Becoming a psychologist is a smart move for many reasons. On the one hand, you can help people in distress lead better lives with improved mental health; this can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling. On the other hand, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates faster-than-average growth for this career, which can help you set yourself up for long-term career success.
You’ll need either a Ph.D. or PsyD. to give yourself the greatest latitude for career options in psychology. In Ohio, that means choosing from one of many program options from the state’s colleges and universities. Having so many choices is helpful in that you can pick and choose which program best fits your needs. Of course, having many choices can also render the decision-making process more difficult!
This guide outlines popular options to help you in your search for the ideal psychology doctoral program. Explore each one, weigh its pros and cons, and make an informed decision about your future.
Psychology PhD and PsyD Programs in Ohio
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering psychology PhD and PsyD programs in Ohio:
- Ohio University
- Ohio State University
- Wright State University
- Xavier University
- National University
- The Chicago School
- Grand Canyon University
- University of Arizona Global Campus
To find out how we select colleges and universities, please click here.
Ohio University
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
The Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Ohio University is a solid choice for your education for numerous reasons. On the one hand, it’s been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1970 and has a long-standing reputation as being one of the best doctoral programs in the state. On the other hand, this program combines coursework, research, clinical practicum experiences, and an internship to give you comprehensive educational experiences that prepare you for your future career.
The program is built on five primary learning objectives:
- You’ll learn about key content in psychology, particularly related to health service psychology within the clinical psychology field.
- You’ll be trained in psychological science methods as applied to the study of behavior.
- You’ll acquire competencies related to foundational principles of clinical psychology as well as functional principles of clinical practice.
- You’ll learn about the role of the individual in mental health and the role diversity plays in psychology as a science and a clinical application.
- You’ll integrate science and practice, especially during the internship year as you prepare for licensure.
Needless to say, these and other learning activities ensure you graduate from this program as a highly trained, highly competent psychologist who has all the necessary knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on this profession.
The curriculum reflects the broad-based learning opportunities discussed above. For example, you’ll take foundational psychology courses like History and Systems of Psychology, Affective Aspects of Behavior, and Biological Aspects of Behavior. Likewise, you’re required to complete courses in Cognitive Aspects of Behavior, Developmental Aspects of Behavior, and Social Aspects of Behavior. Collectively, these classes ensure you have a solid understanding of psychology as a science and the many potential factors that influence individual behavior.
You must also take an advanced integrative course on Developmental Psychology. Naturally, this class focuses on the major changes people undergo over the course of their lives. But this class isn’t a stand-alone course; you must also successfully pass a comprehensive exam at the conclusion of the course in order to move on in the program.
Yet another key grouping of coursework falls under the discipline-specific category. These courses, which include Advanced Research Methods, Advanced Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, Introduction to Linear Regression Analysis, and Psychometrics, help you build the methodological and analytical skills necessary to conduct effective psychological research.
Other required courses include the following:
- Issues in Professional Psychology
- Diversity Issues in Research and Clinical Practice
- Clinical Psychopathology
- Fundamentals of Clinical Assessment
- Fundamentals of Psychotherapy
You’ll also complete coursework in numerous classes that address issues like professional values and attitudes and communication and interpersonal skills.
As noted above, research is a significant component of this program. As such, you’ll complete a research course in which you present a research prospectus to your faculty mentors. The prospectus forms the basis of the thesis requirement as well as the dissertation requirement.
Furthermore, you’ll undertake several practicum experiences to develop your clinical psychology skills. These practica take place in an approved supervised setting where you can learn and grow as a clinician in a supervised environment. The practicum experiences are only the start, though; you must also complete a year-long internship, during which time you’ll take on the full responsibilities of clinical practice (in a supervised setting, of course).
The specific admissions requirements for this program are as follows:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 18 semester credits of psychology, including at least one statistics course and one experimental research design course.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and a 3.3 GPA or higher in your psychology coursework.
- Submit three letters of recommendation. These letters should be from psychology faculty members.
- Provide a personal statement in which you discuss your professional goals and interests.
- Provide a competency essay in which you explain how your life experiences have prepared you for a career in this field and the ways in which you wish to improve your competency in this program.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Submit a curriculum vitae or resume.
- Demonstrate English competency if it is not your native language.
Ohio State University
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Ohio State’s Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program is one of the most respected in the state and the nation. The program holds dual accreditations: one from the APA and the other from the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). In fact, this program was among the first 30 programs in the U.S. to be approved for PCSAS accreditation.
The program of study is typical for Ph.D. programs in this field. You’ll progress through the program in the following manner:
- Core curriculum and first-year project during your first year of study.
- Core curriculum, initial clinical training, and completion of the Master of Science program during the second year.
- Year three focuses on the completion of the candidacy exam.
- Advanced practica, research, and dissertation completion occur in years four and five.
- The sixth and final year focuses entirely on a clinical internship.
Given the progression of the curriculum and the breadth and depth of instruction and training required, the first two years are highly intense. The vast majority of the core coursework must be completed in year one in preparation for focusing on breadth courses — like Biological Psychology, Social Bases of Behavior, and Cognitive-Affective Psychology in year two.
Year two also incorporates your first taste of clinical experiences. You’ll take part in practica at the university’s Psychological Services Center, where you’ll shadow experienced psychologists and assist them with everything from case conceptualization to intervention planning to leading group therapy sessions. All the while, you must also finish the requirements for the M.S.
After passing the Ph.D. candidacy exam in year three, the bulk of the program’s training focuses on research and clinical requirements. For example, you’ll spend a great deal of time conducting research for your dissertation. This research occurs mostly during the fourth and fifth years of the program and requires a significant time commitment on your part. While you’ll have guidance from faculty members, you’ll largely conduct individual research that forms the basis of your dissertation, which you must successfully defend prior to starting the internship year.
You’ll also take advanced courses in psychopathology, clinical psychology, and psychotherapy, to name a few. Furthermore, you’ll complete additional clinical training in specialty clinics on campus or at approved off-site locations. Of course, the final component of the program is completing an off-site APA-approved clinical psychology internship, during which time you’ll provide clinical services to individuals, couples, groups, and families.
You can choose an area of emphasis for your degree as well. Usually, students select a field to concentrate on based on the current faculty’s research interests or professional training. Some options you might consider for your emphasis area include the following:
- Cognitive Therapy
- Anxiety Disorders
- Antisocial Behavior
- Developmental Psychology
- Emotional Regulation and Dysregulation Across the Lifespan
Likewise, the Ohio State program offers numerous specialty tracks within this clinical psychology program. You can choose from Adult Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, or Clinical Neuropsychology. Each specialty offers opportunities to hone your skills and acquire area-specific competencies in preparation for pursuing a specialized clinical psychology career.
Ensure you meet these requirements prior to applying:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Have a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA or higher.
- Submit a list of all psychology courses taken at the undergraduate level.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide a statement of purpose in which you discuss why you want to pursue psychology as your graduate field of study and why you wish to do so at Ohio State.
- Submit a curriculum vitae or resume.
- Submit a list of admitting faculty or labs that you wish to work with.
- Provide evidence of English proficiency if it is not your native language.
Wright State University
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
If you wish to focus more on professional preparation as a clinical psychologist with less of an emphasis on research, the PsyD program at Wright State University might be a good fit for you. This program is one of the first in the nation to create a practitioner model of training and offer a PsyD. Additionally, the Wright State program has been accredited by the APA since 1982. This long-standing tradition of excellence in education and training makes this program a top option if you wish to get your doctoral degree in Ohio.
This program focuses on generalist training. That being the case, you’ll complete coursework, practicum experiences, and other fieldwork opportunities that provide wide-ranging training for your career. From professional considerations to various theoretical models to clinical skills, you’ll explore every aspect of becoming a professional psychologist with top-level clinical training.
But don’t think that a generalist education means you can’t explore specific areas of psychology. To the contrary, this program offers numerous specialization areas:
- Child Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Rehabilitation Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Forensic Psychology
Regardless of which specialization you choose, you’ll progress through a five-year curriculum that starts with a sequence of foundational coursework in year one. Classes like Psychopathology, Psychometrics, and Clinical Interviewing are required. Likewise, you’ll take classes in Social Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, and Group therapy.
The first year of coursework also focuses on training you in clinical techniques. For example, you’ll take a Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies class that offers insights into these schools of thought and how you can implement behavioral and cognitive techniques into your practice. Likewise, you’ll get initial training in areas like personality assessment, integrating diversity, and professional development issues to ensure you have a solid foundation upon which to build additional competencies and skills.
The program’s second year shifts focus somewhat to research and professional issues. For example, you’ll take Statistics and Research Methods I and II, which explore fundamental aspects of conducting research. You’ll examine topics like research ethics, research design and methodologies, and quantitative and qualitative statistical measures.
Furthermore, the second year includes courses like Professional Ethics, which analyzes your role as a helping professional and your duty to provide your clients with the utmost services. You’ll discuss common legal and ethical issues that may arise in your practice and role-play situations in which you must demonstrate an understanding of issues like your duty to report if a client is a danger to themselves or others.
Your coursework continues into the third year of the program as well. Topics during the third year include the following:
- Chemical Dependency
- Integrative Psychotherapy
- Consultation
- Elective coursework of your choice
You’ll also complete a practice tutorial and a practicum experience during the third year. The practicum, in particular, is an important piece of your training because it enables you to get real-world experience in a supervised setting. This low-risk, high-reward fieldwork is invaluable for your progression as a professional.
Also required is research work for your dissertation. You’ll begin working on your dissertation in your first year when you develop your topic. By the third year, you must present a research prospectus to your committee. Then, in the fourth year, you’ll defend your dissertation.
You’ll complete another practicum during the program’s fourth year, too. Likewise, you’ll take elective courses, finish your required coursework (Psychopharmacology), and continue learning about diversity integration into your practice. The fourth year also includes a supervision component, which allows you to debrief your practicum experiences with your faculty mentors and classmates.
The program’s fifth and final year is completely dedicated to an internship. Over the course of the calendar year, you must accumulate at least 2,000 clock hours. These hours are in addition to the 700 clock hours required for the three-part practicum. During your internship, you’ll be responsible for all activities related to working as a clinical psychologist, including intake, interviewing, assessment, designing interventions, and discharge.
The admissions requirements are as follows:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Your degree must include coursework in introductory psychology, introductory statistics, abnormal psychology, and research methods. You must also have at least one class focusing on behavioral neuroscience, biopsychology, or physiological psychology.
- Have a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA or higher.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide three letters of recommendation from psychology professionals with a doctoral degree.
- Write a 500-word diversity statement.
- Write a 500-word personal statement.
- Submit a curriculum vitae or resume.
- Provide evidence of English proficiency if it is not your native language.
Xavier University
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
The PsyD program at Xavier University is another APA-accredited option that offers wide-ranging training in clinical psychology. In addition to traditional coursework, you’ll complete hands-on experiences and fieldwork to acquire the necessary professional competencies to become a licensed practitioner in Ohio. Your education and training at Xavier also prepare you to seek licensure in other states.
The primary purpose of this program is to train you as an ethical and culturally competent psychologist. You’ll become such by completing a holistic curriculum based on the practitioner-scientist model. This model of training focuses first on ensuring you have the skills to provide clinical services to clients and second on the scientific training needed to conduct research and make positive contributions to the profession.
During the first year, you’ll take many different courses that lay the foundation for your training. These courses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Psychometrics and Intelligence Testing
- Social Aspects of Behavior
- Advanced Statistics
- Personality Assessment
- Introduction to Clinical Interactions.
During the second year, you’ll continue your education with courses that focus on three areas: human behavior, psychological research, and professional issues. For example, you’ll take a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy course that introduces you to the unique interventions and techniques you can utilize to help your clients work through psychological difficulties. Regarding research, you’ll take Advanced Research Design and Analysis, which teaches the fundamentals of psychological research design, such as identifying a research method, devising a research question, and defining and controlling variables.
The third and fourth years of this program focus mostly on completing elective coursework, research, and practicum experiences. Of these, the practicum experiences likely take up most of your time. In all, you’ll complete six practicums in clinical settings. Each practicum is supervised and affords you opportunities to learn different aspects of work in this field. For example, one practicum might focus on individual therapy while another might focus on working with groups.
As is common with programs like this, the fifth and final year is dedicated entirely to the internship. Though you have a lot of say in where you complete the internship, the location must be approved by the department. When completing the internship, you must complete the required number of clinical hours as well as the required number of supervisory hours. The supervision component is critical; supervisory hours are used to gauge your progress, work through problems, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll have supervision time with your on-site supervisor, the program faculty, and your peers.
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission to this program:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide three letters of recommendation from references who can speak to your academic and professional capabilities.
- Submit a resume or curriculum vitae.
- Write a personal statement in which you discuss your professional interests and your commitment to studying clinical psychology.
- Write a diversity statement in which you reflect on the role of inclusion and diversity in this field.
You must also pay a $35 fee to apply. International applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency as well.
Contact Us
Privacy Policy