There are seven APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs in Washington, offered across five universities, plus an eighth program at Gonzaga University pursuing accreditation. Options span PhD and PsyD degrees in clinical, counseling, and school psychology. Most take five to seven years and include a year-long internship. Many meet Washington’s licensure education requirements, though applicants should confirm current standards with the state board.
Six universities in Washington offer doctoral training in psychology, each preparing graduates for licensure as a psychologist in the state. Programs vary by degree type, specialty, and training model, which makes the PhD-versus-PsyD choice the first decision most applicants face.
PhD vs. PsyD in Washington
A PhD follows a scientist-practitioner or clinical-science model, weighted toward research training. Programs typically fund students through research or teaching assistantships, and graduates often split time between clinical work, research, and academic positions.
A PsyD follows a practitioner-scholar model built around clinical training, with less emphasis on original research. PsyD programs are more often tuition-funded. Washington’s three PsyD options each focus on one specialty: clinical, counseling, or school psychology. Both paths lead to licensure and require passing the EPPP. For a full breakdown, see how a PhD differs from a PsyD in psychology.
Psychology Doctoral Programs in Washington at a Glance
All programs below are accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation, except Gonzaga University’s PsyD in School Psychology, which is pursuing accreditation with a decision expected in 2026.
| School | Degree | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Pacific University | PhD | Clinical Psychology | Seattle, WA |
| University of Washington | PhD | Clinical Psychology | Seattle, WA |
| University of Washington | PhD | School Psychology | Seattle, WA |
| Washington State University | PhD | Clinical Psychology | Pullman, WA |
| Washington State University | PhD | Counseling Psychology | Pullman, WA |
| Antioch University Seattle | PsyD | Clinical Psychology | Seattle, WA |
| Northwest University | PsyD | Counseling Psychology | Kirkland, WA |
| Gonzaga University | PsyD (pending accreditation) | School Psychology | Spokane, WA |
Seattle Pacific University
Clinical Psychology PhD
Seattle Pacific University’s Clinical Psychology PhD runs on a “local clinical scientist” model, an extension of the scientist-practitioner approach, and is delivered from a biopsychosocial perspective that ties together biology, psychology, and sociology. The program is full-time and typically takes five to six years, combining research training with clinical practicum and internship placements. The curriculum integrates a Christian worldview throughout coursework and training. Graduates go on to work as clinicians, researchers, program directors, and supervisors.
The program is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. It’s based in Seattle, WA. Program website.
University of Washington
Clinical Psychology PhD
The University of Washington’s Clinical Psychology PhD integrates scientific and academic training with professional practice, covering clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social perspectives. Students build research skills alongside clinical training, including grant writing and applied research methods, through coursework, internships, and supervised practice.
School Psychology PhD
The School Psychology PhD is a five- to six-year program, with at least three years focused specifically on school psychology coursework and training. Students without a background in school psychology complete an Ed.S. sequence as part of the program. Graduates work in school settings, hospitals, and higher education, and are prepared to teach graduate-level courses. For a broader look at school psychologist education requirements, see our full breakdown.
Both programs are accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. The department is based in Seattle, WA. Program website.
See the University of Washington’s full college profile for more on the university itself.
Washington State University
Clinical Psychology PhD
Washington State University’s Clinical Psychology PhD uses a scientist-practitioner training model, combining research, theory, and clinical practice. Students take part in research programs and complete clinical training before a year-long internship. Admission is competitive: applicants need a minimum of 18 undergraduate credits in psychology and at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA, along with letters of recommendation and relevant research, clinical, or teaching experience. The GRE is optional and reviewed only if submitted.
Resource: What is Considered a Good Score on the GRE?
Counseling Psychology PhD
The Counseling Psychology PhD prepares graduates for teaching, counseling, and research roles. Alumni typically go on to work in university counseling centers, academic faculty positions, and private or group practice. The program has received the Suinn Minority Achievement Award for its recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds.
Both programs are accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. The department is based in Pullman, WA. Program website.
Antioch University Seattle
Clinical Psychology PsyD
Antioch University Seattle’s PsyD follows a practitioner-scholar model built around a competency-based, mastery approach to training. The program is designed to be completed in five years on a full-time basis and includes a required full-time (or two-year half-time) clinical internship. Coursework and clinical placements emphasize multicultural competency and social justice, with training experiences available through the school’s own community counseling and psychology clinic.
The program is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. It’s based in Seattle, WA. Program website.
Northwest University
Counseling Psychology PsyD
Northwest University’s PsyD follows a practitioner-scholar model with a five-year, post-bachelor’s curriculum that integrates a Christian worldview with international, multicultural, and social-justice coursework. The program includes a required international cultural immersion experience early in the program, and classes are scheduled to accommodate working professionals.
The program is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. It’s based in Kirkland, WA. Program website.
Gonzaga University
School Psychology PsyD
Gonzaga’s PsyD in School Psychology uses a scientist-practitioner model and offers two entry paths: a five-year, 109-credit track for students entering with a bachelor’s degree, and a three-year, 51-credit track for those who already hold an Ed.S. in school psychology or an equivalent master’s-level credential. The program prepares graduates for licensure-eligible school psychologist roles and is one of only two PsyD programs of its kind in the western United States.
This program is not yet accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. Full accreditation is expected in 2026, according to the university. It’s based in Spokane, WA. Program website.
Washington’s doctoral programs range from large public research universities to small, mission-driven private schools, giving applicants real variety in size, funding structure, and specialty. Confirm current accreditation status and application deadlines directly with each program before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many doctoral psychology programs are in Washington?
Washington has seven APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs across five universities, plus an eighth at Gonzaga University that is pursuing accreditation. Programs are offered at Seattle Pacific University, the University of Washington, Washington State University, Antioch University Seattle, Northwest University, and Gonzaga University, covering clinical, counseling, and school psychology.
Should I choose a PhD or a PsyD in Washington?
It depends on whether you want a research-weighted or practice-weighted path. PhD programs lean toward research and are often assistantship-funded, while PsyD programs lean toward clinical training and are more often tuition-funded. Both lead to licensure and require passing the EPPP.
Does completing a Washington doctoral program guarantee licensure as a psychologist?
No. Earning the degree is one piece of a longer process. Washington requires a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited program, 3,300 hours of supervised experience across practicum, internship, and (if needed) postdoctoral work, and a passing score on the EPPP. The state’s jurisprudence exam isn’t required to obtain the license, but must be completed during the first continuing-education cycle after licensure. Applicants should confirm current standards with the state’s psychology licensing board.
Are online psychology doctoral programs available in Washington?
No. All of Washington’s APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs are campus-based. There are currently no APA-accredited online or hybrid PsyD or PhD options in the state.
What GRE score do Washington psychology doctoral programs expect?
Requirements vary by school, and GRE policies change often. Washington State University’s Clinical Psychology PhD, for example, makes the GRE optional and reviews scores only if submitted. Contact each program directly to confirm its current testing policy.
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