PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Key Information
Campus location
Los Angeles, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 1,900 *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2025
* per unit for a total of 82 units. You pay per unit
Introduction
- Terms: Fall
- Length: 4 years / 82 units
- Location(s): West Los Angeles
- Format: Onground
The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program will prepare students for careers as licensed psychologists, serving their communities through applied clinical practice. This program is accredited by the American Psychological Association through 2027.
Pepperdine University employs the practitioner-scholar model of doctoral training in which academics, clinical training, and research are conjoined. This rigorous program consists of three years of clinically relevant coursework and supervised clinical training, followed by one year of internship and completion of a clinical dissertation. After completing postdoctoral clinical training, graduates will be eligible to be examined for licensure as psychologists throughout the United States and Canada.
Program Benefits
Reputable Program
The PsyD in Clinical Psychology program and Pepperdine University as an institution are among the highest-ranked in the United States.
Values Centered
Students are empowered to make a lasting impact through GSEP's core values of academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.
Admissions
Curriculum
A fifth-year may be required for students who elect a two-year, half-time doctoral internship. These students must enroll in an additional unit of PSY 780.
Year 1
- Fall - PSY 701 ---- Research Methods in Clinical Psychology ---- (2)
- Fall - PSY 705 ---- Sociocultural Foundations of Behavior ---- (3)
- Fall - PSY 706 ---- Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues ---- (3)
- Fall - PSY 707 ---- Interviewing and Intake Evaluation ---- (2)
- Fall - PSY 709 ---- Psychometrics and Measurement Construction ---- (1)
- Fall - PSY 710 ---- Cognitive Assessment ---- (3)
- Fall - PSY 770 ---- Doctoral Practicum: Clinical Skills Intensive A ---- (2)
- Fall - PSY 790 ---- Dissertation Development ---- (0)
- Spring - PSY 704 ---- Cognitive-Affective Foundations of Behavior ---- (3)
- Spring - PSY 708 ---- Foundations of Conceptualization and Psychotherapy in a Multicultural Context ---- (2)
- Spring - PSY 711 ---- Personality Assessment ---- (3)
- Spring - PSY 714 ---- Advanced Clinical Psychopathology ---- (3)
- Spring - PSY 716 ---- Developmental Foundations in Clinical Psychology ---- (3)
- Spring - PSY 771 ---- Doctoral Practicum: Clinical Skills Intensive B ---- (2)
- Spring - PSY 791 ---- Dissertation Intensive A ---- (1)
- Summer - PSY 715 ---- Behavioral Foundations in Clinical Psychology: Assessment and Intervention ---- (3)
- Summer - PSY 717 ---- History and Systems of Clinical Psychology ---- (2)
- Summer - PSY 772 ---- Doctoral Practicum: Clinical Skills Intensive C ---- (1)
- Summer - PSY 792 ---- Dissertation Intensive B ---- (1)
Year 2
- Fall - PSY 713 ---- Advanced Psychological Assessment ---- (3)
- Fall - PSY 718 ---- Interventions with Children and Adolescents ---- (3)
- Fall - PSY 730, 732, 734, 736, 738 ---- Theories and Techniques ---- (3)
- Fall - PSY 773 ---- Doctoral Practicum: Case Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment Planning ---- (1)
- Fall - PSY 793 ---- Dissertation Intensive C ---- (1)
- Spring - PSY 702 ---- Data Analysis in Empirical Research ---- (2)
- Spring - PSY 703 ---- Social Foundations of Behavior ---- (2)
- Spring - PSY 731, 733, 735, 737, 739 ---- Theories and Techniques ---- (3)
- Spring - PSY 774 ---- Doctoral Practicum: Case Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment Planning ---- (1)
- Spring - PSY 794 ---- Dissertation Project A ---- (1)
- Summer - PSY 743 ---- Group Interventions ---- (1)
- Summer - PSY 750–755 ---- Electives ---- (2)
- Summer - PSY 775 ---- Doctoral Practicum: Case Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment Planning ---- (1)
- Summer - PSY 795 ---- Dissertation Project B ---- (1)
Year 3
- Fall - PSY 712 ---- Biological Foundations of Behavior ---- (3)
- Fall - PSY 730, 732, 734, 736, 738 ---- Theories and Techniques ---- (3)
- Fall - PSY 776 ---- Doctoral Practicum: Clinical Supervision and Consultation ---- (1.5)
- Fall - PSY 796 ---- Dissertation Project C ---- (1)
- Spring - PSY 731, 733, 735, 737, 739 ---- Theories and Techniques ---- (3)
- Spring - PSY 756 ---- Proseminar in Professional Development ---- (1.5)
- Spring - PSY 777 ---- Doctoral Practicum: Clinical Supervision and Consultation ---- (1)
- Spring - PSY 797 ---- Dissertation Writing A ---- (1)
- Summer - PSY 798 ---- Dissertation Writing B* ---- (1)
Year 4
- Fall - PSY 780 ---- Doctoral Internship ---- (0.5)
- Fall - PSY 799 ---- Dissertation Completion (if needed) ---- (2)
- Spring - PSY 780 ---- Doctoral Internship ---- (0.5)
- Spring - PSY 799 ---- Dissertation Completion (if needed) ---- (2)
- Summer - PSY 780 ---- Doctoral Internship** ---- (0)
- Summer - PSY 799 ---- Dissertation Completion (if needed) ---- (2)
Program Outcome
- PLO 1: Competency in applying psychological theory and scientific knowledge to an understanding of psychological dysfunction, maladaptation, and psychopathology;
- PLO 2: Competency in psychological assessment and diagnosis;
- PLO 3: Competency in psychological intervention, treatment, and consultation;
- PLO 4: Competency in research methods appropriate to the applied clinical practitioner; and
- PLO 5: Competency in understanding and applying ethics, law, and professional standards to conduct.
Career Opportunities
C-Level Executive (e.g., Chief Executive Officer)
C-level executives are industry professionals at the top hierarchy of an organization. These roles often hold management positions and are responsible for large decisions that impact the organization's growth, development, and strategy.
University Faculty
University faculty jobs include both 2-year and 4-year undergraduate colleges and universities, as well as graduate and doctoral level programs. University faculty are responsible for providing coursework to students in their department and often conduct research in their field.
University Administrator (e.g., Academic Dean, Chief Academic Officer)
University administrators can hold many different positions in varied departments within an academic institution, such as admission, registrar's office, financial aid, marketing, student life, and more. These roles often oversee student services, faculty, and academics and maintain a high standard of academic excellence.
Nonprofit Director
Nonprofit directors are responsible for overseeing many aspects of a nonprofit organization. This role is responsible for creating, implementing, and evaluating programs and directives, managing funding and resources, and marketing and community relationships. Fundraising is a big aspect of this position as well, being the backbone of the organization's monetary support.
Leadership/Executive Coach
Executive coaches assess team and individual challenges, either remotely or as part of an organization, create action plans and gather resources to help the client achieve higher success, growth, and development. As part of this role, responsibilities include providing support, guidance, advice, and customized guidance based on expertise. Executive coaches often work with directors, managers, and other executives from both public and private organizations.
Learning & Development Leader
A learning and development leader is responsible for hiring, training, and professional development of an organization's team. This position bridges the gap between company and employee to help both aspects work together to create a strong harmonious team. This role also emphasizes identifying and developing individual potential in employees to strengthen the overall team as a whole. This role may have its learning and development department at larger companies or be a part of the HR team at smaller organizations.
Organizational Consultant
Organizational consultants are responsible for enhancing the workplace environment based on psychological research. This role may be brought into an organization to help with in-house issues or workplace disputes. In addition, organizational consultants often work closely with management to screen and train new applicants and retrain management or high-up positions when conflict arises.
Research Manager
A career in research management includes the supervision of research in the planning and follow-through of research projects. This role is responsible for drafting proposals, ensuring funding, hiring and training research staff, and presenting research findings. Research managers work in various settings, including educational, government, non-profits, and medical, among others.
Human Resources Director
A human resources director typically works in a corporate setting whose job is to oversee all aspects of human resources at the company. This career path is often responsible for relations within the industry and implementing and overseeing company practices, policies, and operations.
Military Leadership
A career in military leadership is expansive. This role, depending on the department and area of expertise, is responsible for making critical decisions and holding management positions in high-pressure, high-stress environments. This job is also responsible for the selection and training of individuals that will report to this position, as well as maintaining a safe, conducive environment regardless of external pressures.
Policy Director
A career as a policy director varies depending on the policy sector and department. This position is often responsible for influencing and participating in the creation of regulations and laws, as well as implementing strategies for organizational agendas. In addition, responsibilities include maintaining an in-depth understanding of all local, state, and federal laws and ordinances concerning how they may impact their organization/constituents. This role also uses knowledge of the existing policy landscape and conducting further research to make recommendations on key decisions. This position often works closely with management, key stakeholders, and community officials.
Employment Potential
- The number of jobs for Doctors of Psychology is expected to grow by 21% in California*
- The average annual wage for Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists in California is $94,910**
- The average annual wage for Postsecondary Psychology Teachers in California is $105,740**
- California has the nation's highest employment demand for graduates of Psychology doctoral programs*
*2017-2018 Burning Glass Report on Employment Potential for Selected Programs
**U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017
Gallery
Scholarships and Funding
English Language Requirements
Certify your English proficiency with the Duolingo English Test! The DET is a convenient, fast, and affordable online English test accepted by over 4,000 universities (like this one) around the world.