Doctor of Psychology

Program Description

The Francis Marion University Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree will prepare health psychologists to provide advanced and expanded mental health services and support in clinics, hospitals, schools, and the surrounding community. Students will undertake a systematic and sequential plan of integrated didactic and applied courses that will provide them with foundational knowledge and advanced skills to integrate evidence-based practice. The PsyD program will enhance the practice and theory of mental health practices to promote positive health outcomes with an emphasis on rural populations.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE

1. Submit a graduate application for admission and pay the nonrefundable graduate application fee.

2. Submit official transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate work. Applicants must have earned an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by the official transcript(s). The record should show promise of success as a graduate student, which requires maintenance of a minimum 3.0-grade point average throughout tenure within the program.

Therefore, it is recommended that applicants have a 3.0 or higher-grade point average in all undergraduate and graduate coursework completed at the time of application. Transcripts also are examined for the relevance of undergraduate preparation for graduate education in psychology.

3. Applicants must have completed the following coursework from an accredited institution.

  • One semester of general biology
  • One semester of behavioral statistics
  • One semester of general psychology
  • One semester of developmental psychology

4. Submit three letters of recommendation from former professors or professional associates/supervisors who can attest to the academic potential of the applicant. Letters from faculty members in academic settings are preferred.

5. Submit a personal statement, 500 to 750 words in length, indicating one’s interests in applied psychology, career goals, and reasons for seeking admission to the PsyD program.

Potential Applicants

The application deadline is February 1.