to pursue Board Certification in Behavior Analysis along with licensure as a school psychologist.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
1701 North 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 204-7321
rfauber@temple.edu
Program Website
University of Pennsylvania
Department of Psychology
Founded in 1740 with the intellectual and educational ideals of Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is one of the world’s premier private research institutions situated on a 302-acre urban campus in the hub of America’s most historic city – Philadelphia. As a member of the prestigious Ivy League, Penn is currently ranked as the 7th best college and 16th top value school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Even more importantly, the Department of Psychology is acclaimed for having the 6th best clinical psychology program and 12th best graduate psychology programs in the country.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Intended to provide qualified graduate students with the preparation needed for research or academic careers in clinical psychology, psychopathology, and/or personality, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program strives to produce competent creative clinical scientists who are able to make significant contributions to the psychology profession by discovering empirically supported treatments. Since the program is focused on interdisciplinary opportunities, all students will be given the opportunity to take coursework or participate in research relevant to neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, ethnopolitical conflict, cognitive neuroscience, perception, cognitive science, computational neuroscience, and communication sciences. For students who are interested in starting careers as physician-investigators engaged in disease-oriented and biomedical research, there is also an option to pursue a joint Ph.D/M.D. program in partnership with the Perelman School of Medicine.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
3720 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-7300
grad_coordinator@psych.upenn.edu
Program Website
University of Pittsburgh
Department of Psychology
Strategically positioned on a 132-acre urban campus in the Oakland neighborhood within just three miles from the bustling blocks of downtown, the University of Pittsburgh is an elite public comprehensive four-year research institution with a large campus community of over 19,000 students. As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Pitt is currently ranked as the 62nd best college and 21st top public school in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report. The Department of Psychology has also earned accolades for having the 18th best clinical psychology program and 30th best psychology doctoral programs in the nation.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology
With a high value on diversity to encourage competent clinical interventions for socially and economically underrepresented groups in today’s increasingly multicultural society, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program is designed to prepare graduate students for scientific and academic careers in research as well as teaching the next generation of psychologists at the university level. In order to train clinical scientists who will be able to apply basic psychological and biological research findings to understanding major clinical health problems, the program follows the mentorship model of training in which students work closely with faculty advisors. Within the three-year full-time year-round program, students are required to successfully complete a clinical/research practicum, Master’s thesis, specialty paper, doctoral dissertation, student teaching experience, and APA-accredited clinical internship.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
4200 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-4428
psych@pitt.edu
Program Website
Widener University
School of Human Service Professions
Situated on a 108-acre urban campus in the city of Chester within just 15 miles south of the downtown hub of Philadelphia, Widener University is a leading comprehensive private four-year metropolitan research institution with more than 3,250 students. Consistently recognized among the top civic-minded colleges in Newsweek magazine, Widener is currently ranked as the 181st best college and 48th top university for military veterans in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. The School of Human Service Professions is also acclaimed for having the 164th best clinical psychology doctoral program in the United States.
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Acclaimed for being the longest-running accredited program leading to a Doctor of Psychology degree in the United States, the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program follows the scholar-practitioner model established by the National Council of Schools of Professional Psychology (NCSPP) to apply theory to practice, develop skills in diagnostic assessment, and foster abilities in supervision for leadership roles. Depending on students’ career direction, the program offers certificate tracks in Biofeedback, Psycho-Physiology, Neuropsychology, and School Psychology. Not only is the program noteworthy for the sheer number of professional options available, but it is also well-known for its integrated system of introductory experiences and internships via field placements throughout the entire length of the program. While seven years are given for completion, most students complete all degree requirements in five years.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
One University Place
Chester, PA 19013
(610) 990-8962
baboyer@mail.widener.edu
Program Website
As the highest level degree that you can earn in this dynamic field, earning a doctoral degree in psychology can open up a whole new world of exciting career opportunities, ranging from clinical practice to academia and research. Although it generally takes four years or more to complete, a doctorate in psychology will easily translate into a higher salary potential, greater job demand, more career advancement options, and increased personal satisfaction. Therefore, be sure to further investigate these top-notch doctoral programs in psychology in Pennsylvania to get on the right track towards reaching your professional goals.