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 varied, 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, differences 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: Content Knowledge and Applications

1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and theories in psychological science

1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s major subfields

1.3 Portray significant aspects of the history of psychological science

1.4 Apply psychological content to solve practical problems

1.5 Provide examples of psychology’s integrative themes*

Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

2.1 Exercise scientific reasoning to investigate psychological phenomena

2.2 Interpret, design, and evaluate psychological research

2.3 Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific research practices

2.4 Use statistics to evaluate quantitative research findings

Goal 3: Values in Psychological Science

3.1 Employ ethical standards in research, practice, and academic contexts

3.2 Develop and practice interpersonal and intercultural responsiveness

3.3 Apply psychological principles to strengthen community and improve quality of life

Goal 4: Communication, Psychological Literacy, and Technology Skills

4.1 Interact effectively with others

4.2 Write and present effectively for different purposes

4.3 Provide evidence of psychological literacy

4.4 Exhibit appropriate technological skills to improve communication

Goal 5: Person and Professional Development

5.1 Exhibit effective self-regulation

5.2 Refine project management skills

5.3 Display effective judgment in professional interactions

5.4 Cultivate workforce collaboration skills

5.5 Demonstrate appropriate workforce technological skills

5.6 Develop direction for life after graduation

*Psychological Science’s Integrative Themes (APA, 2021)

1. Psychological science relies on empirical evidence and adapts as new data develops.
2. Psychological science explains general principles that govern behavior while recognizing individual differences.
3. Psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors influence behavior and mental processes.
4. Psychological science values diversity, promotes equity, and fosters inclusion in pursuit of a more just society.
5. Our perceptions and biases filter our experiences of the world through an imperfect personal lens.
6. Applying psychological principles can change our lives, organizations, and communities in positive ways.
7. Ethnical principles guide psychological science research and practice.

¹ American Psychological Association. (2023). APA guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major: Version 3.0. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/about/policy/undergraduate-psychology-major.pdf

American Psychological Association. (2021). APA Introductory Psychology Initiative (IPI) student learning outcomes for introductory psychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/about/policy/introductory-psychology-initiative-student-outcomes.pdf

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.

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 Director 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.)

• Behavioral Health Technician (Certificate)

• Psychology (Minor)

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