Doctorate in Psychology – Marshall University
The Doctorate in Psychology program exposes students to the following primary clinical orientations: integrative, behavioral, cognitive behavioral, and psycho-dynamic. In the context of this exposure, students are encouraged to develop an orientation that is best suited to his or her style and situation. We endeavor to support students in their development, whether they prefer to remain eclectic or choose to invest in a particular theoretical orientation. The fact that the faculty represents a variety of orientations fits well with this model. Although the perspectives of clinical faculty vary, they share a common mission to provide education and training that is solidly grounded empirically. We also emphasize that multiple systemic and individual factors must be considered in developing a cooperative relationship between client and therapist that will ultimately lead to more positive life experiences for the client. There is a sharp focus on the impacts of community and culture from a biopsychosocial model of influence on human development. As such, the generalist orientation of the program serves as a model to students that the field of clinical psychology is as diverse as the human population it serves.
Admission Requirements:
Students are admitted to the Psy.D. program once per year for classes starting in the Fall semester. Applicants are required to submit the completed application form with all requested supplemental materials, official transcripts from degree-granting institutions, official transcripts of all previous graduate coursework, official report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (scores may not be more than five (5) years old), and three letters of recommendation. Completed applications along with all supporting materials must be received by the December 1 deadline to be considered for admission the following fall. It should be noted that the application process is competitive. It is recommended that scores on the Verbal section not be lower than 150 (revised scoring beginning in Fall 2011) or 450 (previous scoring system prior to Fall 2011) and scores on the Quantitative section not be lower than 141 (Revised scoring beginning in Fall 2011) or 450 (previous scoring system prior to Fall 2011). Likewise, it is recommended that applications have a minimum combined total on those two sections of 297 (revised scoring beginning in Fall 2011) or 1,000 (previous scoring system prior to Fall 2011). Grade point averages for successful candidates typically range from 3.2 to 3.6.
