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A Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology is for those seeking to address mental health solutions at the highest level. Our fully in-person program equips students with skills in psychotherapy, clinical decision-making, research interpretation, and diagnosis using intentional care. Built on the practitioner-scholar model, the program guides students through four years of coursework and supervised clinical training, followed by a year-long, full-time doctoral internship.

A Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology prepares health service psychologists through hands-on, evidence-based practice with integrated training in psychological science, ethical and culturally responsive care, dissertation research and scholarship, and whole-person care based on a scientific model. This five-year program equips you with more than a degree; it prepares you for a lifelong calling of service.

Relational and Experiential Learning

During your time at ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç, you’ll learn clinical skills in the ways they are practiced in real-world settings. From supervised clinical training to a full-time internship, you’ll gain experience designed to prepare you for a career in psychological care. 

A foundational component of the program is the intentional community you’ll join — shaped by a small cohort of peers and faculty dedicated to your professional and personal growth. From your second through fourth year, you’ll also participate in a research group under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Whole-Person Development

Within ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç’s College of Health Sciences, the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology joins a robust slate of health science programs at ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç, with an established network and deep connections in San Diego. Learning from faculty across health sciences disciplines, you’ll be equipped for whole-person care that intentionally meets the needs of patients. In a variety of settings, cultural backgrounds, and languages, ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç psychology students receive a well-rounded education that prepares you to apply leading practices in primary care, hospitals, and interdisciplinary teams. 

Clinical Psychology Paving the Future

As a graduate from ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç, you’ll be prepared to confidently and purposefully step into a calling to serve others for a lifetime. Many psychologists go on to work in a variety of fields dedicated to understanding, assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health concerns.

Clinical psychologists practice in settings such as:

• Individual, group, and couples therapy 
• Psychological testing
• Program evaluation and consultation
• Supervision
• Teaching
• Research

Work That Is Authentic and Sacred

¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç is a Christian university of Wesleyan heritage, where grace is foundational and service is understood as an expression of faith. Students learn to bring spiritual attentiveness into their clinical work in ways that honor professional ethics and the dignity of every client. At ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç, preparation for a career in psychology is also an invitation to consider your work as a vocation and lifelong calling — with a particular care for communities that have long been marginalized and underserved.

Professional Licensure

Our program is pending WSCUC and American Psychological Association (APA) approval — preparing you for the requirements for official licensure as a Clinical Psychologist through the California Board of Psychology. 

To be eligible for licensure, you’ll need the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology degree, complete the exam with under passing requirements, and fulfill all hours for the external doctoral internship — completed in your fifth year. For information about ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç programs and out-of-state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification, please refer to our disclosures page. 

Program Start Date(s):

• Fall 2027 — August 30, 2027

Application Deadline(s):

• Fall 2027 — January 15, 2027

All applications submitted after these dates will be reviewed based on availability of space.

Application Checklist

Admission to the program is based on an overall appraisal of the applicant's ability to undertake doctoral study and their contributions to the discipline of psychology as evidenced by the following:

1. A baccalaureate degree in psychology (or closely related field) from a regionally accredited institution, and the following pre-requisites completed:
   1. General Psychology
   2. Developmental Psychology (covering the full lifespan)
   3. Research Methods
   4. Abnormal Psychology
2. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç alums, current or former military and their dependents, and ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç employees).
3. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç Office of Records.) 
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç 
   Office of Graduate Admissions 
   3900 Lomaland Dr. 
   San Diego, CA 92106 
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to: 
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
4. Minimum grade point average of 3.0 (undergraduate) or 3.5 (graduate)
5. Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume
6. Once you have submitted your admissions application, your three selected professional recommenders will automatically be sent the auto-generated document to complete on your behalf. If you'd like to include a written letter in addition to this required document, you may do so, but it's unnecessary.
7. After all application materials are submitted, an interview with department faculty is scheduled.

The Selection Process

The educational context at ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While acknowledging diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it’s a reflection of you as a person.

At ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. If you do not meet all of the above criteria, ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç offers an exceptions policy. Speak with your admissions counselor for more information.

State Authorization

In certain states outside California, ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç is not authorized to enroll students in online courses and/or offer internships. If a student moves to another state after admission to a program or enrollment in an online course, continuation in the program/course will depend on whether ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç is authorized within that state. Please refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online courses and/or internships.

¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç’s Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology will prepare you for the highest level of psychiatric care and lifelong learning to continuously meet patients at their needs. Graduates will go on to work in a variety of sectors from hospitals to individual counseling care. Some even pursue entrepreneurship and open their own clinics.

The whole-person development you’ll develop by pursuing a degree in psychology from ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç and the variety of advanced skills you’ll be equipped with prepares you for numerous career paths. ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç cultivates passion, professionalism, and a values-driven approach to work in a context that intersects your intellect and faith, equipping you to become a trustworthy leader in your workplace.

Different Career Outcomes for Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Median Salary: $96,100

A will work with individuals to assess mental and emotional health disorders and find solutions through different methods of treatment such as observation, interviews, or research. Graduates who pursue a career in clinical counseling can find work in a variety of sectors:

• Scientific Research
• Specialty Hospitals
• Health Practitioner Offices
• Offices of Physicians
• Educational Support Services

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Median Salary: $147,420

An works to understand human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems and explore or apply mental health solutions to those issues. Not only can a psychologist work to help the needs of the employees mental health, but can explore ways to improve work-life balance leading to productivity underneath the organization’s leadership. A psychologist in this sector can find work with one specific organization or can find freelance/consultation work. 

For information about the courses required for the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology program, view the ¹ú²ú¾çÂ鶹¾ç Catalog.

Course information coming soon!