Pennsylvania has more than a dozen doctoral programs in psychology accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation, spanning clinical, counseling, and school psychology across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and beyond. Most programs run five to seven years and include a pre-doctoral internship. Confirm current education requirements with the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology before enrolling.
Pennsylvania has long been one of the denser states for graduate psychology training, with programs spread across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Bethlehem, Scranton, West Chester, and smaller campuses in between. Whether you’re weighing a research-focused PhD or a practice-focused PsyD, the state has programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology. The choice between degree types is worth sorting out before you compare programs.
PhD or PsyD: Choosing Your Training Model
Both degrees lead to the same place for most students: licensure as a psychologist, which in Pennsylvania requires passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, or EPPP, along with the state’s own Pennsylvania Psychology Law Examination. The difference between the two degrees is in how you get there. PhD programs follow the scientist-practitioner model, training students in both research methodology and clinical practice. Most PhD students work as research assistants and receive funding through that role, which offsets tuition. If you plan to work in academia, run a lab, or contribute to the published literature, the PhD is the path with more structure for that.
PsyD programs follow the practitioner-scholar model, with the weight on clinical training and less emphasis on original research. Most PsyD students fund their programs through tuition rather than assistantships. If your goal is direct clinical practice, the PsyD tends to get you there with a heavier clinical load from year one. Program length overlaps significantly, and five to seven years is typical for both once you factor in the internship year. For a detailed breakdown of both tracks, see our PsyD vs. PhD comparison.
Pennsylvania Psychology Programs at a Glance
The programs listed below have received accreditation from the APA Commission on Accreditation or approval from NASP for school psychology programs. Verify current accreditation status with each program directly before applying.
| School | Degree | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlow University | PsyD | Counseling Psychology | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Chatham University | PsyD | Counseling Psychology | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Chestnut Hill College | PsyD | Clinical Psychology | Philadelphia, PA |
| Drexel University | PhD | Clinical Psychology | Philadelphia, PA |
| Duquesne University | PsyD, PhD | School Psychology; Clinical Psychology | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Holy Family University | PsyD | Counseling Psychology | Newtown, PA |
| Immaculata University | PsyD | Clinical Psychology | Immaculata, PA |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | PsyD | Clinical Psychology | Indiana, PA |
| La Salle University | PsyD | Clinical Psychology | Philadelphia, PA |
| Lehigh University | PhD | Counseling Psychology; School Psychology | Bethlehem, PA |
| Marywood University | PsyD | Clinical Psychology | Scranton, PA |
| Pennsylvania State University | PhD | Clinical Psychology; School Psychology | University Park, PA |
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | PsyD | Clinical Psychology; School Psychology | Philadelphia, PA |
| Point Park University | PsyD | Clinical Psychology | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Temple University | PhD | Clinical Psychology; School Psychology | Philadelphia, PA |
| University of Pennsylvania | PhD | Clinical Psychology | Philadelphia, PA |
| University of Pittsburgh | PhD | Clinical Psychology | Pittsburgh, PA |
| West Chester University | PsyD | Clinical Psychology | West Chester, PA |
| Widener University | PsyD | Clinical Psychology | Chester, PA |
Carlow University
Counseling Psychology: PsyD
Carlow’s counseling psychology PsyD follows the practitioner-scholar model with a depth-oriented approach grounded in psychoanalytic theory and a focus on social justice and multicultural practice. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a closely related field. The 93-credit program includes an internship and practica at Pittsburgh-area health systems, hospitals, and community mental health centers. APA reaccreditation was awarded through 2028.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation.
Pittsburgh, PA | Program website
Chatham University
Counseling Psychology: PsyD
Chatham’s counseling psychology PsyD is one of a small number of APA-accredited counseling psychology PsyD programs nationally. The program is distinguished by a strengths-based, diversity-focused approach and a commitment to social justice. Students entering with a bachelor’s degree complete 103 credits; those entering with a master’s degree complete 85–103 credits depending on prior coursework. The program runs for five years full-time. APA reaccreditation was awarded through 2031.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation.
Pittsburgh, PA | Program website
Chestnut Hill College
Clinical Psychology: PsyD
Chestnut Hill’s clinical psychology PsyD uses a cohort model, moving students through the curriculum together. Students who enter with a bachelor’s degree complete the full program sequence, including an embedded master’s in clinical psychology; those entering with a master’s degree may apply for advanced standing. The program includes multiple practica and a doctoral dissertation, with a pre-doctoral internship in the final year.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation.
Philadelphia, PA | Program website
Drexel University
Clinical Psychology: PhD
Drexel’s clinical psychology PhD follows the scientist-practitioner model across five years of full-time study. Students can develop specializations in clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, clinical child psychology, clinical health psychology, or a general track. Practica are embedded in Philadelphia’s medical centers, pediatric hospitals, and forensic settings. The program requires a minimum of 90 credits and includes a doctoral dissertation and a pre-doctoral internship.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation.
Philadelphia, PA | Program website
Duquesne University
School Psychology: PsyD
Duquesne’s school psychology PsyD follows the local-clinical scientist model and runs for four years. Students complete 91 semester credits, including a first year emphasizing didactic coursework, followed by two practica, multiple seminars, and a 12-month internship in the final year.
School Psychology: PhD
The school psychology PhD uses the scientific-practitioner model and runs approximately five years across 111 semester credits. Students earn an M.S.Ed. and Pennsylvania school psychologist certification along the way. The program includes advanced coursework, multiple practica, a doctoral dissertation, and an internship.
Clinical Psychology: PhD
Duquesne’s clinical psychology PhD is built around existential-phenomenological psychology, one of the program’s defining characteristics nationally. Students complete 89 semester credits, including qualifying exams, a pre-doctoral internship, and a doctoral dissertation. The program prepares graduates for independent practice, research, and academic positions.
Accreditation: School psychology programs are accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation and approved by NASP. A clinical psychology PhD is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation.
Pittsburgh, PA | Program website
Holy Family University
Counseling Psychology: PsyD
Holy Family’s counseling psychology PsyD uses the practitioner-scholar model with an emphasis on social justice, multicultural competence, and family systems approaches. The program requires a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field for admission. The 90-credit program runs five years full-time, including coursework, practica, a dissertation, and a full-time pre-doctoral internship at an APA-approved site. The program holds APA accreditation on contingency status.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation (accredited on contingency, status through March 2027).
Newtown, PA | Program website
Immaculata University
Clinical Psychology: PsyD
Immaculata’s clinical psychology PsyD uses the practitioner-scholar model with a curriculum covering psychotherapy, psychodiagnostics, and applied research skills. The program offers evening classes to accommodate students who work during the day, and students may earn a master’s in clinical psychology en route to the doctorate. Completion typically runs six years and includes practica, a doctoral internship, and a dissertation.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation.
Immaculata, PA | Program website
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Clinical Psychology: PsyD
IUP’s clinical psychology PsyD follows the scientist-practitioner model and emphasizes professional applications of psychology across assessment, intervention, community outreach, and program evaluation. Students complete 102–104 semester credits of didactic coursework and practica in four years of full-time study, followed by a fifth year for the pre-doctoral internship and doctoral dissertation. As one of Pennsylvania’s public university programs, IUP offers some of the lowest in-state tuition among APA-accredited doctoral programs in the state.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation.
Indiana, PA | Program website
La Salle University
Clinical Psychology: PsyD
La Salle’s clinical psychology PsyD follows the practitioner-scholar model with a cognitive-behavioral emphasis. Open to applicants with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, the program runs five years full-time with a partial part-time option for the first two years. Students choose a concentration in general practice, child clinical, or clinical health psychology. The program culminates in a clinical dissertation and a one-year full-time internship. APA reaccreditation was awarded through 2028.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation.
Philadelphia, PA | Program website
Lehigh University
Counseling Psychology: PhD
Lehigh’s counseling psychology PhD trains students in the scientist-practitioner model to deliver mental health services to diverse client populations. Students who enter without a master’s degree complete 99 total credits; those entering with a relevant master’s degree complete 69 doctoral credits. The program includes advanced seminars, practicum, a year-long internship, a qualifying project, and a doctoral dissertation.
School Psychology: PhD
The school psychology PhD offers sub-specializations in school-based prevention, pediatric health, and pediatric school psychology. The program includes a doctoral qualifying research project, multiple practica, and a full-time pre-doctoral internship. It appears in our ranked list of affordable school psychology programs.
Accreditation: Both programs are accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. The school psychology PhD is also approved by NASP.
Bethlehem, PA | Program website
Marywood University
Clinical Psychology: PsyD
Marywood’s clinical psychology PsyD trains research-informed clinical practitioners with a generalist foundation. Students can choose to concentrate their clinical training with children and adolescents, adults, or across age groups. The program includes six practica, a doctoral project, and a year-long internship. Open to both bachelor’s- and master’s-entry students. The on-campus Psychological Services Center provides outpatient mental health services and serves as a primary practicum site.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation.
Scranton, PA | Program website
Pennsylvania State University
Clinical Psychology: PhD
Penn State’s clinical psychology PhD follows the scientist-practitioner model with specializations in adult clinical or child clinical psychology. The typical timeline runs seven years: three to four years of didactic coursework, followed by a dissertation year and a pre-doctoral internship. The department’s training clinic is one of the largest in the country. Most funding for PhD students comes through research assistantships.
School Psychology: PhD
Penn State’s school psychology PhD uses the scientist-practitioner model across the core areas of assessment, diagnosis, intervention, consultation, program evaluation, and supervision. Students complete a long-term internship and multiple practica. The program accepts students entering from a bachelor’s degree or from an accredited master’s program. It is among those recognized in lists of affordable school psychology degrees.
Accreditation: Both programs are accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. The school psychology PhD is also approved by NASP.
University Park, PA | Program website
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Clinical Psychology: PsyD
PCOM’s clinical psychology PsyD uses the practitioner-scholar model and trains students in empirically supported cognitive and behavioral therapies. The 89-credit program typically runs five years. Applicants are expected to hold a master’s degree and have at least two years of clinical experience in human services. The program includes two years of foundational coursework, two years of seminars and practicum, and a year-long internship at an APA-approved facility.
School Psychology: PsyD
PCOM’s school psychology PsyD prepares graduates to provide mental health and psychoeducational services to children, youth, and families. Students can earn an emphasis in cognitive-behavioral therapy and gain field experience through multiple practica and an internship. This program is designed for working professionals.
Accreditation: Clinical psychology PsyD is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. School psychology PsyD is approved by NASP.
Philadelphia, PA | Program website
Point Park University
Clinical Psychology: PsyD
Point Park’s clinical psychology PsyD is one of a small number of programs nationally grounded in humanistic and existential psychology. The practitioner-scholar program runs approximately five years and requires 90 credits. The program has a community-focused orientation and is based in Pittsburgh, a city with active clinical training partnerships. APA accreditation was granted in 2019.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation.
Pittsburgh, PA | Program website
Temple University
Clinical Psychology: PhD
Temple’s clinical psychology PhD uses the scientist-practitioner model and immerses students in both research and clinical training from the first semester. The five-year full-time program includes a doctoral dissertation and a pre-doctoral internship. Graduates go on to careers in private research firms, universities, hospitals, and community mental health centers.
School Psychology: PhD
Temple’s school psychology PhD is the only APA-accredited school psychology doctoral program in Philadelphia. The scientist-practitioner program includes practica, a 1,500-hour internship (one full-time year or two years part-time), a portfolio, and a doctoral dissertation.
Accreditation: Both programs are accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. The school psychology PhD is also approved by NASP.
Philadelphia, PA | Program website
University of Pennsylvania
Clinical Psychology: PhD
Penn’s clinical psychology PhD operates within a graduate group structure in which students choose a field of specialization. Within clinical psychology, tracks include developmental, social, evolutionary, and cultural psychology, as well as psychotherapy and psychopathology, with an option to pursue a joint PhD/MD with the Perelman School of Medicine. The program holds dual accreditation from the APA Commission on Accreditation and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), placing it among the most research-intensive clinical programs in the country.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation and PCSAS.
Philadelphia, PA | Program website
University of Pittsburgh
Clinical Psychology: PhD
Pitt’s clinical psychology PhD follows the clinical scientist model using a mentorship-based approach where students work closely with faculty advisors. Students complete a clinical and research practicum, a master’s thesis, a specialty paper, a doctoral dissertation, a teaching experience, and an APA-approved internship. The program focuses on health psychology, adult psychopathology, and developmental psychopathology and holds PCSAS accreditation alongside APA Commission on Accreditation, placing it among programs built explicitly around clinical science training.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation and PCSAS.
Pittsburgh, PA | Program website
West Chester University
Clinical Psychology: PsyD
West Chester’s clinical psychology PsyD follows the scholar-practitioner model and runs five years full-time, requiring 114 credit hours. As a state-owned institution, WCU offers among the lowest tuition rates of any APA-accredited doctoral psychology program in Pennsylvania and ranks among the most affordable APA-accredited clinical psychology programs nationally. Students choose a specialization in child and adolescent mental health or trauma. Clinical training begins in the first year through the university’s on-campus community mental health clinic, with off-campus advanced practicum in years three and four, and a full-time pre-doctoral internship in year five. APA granted full accreditation, with the next site visit scheduled for 2033.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation.
West Chester, PA | Program website
Widener University
Clinical Psychology: PsyD
Widener’s clinical psychology PsyD is one of the oldest programs of its kind in the country. The scholar-practitioner program runs for five years. Students can pursue certificate tracks in biofeedback, psychophysiology, neuropsychology, or school psychology, and can add dual degrees in business, criminal justice, or human sexuality studies. Widener’s model differs from most programs in one practical way: students are admitted to the program’s exclusively affiliated APA-accredited internship at the time they enter the doctoral program, bypassing the APPIC match process. Internship takes place over years four and five through a network of local partner sites.
Accreditation: APA Commission on Accreditation (doctoral program and affiliated internship).
Chester, PA | Program website
Pennsylvania’s doctoral programs in psychology span a wide range of training models, specializations, and campus environments. If licensure is your end goal, your next step is understanding Pennsylvania’s specific requirements, which include both the EPPP and the Pennsylvania Psychology Law Examination. For current requirements, consult the state licensing requirements for psychologists rather than relying on program materials alone, since requirements do change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs are in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has more than a dozen APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology across clinical, counseling, and school psychology, spread across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and several other cities and campuses. The APA Commission on Accreditation maintains a searchable directory of all currently accredited programs at accreditation.apa.org, which is the authoritative source to check before applying.
What does Pennsylvania require to become a licensed psychologist?
Pennsylvania requires a doctoral degree from an APA- or CPA-accredited program (or one designated by the ASPPB), two years of supervised experience totaling at least 3,500 hours (including at least 1,750 post-doctoral hours), and passing scores on both the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Pennsylvania Psychology Law Examination (PPLE). Requirements can change, so verify current standards with the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology before enrolling in any program.
How long does a doctoral program in psychology in Pennsylvania take?
Most programs run five to seven years, depending on whether you enter with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, whether you choose a PsyD or PhD, and how quickly you complete your dissertation. The pre-doctoral internship, typically one year full-time, is included in that range. Some programs, such as PCOM’s clinical PsyD and Carlow’s counseling PsyD, are specifically designed for applicants who already hold a master’s degree, which can shorten the timeline.
What specializations are available in Pennsylvania doctoral psychology programs?
Clinical psychology is the most common focus, offered at nearly every program on this page. Counseling psychology doctoral programs are available at Carlow, Chatham, Holy Family, and Lehigh. School psychology programs exist at Duquesne, Lehigh, Penn State, PCOM, and Temple. Point Park offers one of a small number of humanistic and existential clinical PsyD programs nationally. Penn and Pitt both hold PCSAS accreditation alongside APA, making them well-suited for students with strong research ambitions.
Are there APA-accredited school psychology doctoral programs in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Duquesne University offers both a PsyD and a PhD in school psychology, both APA-accredited and NASP-approved. Lehigh University, Penn State, and Temple University each offer APA-accredited and NASP-approved school psychology PhDs. PCOM offers a school psychology PsyD that is NASP-approved. School psychologist certification in Pennsylvania is also available through EdS-level programs, which carry a different scope of practice than doctoral licensure as a psychologist.
Use the tool below to compare accredited psychology programs, including options beyond Pennsylvania, by degree level and specialization.