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

Program Summary

The Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at Southern Utah University is a full-time, in-residence (in person) scholarly course of study that prepares graduates to practice professional psychology with an emphasis on meeting the needs of rural and underserved communities. Based on the practitioner-scholar model, coursework and training prepares emerging psychologists for state licensure in the field of Health Service Psychology. The program trains students to become culturally and ethically competent generalists who engage in evidence-based practices (psychotherapy, psychological assessments, program evaluations, supervision, professional collaboration, consultation). The program emphasizes a commitment to diversity, inclusive practices, social justice, and evidence-based systemic improvements.

Program Information

• Consistent with the Practitioner-Scholar training model (Vail Model), the Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) program at Southern Utah University trains professional, doctoral-level practitioner-scientists who specialize in clinical practice. Located in rural southwestern Utah, the program is founded on principles of community and rural mental health. Extensive practical placements afford professional experience in a variety of settings, including schools, residential treatment centers, community mental health settings, substance abuse treatment programs, native health centers, homeless resource centers, crisis centers, community clinics, public hospitals, and government agencies (see Practicum Manual). The scientific foundations of psychology provide the philosophical grounding, and evidence-based practices are at the core of our clinical training. Through this program, students become informed consumers of scientific inquiry, educators, and skilled clinicians.
• The program is a full-time program offering a course of study leading to the Psy.D. degree. Coursework and practical training prepare students for licensure as psychologists, with an emphasis on educating emerging psychologists for the underserved areas of rural and frontier southern Utah, and adjoining regions. The program’s goals and objectives are based on the American Psychological Association’s profession-wide competencies of clinical education and training, required accreditation domains, and discipline-specific professional knowledge areas.
• 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.