Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology: APA Accredited, Practitioner-Scholar Model
Launch Your Career: APA Accredited Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
Become a Licensed Practitioner: Rigorous, Evidence-Based Training for High-Demand Roles.
Your Doctoral Journey
Ready to take the next step toward becoming a licensed psychologist? Review the application timeline, understand the core goals of our practitioner-scholar model, and access essential program documents below.
Admissions & Deadlines
Don't miss the next cohort! Start your application now.
Review of applications will begin on November 15 for each subsequent fall cohort and will continue until the class is filled.
Program Objectives
- Receive training in empirically supported practices for direct and indirect behavioral health service delivery.
- Meet the demand for doctoral-level practitioners in the western region of Kentucky and beyond.
- Contribute to the WKU service region through research, outreach, and professional collaboration.
More About Our Psy.D.
The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Applied Psychology focuses on evidence-based practice, and training supervisors, using a cognitive-behavioral orientation. The Psy.D. is an applied practice degree in the behavioral (or mental) health field. The program follows a practitioner/scholar model of training (also known as the Vail model), promoting application of the foundational knowledge of the science of psychology to clinical practice and the development of interpersonal and scientific skills for use in implementing and evaluating practice.
Upon completion of the internship, graduates will be eligible to apply for licensure as psychologists. The program will require two capstone experiences—a dissertation and a pre-doctoral internship. The dissertation serves to document the student’s mastery of scientific skills while the pre-doctoral internship serves to document the student’s ability to integrate and apply knowledge and skills in community settings and evaluate practices.
Psychologists trained within this practitioner/scholar model program will be qualified to establish careers in the private and public sectors, including clinics, hospitals, community agencies and schools. They may also teach in colleges and universities and provide supervision to master’s level practitioners.
Capstone Experiences: Your Path to Professional Competency
The program requires two key capstone experiences to ensure you are fully prepared for independent practice and research:
1. Doctoral Dissertation
Showcase your mastery of scientific skills and ability to conduct impactful applied research.
2. Pre-doctoral Internship
Gain real-world experience, integrating and applying knowledge and skills in diverse community and clinical settings.
APA Accreditation Status
FAQs about Accreditation
The title “contingency” is the designation given to newly accredited programs and this accreditation is in effect until November 8, 2029. Prior to 2029, we will apply for “full” accreditation where we have the opportunity to receive accreditation for up to 10 years and no longer have to explain what contingency means.
No, it does not need to be reported. You can say with confidence that you have graduated, or will be graduating, from an APA program (without further clarification). All practicum sites, internship sites, postdoctoral fellowships, and licensing boards in all 50 states do not differentiate between contingency or full accreditation.
The WKU Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Applied Psychology program has, for some time, been designed to satisfy APA criteria. The curriculum conforms to licensure requirements for practicing as a psychologist.
Contact the Psy.D. Program
Have questions about admissions, curriculum, or life as a doctoral student? Reach out to our program coordinator directly or submit a quick inquiry below. We look forward to connecting with you.
The Department of Psychology
Gary A. Ransdell Hall, Office 3012
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
Additional Information
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