New PsyD Pathways with a Master’s Degree Along the Way

Yes. Applicants to either Combined MS pathway may have a bachelor’s degree in any field; a psychology major is not required. Applicants must meet the admission requirements for their chosen program.

Students begin with coursework that counts toward both the MS in General Psychology and the PsyD. After successfully completing the first 30 semester credits and meeting the requirements for the master’s degree, they can earn the MS and continue with doctoral coursework without submitting a second application.

The PsyD in Applied Psychology (Combined MS) focuses on applying psychology in settings such as education, consulting, and organizations. It does not prepare students for psychologist licensure.

The PsyD: Clinical Specialization (Combined MS) focuses on assessment and clinical intervention. It is designed to support licensure preparation in select states*. Licensure requirements vary by state and may include additional coursework or clinical training.

Both pathways require at least 84 semester credits, including the 30 credits that count toward the MS in General Psychology. Students in the clinical specialization who choose additional practicum or internship courses may complete up to 90 credits.

The program can be completed in approximately 5.5 years of full-time study. The PsyD: Clinical Specialization (Combined MS) can take 7.5 years if a student chooses the optional practicum and/or internship. Actual time to completion varies based on factors such as course load, transfer credits, leaves of absence, and the time needed to complete the doctoral project.¹

Students must complete all program requirements no sooner than three years and no later than ten years after their initial course enrollment, regardless of breaks in enrollment.

No. Students admitted directly to a Combined MS pathway do not need to submit a second application to continue into the doctoral portion of that pathway.

Current MS students should speak with their academic advisor about how the new pathways may relate to their plan of study and what options are available.