Nevada has three APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs at two public universities: a Clinical Ph.D. and a School Ph.D. at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Clinical Ph.D. at the University of Nevada, Reno. There are currently no APA-accredited PsyD programs in the state. Programs typically run five to seven years and include a supervised internship.
Both of Nevada’s public universities train doctoral psychologists through the scientist-practitioner model, blending coursework, original research, and supervised clinical practice. Since neither school offers a PsyD, most Nevada applicants aren’t choosing between degree types in-state. They’re deciding whether a research-weighted Ph.D. fits their goals, or whether a practice-focused PsyD elsewhere is worth the move.
PhD vs. PsyD: What Nevada Applicants Need to Know
Both degrees lead to licensure and require passing the EPPP, but they train psychologists differently. A PhD follows the scientist-practitioner or clinical-science model, weights coursework toward research methods and statistics, and is more often funded through teaching or research assistantships. A PsyD follows the practitioner-scholar model, weights training toward direct clinical work, and relies more heavily on tuition financing.
Nevada’s doctoral programs at UNLV and UNR are all Ph.D. Programs. There is currently no APA-accredited PsyD program based in the state. Applicants who prefer the PsyD’s clinical focus typically consider programs in neighboring states or pursue an APA-accredited online or hybrid PsyD program. For a full breakdown of how the degrees compare, see our guide to choosing between a PsyD and a PhD in psychology.
Nevada Psychology Doctoral Programs at a Glance
Every program listed below is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. Accreditation status varies: two programs are fully accredited, and one holds Accredited on Contingency status.
| School | Degree | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Ph.D. | Clinical Psychology | Las Vegas, NV |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Ph.D. | School Psychology | Las Vegas, NV |
| University of Nevada, Reno | Ph.D. | Clinical Psychology | Reno, NV |
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
UNLV’s Department of Psychology and College of Education jointly offer two APA-accredited doctoral programs.
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Following the scientist-practitioner model, the program trains generalists who conduct both scientific research and clinical intervention with children and adults in a multicultural society. The doctoral degree requires a minimum of 93 credits, and students complete the requirements for a master’s degree in psychology (48 credits) during their first two years before advancing to candidacy. The program has been continuously accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation since October 7, 2005.
Location: Las Vegas, NV. Program website.
Ph.D. in School Psychology
Rooted in a cultural ecological framework and the scientist-practitioner model, this program trains health service psychologists who specialize in school-based practice, research, and advocacy for children and youth. It is currently the only school psychology doctoral program in Nevada. The program holds accredited on contingency status with the APA Commission on Accreditation, awarded March 24, 2023.
Location: Las Vegas, NV. Program website.
University of Nevada, Reno
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
A charter member of the Academy of Clinical Science, UNR’s clinical psychology program trains doctoral-level clinical scientists with a strong grounding in research alongside applied clinical skill. Clinical supervision during the first three years takes place at the university’s in-house Psychological Services Center, with training that centers on behavioral and cognitive-behavioral models and includes exposure to DBT and ACT. Later years add practicum placements at partnering agencies across the Reno community, spanning inpatient to outpatient settings. The program has been continuously accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation since 1972.
Location: Reno, NV. Program website.
Nevada’s doctoral psychology landscape is small but well-established, with both programs holding decades of continuous APA accreditation and UNLV’s newer school psychology track filling a gap the state previously lacked. Applicants weighing in-state options against out-of-state or online alternatives should confirm current admissions cycles and funding directly with each program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs are in Nevada?
Nevada has three APA-accredited doctoral programs, including one that currently holds Accredited status on a contingency basis. These span two public universities: a Clinical Ph.D. and a School Ph.D. at UNLV, and a Clinical Ph.D. at UNR.
Are there any PsyD programs in Nevada?
No. As of the most recent APA Commission on Accreditation listing, Nevada has no APA-accredited PsyD program. Applicants who prefer the PsyD’s practitioner-scholar model typically consider programs in neighboring states or pursue an APA-accredited online or hybrid program.
What are Nevada’s licensing requirements for psychologists?
Nevada requires a doctoral degree that meets Board requirements; supervised training consisting of 2,000 hours of predoctoral experience and 1,750 hours of postdoctoral experience; a passing score on the EPPP (per current Board requirement); and passage of the Nevada State Examination (jurisprudence/ethics). Applicants should verify current examination requirements directly with the Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners, as they may change. See our state licensing requirements for psychologists page for a broader state-by-state comparison.
Is there demand for psychologists in Nevada?
Yes. Projections Central estimates 10.7% growth for clinical and counseling psychologists in Nevada between 2022 and 2032, with an average of about 20 annual job openings. BLS data shows Nevada clinical and counseling psychologists earned a median annual salary of $102,650 as of May 2025, while school psychologists earned a median of $93,680, according to BLS state wage data.
Select your state below to find accredited psychology programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Psychologists (including Clinical & Counseling, Industrial-Organizational, and School Psychologists) and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed July 2026.