Department Chair Garrett Strosser – GC 308H	Faculty & Staff
PsyD Program Director Michael Steele – BB 106C	Student Success Advisors
Administrative Assistant Breanna Schurtz – GC 308	Website

Overview of Programs

Our programs are designed to foster an understanding and the practical application of the theories, skills, and values within the science of psychology. The Department offers undergraduate major (B.A. and B.S.) and minor programs in Psychology and a graduate Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology degree.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Psychology is to support the University and the larger community. It does so by providing a diverse, dynamic, and personalized learning environment and experiences that inspire student achievement, foster academic excellence, instill ethics and values, promote service, and facilitate lifelong learning.

Psychology students will develop the knowledge, understanding, appreciation, discipline, and skill that will enable them to function personally and professionally as informed and socially responsible citizens. These are achieved through lectures, readings, research, laboratory experiences, writing assignments, discussions, service, and other personal and professional academic and scholarly activities.

Program Goals

To fulfill the department’s mission, our faculty members do the following:

1. Provide superior classroom instruction on theories and concepts relevant to the science and application of psychology.
2. Engage students in experimental psychology by providing relevant laboratory and supervised research experiences.
3. Engage students in clinical/counseling psychology by providing relevant, supervised, professional practicum, service, and internship experiences.
4. Provide classroom instruction and encourage activities which promote and facilitate critical thinking, moral and ethical reasoning, oral and written communication, and computer literacy.
5. Provide classroom instruction and experiential activities to foster an understanding and appreciation of, and a respect for, diversity across individuals and cultures.
6. Provide academic advisement relevant to individual student needs.
7. Promote and support the personal and professional development of students and colleagues.
8. Promote and support service and social responsibility of students and colleagues.

Department/Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate Psychology Program Learning Outcomes (as defined by APA guidelines for the psychology major)¹

Students will broadly demonstrate proficiency and achievement in the following five (5) goals.

Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology

1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology

1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains

1.3 Describe applications of psychology

Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

2.1 Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena

2.2 Demonstrate psychology information literacy

2.3 Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving

2.4 Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research

2.5 Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry

Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

3.1 Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice

3.2 Build and enhance interpersonal relationships

3.3 Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels

Goal 4: Communication

4.1 Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes

4.2 Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes

4.3 Interact effectively with others

Goal 5: Professional Development

5.1 Apply psychological content and skills to career goals

5.2 Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation

5.3 Refine project-management skills

5.4 Enhance teamwork capacity

5.5 Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation

¹ American Psychological Association. (2013). APA guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major: Version 2.0. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/undergrad/index.aspx

Graduate Psy.D. Program Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the Psy.D. program, all successful students will be trained as:

1. Ethical and culturally sensitive emerging psychologists who pursue state licensure in Health Services Psychology.
2. Scientifically informed emerging psychologists who consume, incorporate, and disseminate psychological research and scholarly knowledge in all of their professional endeavors.
3. Competent, self-aware, and reflective emerging psychologists who are appreciative, respectful, professional, and who are committed to diversity, inclusive practices, social justice, and working with rural communities.

Graduate Admissions and Graduation Information

Psy.D. Admission Overview

The Department of Psychology recruits students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate strong potential to engage in the multifaceted role of a clinical psychologist. Each year, 10 students are admitted to the program. The application deadline for each year is December 15th. Following the submission of all materials, applicants will be scored quantitatively and ranked into three tiers. Tier 1 prospective students will be invited to an in-person interview (a virtual interview option will be available for those applicants unable to attend the in-person interviews). Finalists will be selected and notified by phone or email and will receive formal invitations for admission.

Applicant Requirements

1. Academic History: Students with degrees in a non-psychology field must demonstrate their foundational knowledge of psychology by receiving an adequate score (at least the 50th percentile) on the GRE Psychology Subtest or the Psychology Major’s Field Test. Students whose psychology degree was awarded more than 10 years ago are also encouraged to take the GRE Psychology Subtest or the Psychology Major’s Field Test.
   
   Applicants with undergraduate degrees in psychology are not required to submit general or subject GRE scores. Applicants who have taken these tests may choose to submit their scores with application materials.

2. GPA: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is the minimum standard. Successful applicants will likely have higher cumulative GPAs.

3. Transcripts: An unofficial copy of each undergraduate and graduate transcript (if applicable) is required upon application. Official transcripts will be required upon formal admission to the program.

4. Prerequisite Courses: Applicants must have completed the following courses with a minimum grade of “B” (3.0):

• ​Research Methods (or equivalent)​
• Statistics
• Abnormal Psychology (or equivalent)
• Courses in at least two (2) of the following areas:
  • Developmental Aspects of Behavior
  • Biological Aspects of Behavior
  • Cognitive Aspects of Behavior
  • Social Aspects of Behavior
  • Human Diversity (or equivalent)

Note: Relevant work experience could be considered as a substitute for foundational course requirements on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will be asked to describe these courses in their application materials and submit official copies of their transcripts.

The following courses are strongly recommended. A “B” (3.0) grade or higher is preferred, although a grade below a “C-“ (1.7) is disqualifying:

• Psychometrics/Tests and Measurements
• Theory of Personality
• Introduction to Counseling/Psychotherapy and/or Substance Abuse Counseling
• Professional Ethics

5. Letter of Intent: Applicants must clearly identify, through prior achievement, competencies that qualify them for the aims and expectations of the PsyD program. Applicants must outline their professional goals, objectives, and career paths, and discuss how these align with the program aims and curriculum (maximum of 1,000 words).

6. Statement of Diversity and Inclusion: Applicants must submit a Statement of Diversity and Inclusion that describes (a) their views on diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical psychology; (b) evidence of their contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion to date; and/or (c) their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their future career (maximum of 1,000 words).

7. Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation from individuals who know the applicant well and who can speak to the applicant’s career interest, level of conscientiousness, potential for evidence-based clinical work, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and propensity for success in the field of health services psychology.

• At least one (1) letter from a professor speaking to the applicant’s aptitudes and competencies for doctoral-level training in professional psychology.
• If applicants have relevant clinical or practical experience, include at least one (1) letter from a supervisor who can speak to clinical proficiency and potential.

8. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A curriculum vitae outlining academic, occupational, and professional achievements/recognitions relevant to the pursuit of doctoral studies in psychology (a maximum of 2 pages).

9. Language: Proof of English proficiency is required for all applicants whose first language is not English. The most up-to-date English-language proficiency scores can be found at www.suu.edu/international/graduate-admission-requirements.html.

Admissions Procedure

1. Deadline: The deadline for submitted materials is December 15th.
2. Scoring: All submitted materials will be scored quantitatively, based on the following criteria:

• Followed application directions
• Prerequisites (courses and GPA)
• Appropriate degree and/or exam score
• Statements and qualifications fit with aims and objectives of the program
• Potential to contribute to the program
• Commitment to underserved populations
• Letters of recommendation

Applicants will be ranked into three tiers:

• Tier 1 = Best fit with the program
• Tier 2 = Good fit with the program
• Tier 3 = Modest fit with the program

3. Interview: After an initial inspection of submitted materials, the program will invite those applicants who are best qualified, best prepared for doctoral studies, and who are the best fits for the aims and objectives of the Psy.D. program for a campus interview. For those applicants unable to attend the in-person interview, a virtual option will be provided. On-campus interviews take place in late January/early February. Notifications for interviews will occur by telephone or email if the invitee prefers. Invitations for admission will be sent shortly after the on-campus interview.

4. Admittance: Each academic year, a cohort of 10 students will be admitted to the program. Candidates selected for admission will receive notifications through the University Application Portal and will receive an email or telephone call from a member of the Admissions Committee. Unless other arrangements have been made, the invitation is valid for two (2) weeks from the time the official notice was sent from the University Application Portal. Applicants are encouraged to respond with an acceptance or reject in the Application Portal as quickly as possible.

Graduation Information

• All courses must be passed with a “B” (3.0) or better to be counted in the program.
• Students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (“B” average) out of a 4.0 scale to graduate.
• Students must complete of all degree requirements within a 7-year time frame (not including an approved Leave of Absence), with all coursework and practicum completed by the end of the fifth year and before starting the predoctoral internship.
• Transfer credit may be awarded for previous graduate coursework successfully completed at the appropriate level. Students may apply for transfer credit by completing the Transfer Credit Application form or the Transfer Equivalency Form and providing a copy of the course syllabus for the course taken along with the syllabus of the course for which the transfer credit is substituting. Decisions about transfer credit are made by the Program Coordinator in consultation with the Director of Clinical Training and the appropriate course instructor. Note: Transfer credit awarded may reduce the number of courses prescribed for a given semester but will not impact the overall length of the training program. Graduate credit completed more than 10 years ago will not be accepted as transfer credit.

Programs

• Psychology (B.A., B.S.)
• Psychology - Human Services Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)

• Psychology (Minor)

• Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)