PsyD Degree Completion
4+1
The 4+1 option (111 credit hours) is the typical route for students entering the program with an MA. In this option, students complete their doctoral coursework in a four-year period. This allows students the opportunity to take additional courses of special interest, gain further expertise in specific clinical domains, focus more intensively on completing the dissertation before the predoctoral internship, or simply to take fewer credit hours per semester.
4+1 with Ma along the way
The 4+1 option with the MA along the way is the typical route for students entering the program without an MA. In addition to the 4+1 sequence, the MA along the way requires GPSY-591 Case Conceptualization, GPSY-575 Group Therapy, and 3 hours of electives beyond the PsyD elective requirements. Obtaining an MA increases the number of credit hours to 120. Obtaining an MA may enhance students' chances of obtaining certain practica and some internship positions.
3+1
The 3+1 option (111 credit hours) may be considered for students who possess an extensive and significant foundation of prior graduate education and professional clinical experience. Even then it is not a guaranteed pathway. Here, students take all the required doctoral coursework over a three-year period. They then complete a one-year internship as the final requirement in obtaining the degree. The 3 + 1 option requires a petition and committee approval. Students wishing to pursue this option should discuss this with their faculty advisor and/or the Director of Graduate Programs in Psychology prior to submission of the petition.