Doctor of School/Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

Our program prepares students to deliver evidence-based psychological services in both clinical and school settings. We blend training in clinical and school psychology to equip graduates for a wide variety of professional roles.

Click here to learn more about our two program aims.

We are a combined program that integrates training in both school and clinical psychology. We have no tracks, but rather all students cross-train in both clinical settings and school settings. Children and adolescents who have mental health concerns also have educational needs, and the school and medical systems work very differently.

Regardless of whether students end up working in schools or medical/clinical settings, it is very helpful for practitioners to understand both systems in order to be able to work effectively with families and address children and adolescents holistically. This is a unique strength of our program.

A PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology, whereas a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy. Both degrees prepare students for a wide variety of careers in the field of psychology.

 PsyD programs focus on preparing students for the professional practice of psychology, and thus have a greater emphasis on clinical and professional training.

PhD programs focus on preparing students for academic and research careers in psychology, and thus have a greater emphasis on research training.

New York State does not allow psychologists (PsyD or PhD) to prescribe medications.

Because of their medical training, psychiatrists can prescribe medications, which is one of the distinctions between these fields. A few states do allow psychologists to prescribe a limited number of psychiatric medications if they complete additional coursework in psychopharmacology.

Yes, our coursework spans the entire lifespan, and we have practicum sites that focus on people of all ages.

Because we are a school/clinical program, all students will work with children or adolescents at some point in their training, and we include significant instruction regarding children and adolescents, as this is our specialty. Therefore, students should have at least some interest in children/adolescents.

However, many of our students choose to focus their training mostly on working with adults and secured employment working with adults.

Students may work part-time, but it is not possible to work full-time while in the program. Students carry a full course load in addition to 1-3 days per week in a practicum setting (depending on the program year).

All students who are accepted into the program will receive a $30,000 scholarship, to be distributed over the first two years of the program.

In exchange, students serve as graduate assistants in their second year, mentoring first-year students in assessment.

Practicum experiences are not paid.

We have developed partnerships with some local school districts that provide paid school psychology internships during the third year of the program, which are available on a competitive basis.

The pre-doctoral internship in the fourth year is fully paid if students apply and attain an internship through the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC).

Yes! Please visit our website for on-campus housing for full-time, graduate students.

You can also contact Admissions@roberts.edu for a list of housing options near campus.

The Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional. Scores can be submitted if you feel that they will strengthen your application. (Roberts Institution Code is 2759)

We look for a standard GPA of 3.00. However, we evaluate candidates holistically.

All pieces of the application are considered for every student, including GPA, experience, recommendations, statement of student’s interests, and GRE scores (if submitted). We are looking for students who have promise of success and who fit with our program’s focus.

Up to 30 graduate credits earned in accredited graduate schools and carrying a grade of B or better will be transferable toward an advanced degree at Roberts Wesleyan University, to the extent that the student can demonstrate equivalence to course(s) in the Roberts degree program, and pending approval by the Psychology Department. This equivalence can be demonstrated by students providing the Department and their advisors with catalog course descriptions, course syllabi, and completed assignments for the courses being considered for transfer.

Decisions regarding credit transfer are made independent of admissions decisions.