Psychology doctoral programs in Maine consist of a single APA-accredited option: the University of Maine’s Clinical Ph.D. Housed in Orono, it follows a scientist-practitioner model with emphases in child clinical and clinical neuropsychology. Graduates complete a supervised internship before applying for licensure, though applicants should confirm current standards with the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
More than 600 psychologists and psychological examiners practice across Maine, according to the Maine Psychological Association, working in schools, hospitals, government agencies, and private practice. Unlike larger states, psychology doctoral programs in Maine narrow to a single on-campus option, so the bigger decision for most applicants isn’t which school to pick, but whether a PhD or a PsyD path fits their goals.
PhD vs. PsyD: Which Fits Your Path in Maine?
Both a PhD and a PsyD lead to the same psychologist license and both require passing the EPPP, but the training model differs. A PhD follows the scientist-practitioner model, weighing original research alongside clinical training and often funding students through assistantships. A PsyD follows the practitioner-scholar model, weighting clinical training more heavily and typically relying on tuition rather than funded assistantships. See our full breakdown of PsyD vs. PhD for a closer look at how the two compare.
Maine’s only on-campus APA-accredited doctoral program, at the University of Maine, is a PhD. Applicants set on a PsyD, or those who want a program based in southern Maine, typically look at APA-accredited online and hybrid PsyD programs or campus programs in neighboring New England states.
Maine Psychology Doctoral Programs at a Glance
The program listed below is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation.
| School | Degree | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maine | PhD | Clinical Psychology | Orono, ME |
University of Maine
Clinical Psychology (PhD)
The University of Maine’s clinical psychology PhD trains students under a generalist framework, with specialized emphases available in child clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology. Coursework covers psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and consultation, and students complete practicum training through the department’s Psychological Services Center and community sites such as Eastern Maine Medical Center, starting the summer after their first year. There is no terminal master’s option, though students earn an MA along the way to the PhD. The program takes about six to seven years on average, including a doctoral dissertation and a one-year predoctoral internship. The department typically admits three to five students a year, with a December 1 application deadline for fall admission and no GRE requirement. Note: the department has indicated it will not admit a Fall 2026 cohort due to funding constraints, with admissions expected to resume for Fall 2027. Confirm current admissions status directly with the program before applying.
Accreditation: This program is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation.
Contact: Orono, ME. Program website.
A psychology doctorate from an APA-accredited program prepares graduates for licensure as a psychologist and opens career paths in psychology spanning research, academia, and clinical work in hospitals, schools, and community mental health settings. Because Maine has a single doctoral training site, admitted students often complete practicum rotations across the state, including in rural and underserved communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many psychology doctoral programs are there in Maine?
Maine has one APA-accredited doctoral psychology program, the University of Maine’s Clinical PhD in Orono. Applicants who want more options, including a PsyD, typically look at accredited online or hybrid programs or campus programs in neighboring states such as New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Does Maine offer a PsyD program?
No campus-based APA-accredited PsyD program currently exists in Maine. Applicants set on a PsyD path usually pursue an APA-accredited online or hybrid program that pairs coursework with local practicum placements, or attend an on-campus program in a nearby state.
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist in Maine?
Most doctoral programs take about six to seven years, including a year-long predoctoral internship. After graduating, candidates complete supervised experience hours and pass the EPPP and Maine’s jurisprudence exam. Standards can change, so confirm the current licensing requirements with the state board before you apply.
Can I earn a psychology doctorate online while living in Maine?
Yes. Several APA-accredited PsyD programs offer online coursework paired with in-person residencies and local practicum placements, which lets Maine residents work toward a doctorate without relocating full time. You’ll still need to complete supervised hours and an internship in person under a licensed psychologist.
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