You can pursue your doctoral studies in psychology at leading universities across Arizona. Both PhD and PsyD programs are available to help you develop advanced research and clinical skills.
PhD programs in Arizona emphasize scientific research, teaching, and academic careers, while PsyD programs focus on preparing you for clinical practice and professional licensure. With options for full-time, part-time, and online learning, you can find a psychology doctoral program in Arizona that fits your career goals.
Psychology PhD and PsyD Programs in Arizona
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering psychology PhD and PsyD programs in Arizona:
- Arizona State University
- University of Arizona
- Midwestern University
- National University
- Grand Canyon University
- Walden University
To find out how we select colleges and universities, please click here.
Arizona State University
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Arizona State University is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), and is a member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science. You will follow the clinical science training model, gaining research-focused preparation along with clinical training.
This program equips graduates with a versatile skill set in research design, data analysis, measurement, mental health assessment, treatment and program evaluation.
If you enter with a bachelor’s degree, you can complete this program in six years, including a one-year, full-time internship. You start practicum in your second year and work with faculty on research across core and affiliated labs covering topics like substance use and addiction, assessment and intervention, evidence-based treatment, clinical training, child and adolescent development, community prevention, health psychology, trauma, resilience in at-risk populations, and cultural and contextual effects on mental health.
You will complete 84 credit hours based on APA standards, your goals, and mentorship. Your courses will include 27 core credits in clinical psychology, breadth courses in five behavioral areas, and two advanced training modules that connect research and practice. You may take electives in child clinical psychology, health psychology, or community and prevention. You usually finish the program in six years with one year of internship.
You are expected to achieve the following outcomes:
- Critically review psychological literature to find new research questions in your field.
- Design independent studies to test behavior theories using suitable statistics.
- Share your research in writing and oral presentations.
- Place your findings within the larger field and identify limits and future directions.
You may focus your clinical training in health psychology, child clinical psychology, or community and prevention, though specialization is not required. You may also change your area during your studies.
You must maintain a B average in your coursework, meet milestones on time, and show progress in professional skills.
If you do not have an approved master’s thesis, your timeline will be as follows:
- Master’s thesis prospectus: fall, second year
- Master’s thesis data meeting: spring, second year (recommended)
- Master’s thesis defense: fall, third year (or summer if you register and pay for summer courses)
- Comprehensive exam submission: first day of fall, fourth year
- Dissertation prospectus: October 1, fifth year; defense by October 15
- Internship readiness: October 15, fifth year
If you start with a master’s degree and thesis approved as equivalent:
- Comprehensive exam submission: first day of fall, third year
- Dissertation prospectus: October 1, fourth year; defense by October 15
- Internship readiness: October 15, fourth year
You have to meet the following degree requirements:
- 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation.
- Required Core (3 or 4 credit hours)
- Electives and Research (68 or 69 credit hours)
- Dissertation (12 credit hours)
In addition to required coursework pertaining to the training area, students take courses related to their area of interest, as determined in consultation with their supervisory committees. Requirements vary across training areas
Apart from core and elective courses, you must also show knowledge in History and Systems (undergraduate or graduate course), demonstrate graduate knowledge in Biological, Social, Cognitive, Affective, and Developmental bases of behavior, and complete at least one advanced integrative course that covers two or more of those areas in an integrated format.
Beginning in your third year, you may do supervised clinical work as a Resident Therapist (RT) at the CPC or in a community agency. These placements are arranged by faculty committee.
You must complete two years at quarter-time (10 hours per week) or one year at half-time (20 hours per week) for placement training. Each student must do one year as an RT at the CPC (10 hours per week). These clinical placements do not have a course except for the second year Practicum (PSY 680).
You are required to pass a comprehensive exam before starting your dissertation. To be eligible for the exam, you must finish your master’s thesis, maintain at least a B average in required courses, and have satisfactory clinical/professional evaluations. Your comprehensive exam will be a systematic review/meta-analysis or a grant proposal and will include an oral defense.
You must finish an APA-approved internship to graduate. You need to submit your dissertation prospectus by October 1 and defend it by October 15 in the year you apply for internship. You will enroll in one hour of internship credit each semester and during the semester of PhD graduation, and will pay tuition and fees for these semesters.
Along with coursework, research, and clinical work, you are expected to engage with the department, university, and community by attending the Prevention Seminar, joining committees, and participating in service activities.
When you graduate, you will be prepared for careers in academia, clinical practice, and research, using the clinical science training you gained during your studies.
To apply, you must meet the requirements of the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. You need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology or a related area from a regionally accredited institution.
You must have at least a 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 hours of your first bachelor’s or a 3.00 GPA in a master’s program. However, you need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 to apply to the clinical area.
You must submit:
- Graduate admission application and fee.
- Official transcripts.
- SlideRoom application and fee.
- Statement of purpose.
- Curriculum vitae or resume.
- GRE scores.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Proof of English proficiency.
University of Arizona
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Arizona, offers a science-based curriculum designed for flexibility. This structure allows you to customize your educational experience according to your goals and interests. The program holds joint accreditation from APA and PCSAS.
You will be guided to become an active clinical scientist who can create new knowledge about the origins, nature, diagnosis, improvement, and prevention of mental and behavioral health conditions. You will learn to share clinical science widely and address psychological challenges by providing evidence-based assessments and treatments.
Throughout the program, you are offered opportunities to grow professionally and combine scientific knowledge with hands-on practice. You will focus on the empirical foundation of interventions and assessment tools, using critical thinking to examine each concept. In addition to structured courses in statistics and research methods, you will receive ongoing research training during your graduate studies.
The curriculum is sequential, cumulative, and increases in complexity to help you prepare for clinical science research, sharing knowledge, and applying clinical science in client care. All requirements meet both departmental and clinical area standards needed for the PhD in Clinical Psychology and those set by the APA’s Commission on Accreditation (CoA) and the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP).
Alongside your required courses in your main area, you will complete extra coursework so you can work as a health service psychologist, acquire domain-specific foundational knowledge (such as biological, cognitive, developmental, social psychology), and gain advanced knowledge across different psychology fields. Required courses include:
- Ethics
- Advanced Psychopathology
- Clinical Research Methods
- Clinical Assessment Methods
- Psychosocial Interventions (such as CBT, ACT)
- Consultation & Supervision
You will also participate in applied clinical training through:
- Two year-long practicums in clinical work at the Behavioral Health Clinic
- Externships at university and community agencies
- A full-time, 12-month predoctoral internship
You are also required to complete a minor for your Ph.D. You may select a pre-defined minor in psychology, another department, or build your own individualized minor. Popular choices include neuropsychology, health psychology, statistics, family psychology, child clinical psychology, and college teaching.
You will have many opportunities for both clinical training and research. Although the program is generalist in structure, you can specialize in several areas, such as:
- Clinical Health Psychology: You will complete two didactic courses (Psych 587: Foundations of Health Psychology, Psych 588: Behavioral Medicine Interventions), one health psychology research project, and two supervised clinical practica in Clinical Health Psychology.
- Clinical Neuropsychology: You will focus on neuropsychological disorders and develop advanced skills in neuropsychological theory, research methods, and clinical psychology, especially assessment and intervention across adulthood.
- Psychophysiology: You may focus on psychophysiological measurement for understanding psychological conditions, emotion, and social interactions.
- Intervention Science: You will join clinical intervention research at all stages from target identification to implementation. This includes working with communities to address health disparities. You may take courses in intervention design, clinical psychology science, health psychology interventions, and neuropsychology interventions, and focus your research on intervention science with faculty guidance.
Upon graduation, you will:
- Hold academic research or teaching positions.
- Share your work in journals, conferences, and other professional outlets.
- Apply evidence-based treatments and train others in clinical setting.
The program does not require GRE or GPA scores for admission. Selection is based on your alignment with faculty research interests, your research background, your fit with the clinical science approach, your statement of goals and research interests, your letters of recommendation, and the quality of your undergraduate training and GPA.
Midwestern University
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
You can gain essential skills in clinical psychology by enrolling the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program at Midwestern University. You will receive academic, clinical, and research training from experienced faculty members.
This APA-accredited program prepares you to provide respectful care to people from various backgrounds. Earning your Psy.D. will allow you to pursue roles in clinical practice, research, academic settings, and leadership positions in psychology, giving you the chance to develop your own professional path.
The program’s main purpose is to train you using the Practitioner-Scholar model. You will follow a curriculum that combines psychology knowledge and theory with the practical use of evidence-based psychological interventions, diagnostics, assessments, and research.
Your training will emphasizes how to use psychological knowledge in practice, and you will also learn to respect and value diversity and situational differences.
Key features of your program include:
- Practitioner-Scholar Approach: You will experience training that integrates classroom learning, clinical practice, and research to prepare you for your career.
- Personal Growth: The evidence-based curriculum supports your development as a capable and caring clinical psychologist.
- Faculty Guidance: Skilled faculty offer you expertise in diagnosis, therapy, and consultation.
- Student-Centered Philosophy: With small classes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, you benefit from individual mentoring.
You can complete your Psy.D. in four years as a full-time student. Your plan will include three years of coursework, a two-quarter clerkship, two years of practicum, and a full-year predoctoral internship. You must also pass all competency assessments, such as the Comprehensive Exam and Dissertation. There are also five-year and neuropsychology options if you want more practicum experience.
You begin your clinical and professional experience early. After completing Professional Development in your first Fall quarter, you join Clerkship in Winter quarter. This field experience lets you observe, assist, and learn from mental health professionals as you enter clinical settings during your first year.
As a second and third year student, you will complete a practicum (16-20 hours per week) at an approved field site. You will provide psychological services under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and work with clients from different backgrounds. Each year-long experience is combined with an on-campus seminar for reflection and integration of theory with applied practice.
You must also complete a 2,000-hour predoctoral internship at an approved site, either full-time over one year or part-time over two years. The internship gives you advanced clinical training and builds on your coursework and practicum. You are eligible for internship after passing the Qualifying Exam, Comprehensive Exam, and Dissertation Proposal.
Your dissertation is a required project for graduation. You will complete a scholarly study to gain knowledge about a specific clinical area. Under faculty supervision, you must pass your proposal defense, conduct your research, finish your dissertation, and present an oral defense.
You may also choose the five-year Neuropsychology Concentration. This track offers focused courses, field experience, and research in clinical neuropsychology. You will follow guidelines from APA Division 40 and the Houston Conference. Your degree will remain Clinical Psychology. Admission to the concentration takes place during your first year.
Requirements for the Neuropsychology Concentration include:
- Four neuropsychology courses: Introduction to Neuropsychological Assessment, Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroanatomy, Advanced Neuropsychological Assessment.
- Two year-long practica at neuropsychology sites.
- Approved dissertation on a neuropsychology topic.
- Completion of internship.
You must meet all of the following requirements to earn your Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology:
- Complete all degree requirements within six years (standard track) or seven years (Neuropsychologyconcentration) after matriculation.
- Finish a minimum of 219.5 to 220.5 credit hours according to your year of matriculation as part of the Core Curriculum Sequence.
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher and earn at least a B- or P in all required courses, seminars, and practica.
- Successfully pass the Qualifying Exam.
- Complete the Comprehensive Exam and all other required competency assignments to a satisfactory standard.
- Complete an approved one-year internship to program expectations.
- Complete your Dissertation, including a successful oral defense and submission of a bound copy.
- Receive a favorable recommendation for degree conferral from the Clinical Psychology Program Student Academic Review Committee.
- Receive a recommendation for conferral of your doctoral degree from the University Faculty Senate.
- Pay all outstanding tuition and fees.
- Complete all graduation clearance requirements as instructed by the Office of the Registrar.
To apply, you must submit:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale.
- At least 18 semester hours of psychology coursework (grade B- or better), including Introductory/General Psychology, Human Growth & Development or Personality Theory, Abnormal Psychology, Statistics or Tests and Measurements.
- Personal statement outlining your goals and qualifications.
- Three letters of recommendation.
The Clinical Psychology Admissions Committee reviews completed applications and invites qualified applicants to group interviews. Your full application, including interview evaluations, is used for the final decision.
- Priority Application Deadline: December 2nd – If you submit all materials by December 2nd, you receive first consideration and notification by February 17th. If you are not accepted, you may forward your application to the standard deadline.
- Standard Application Deadline: April 22nd – Applications submitted by April 22nd are considered for admission with notifications sent by May 22nd. Materials received after April 22nd will be reviewed as space is available or for the alternate list.
National University
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD-PSY)
You may choose National University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD-PSY) if you are a busy professional seeking a flexible way to advance your education and career. You will take all courses online, giving you the flexibility to balance work, home, and doctoral studies.
As you progress, you will study psychological theories, learn research skills, and apply those skills in your dissertation. This experience can prepare you for roles in academia and research, and may allow you to contribute publishable research to the field.
You will be guided by experienced faculty who support you through every stage of your studies. Faculty are active in the field and will mentor you from coursework and research to dissertation and graduation. You will receive help with publication and career counseling, which can help you succeed academically and professionally.
You can take advantage of weekly course starts and online flexibility that fit your schedule. You are able to tailor your degree by selecting one of ten specializations according to your goals.
- Counseling Psychology: You will advance your knowledge and skills as a mental health professional. This path integrates theory, clinical practice, research, and scholarship, ending in a dissertation. You complete 18 credit hours in this specialization.
- General Psychology: You are able to select courses from a broad range of electives to match your professional interests. You will learn to apply psychology principles and conduct research in settings you choose. You must complete 18 credit hours and may work with an advisor to plan your courses.
- Gerontology: You will prepare to work with older adults and their families. You will gain skills for careers in health care, mental health clinics, government agencies, and community organizations. You must complete 18 credit hours in gerontology.
- Health Psychology: You will focus on psychological and physical health factors and learn to apply biopsychosocial principles in various settings. You will also conduct research in health psychology. You complete 18 credit hours in this area.
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology: You will apply psychological theory to business and industry issues. You will study leadership, motivation, organizational development, employee selection, and workforce well-being. You may complete an internship and will be prepared for leadership in business, government, consulting, and education. You must complete 18 credit hours.
- Sport and Performance Psychology: You will learn theory and research in sport psychology, including leadership, motivation, ethics, injury and rehabilitation, and diversity in sport. You will develop critical thinking and mental performance coaching skills.
- Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders: You will study substance use and addictive disorders with a focus on assessment, treatment planning, and research on co-occurring disorders. You must complete 18 credit hours.
- Trauma and Disaster Relief: You will be prepared to identify and treat trauma related to disasters, abuse, violence, accidents, and more. You will learn about coping skills, intervention, prevention strategies, and the impact of trauma on mental and physical health. You complete 18 credit hours.
You will complete the PhD-PSY degree in a minimum of 60 credits. Each course runs 8 weeks except for research, dissertation, and internship courses which are 12 weeks. You may need additional credit hours if more time is needed for your dissertation.
You may transfer up to 12 semester credit hours for graduate coursework from another accredited doctoral program if you earned a grade of B or better. At least 48 credit hours must be completed through NU.
Your graduation requirements include:
- Minimum 60 graduate credits beyond your master’s degree.
- At least 48 credit hours from NU.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Satisfactory completion of the Pre-Candidacy Prospectus course.
- University approval of your dissertation manuscript and successful defense.
- Submission of the final dissertation manuscript in both print and electronic form.
- Official proof of admission basis (accredited master’s degree).
- Official transcripts for any transfer credits.
- Payment of all financial obligations before you receive your diploma or transcript.
After graduation, you will be able to:
- Appraise psychological theories and principles for use in your professional roles.
- Evaluate research methods and data analysis.
- Apply psychology research to social, organizational, and personal issues.
- Evaluate ethical principles in psychology.
- Analyze diversity issues in professional practice.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with professionals and the public.
You may benefit from scholarship offerings that can make your education more affordable and help you focus on your program.
After you finish the program, you can pursue various careers such as:
- College Professor or Instructor
- College or University Administrator
- Health Information Manager or Director
- Medical Office or Practice Manager
- Researcher (in government or private organizations)
- Government roles (advocacy, intervention, eldercare, crisis intervention)
- Non-profit organization positions (support services, education, and more)
- Other opportunities in public or private settings of many sizes
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