r/PsyD

Hi everyone! Im currently a junior in college and im looking into psyd programs. I went on the APA website and most of the accredited ones require masters degrees. A work colleague told me i should most definitely only pick accredited programs. Would it be like horrible if I didn’t? (edit: I am now aware that most if not all don't require a masters degree. i apologize for the mistake, like truly, pls dont kill me for it.. I was also only looking at counseling not all other options.)

Also, if I don’t have to do masters would it be bad to take a year off before applying to a program? I’ve taken classes since June 2023 when I graduated high school and I’ll probably have to graduate in December of 2027 instead of May. I want to take a break, but I don’t know if I should because I don’t want to lose my drive.

One final thing, loans🫩.. I’ve heard almost everyone say the debt will take years to pay off. I’m already 22k in bc I take loans (I don’t really need to but I have.. stupid ik but I use it for my rent). Are there really little to no programs that pay while you’re there?

That’s all I have for now. Thank you in advance to anyone who responds! <3

Another edit: if you’re coming to be rude or condescending because of a mistake please just don’t comment. I’m obviously aware I have a lot more research I need to do to be fully prepared and that’s why I came here to ask questions and get help. If you can’t help without being condescending and/or rude ur help is not needed or wanted. Have an amazing day!

So when time came around to choose a dissertation chair, everyone I wanted denied me for already having a bunch of dissertations already. I am doing a literature review. My dissertation chair is also a higher up in my department. He is painfully unhelpful. I work for quality, he wants quantity (24+ pages per chapter, not bad at all, but he's chair on dissertations that were 76 pages over 5 chapters). I have people in my cohort who have dissertation chairs that take time to contribute to their work and mentor them. My dissertation chair simply edits my work, and asks seemingly rhetorical questions I think he should have the answer to. I understand this is hard work and it is mine alone. However, he changed the whole direction of my dissertation by insisting my proposal went along with his own clinical interests which creates a disconnect between my chapter 2 and chapter 3. He is simply unhelpful. I expected mentorship and support. We have had countless meetings and are still not on the same page. I am worried that if I attempt to find another chair, I will have to start all over even thought my proposal was already approved. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hi all! I’m grateful to have gotten into a funded program for the fall, but the living stipend is super low. It covers most but not all of my expenses, and there’s some pretty pricey semester fees. I have no loans from undergrad or masters. Is 30-40k a lot to take out (total)? I don’t want to stress about not paying bills but also don’t want to struggle to pay it back once I graduate. I know a lot of people say you shouldn’t have to take out loans and to go to a funded program, but even though I’m funded it’s still hard with how expensive life is. Thank you!!!

Hi,

I need advice from a licensed psychologist who does forensic work or someone who is a recent PsyD graduate about to take EPPP / CPLEE. I am eager to start a program and chose the PsyD path because realistically I am much more interested in clinical work than research and I don't have any research experience and therefore would not be a strong PhD applicant. I figured skip the master's because though helpful, it would cost a lot and only cut down the amount of credits, not the amount of time it takes for me to get the PsyD. I am fortunate enough to be financially capable of paying the absurd amount of money for tuition so the cost is not my concern.
My biggest concern is the pass rate for the CPLEE was 92% and 23% for the EPPP in 2025 for the Chicago School in LA. Roughly 150-200 test-takers; over half were taking it for, at the least, their 2nd time. How on earth can that 23% be the pass rate?
That's extremely concerning. I knew going into this that my program (forensic) was not APA accredited which wasn't a big issue because clinical forensic psych usually isn't unless it's a specialty or concentration in addition to a applied clinical PsyD. The other TCS programs there are APA accredited.
I'm entirely and honestly embarrassed I didn't double check their reported stats on the TCS website to compare to the state board's sooner than 2 weeks til registration.

So here I am:

I'm in my early 20's and recently graduated in 2025. I got my bachelor's in psychology and decided I needed to take a gap year before applying to any doctorate program. I am now about one year into this gap year post-undergrad. I have been working in clinical settings as a behavioral health technician (BHT) for roughly 2 years now. I first started working part time (< 20 hrs; typically 32 hrs) at a treatment facility in undergrad. Briefly got an ABA job as a BT for 6 months just to prevent having a huge gap in the resume while I was finding a job I felt was more relevant and rewarding for me.

I applied to a handful of programs with forensic emphasis/concentration/whatever. I only got into the Chicago School (TCS) in LA. Initially, I was very excited. I'm young; only have a BS in psych; no research experience, no master's, just my relevant-to-what-I-want-to-do jobs. I had 2 letters of recommendation from my admin at that nonprofit RTC I worked for, 1 from a PhD prof who taught my forensic psych course. I figured it would be a long shot getting into a program, but expected to get into TCS. Fast forward to May 2026, I'm about to decide whether or not to wait another application cycle before I've put any financial investment into the TCS program or if I take an insane risk betting on being the minority 23% who is prepared to pass that EPPP not just the CPLEE. I register for classes in 2 weeks. Or not.

Also, yes I considered getting a masters (LMFT) would just be so I could have a solid income before I went back to get the PsyD. I want to be a psychologist and focus more-so on competency/risk assessments, diagnoses, legal consultation, expert witness testimony, etc. as opposed to being a therapist/ private practice. I will apply to get my LMFT along with PsyD apps this coming cycle, but only as a back up to get my education started.
I am leaning toward ~not~ enrolling due to the licensure rate, above average cost of tuition, and overall crappy reputation among the reddit community. But I haven't had the chance to talk to an actual alumni or someone who experienced what I'm worried about; graduating from TCS and not passing the licensure exams. Please help!!

Hi everyone, I need advise for job search. Out of necessity I worked full time as a mental health worker in a psychiatric hospital for the last 3 years, while being a full time student and obtaining my BA in psychology. I just finished and will start a PsyD program in the fall! I know it’s not recommended but I still need to work full time during my 1st year (while I have no practicum) since I have no financial support in this journey.
I have a lot of experience under my belt working in psychiatry but I am looking for something a bit more laid back if possible. I tried applying for research assistant positions, but no success so far. I don’t have a lot of experience due to juggling everything full time. But I did manage to do 1 semester of research in a lab, and presented a poster at an undergraduate conference before I graduated this spring(GPA 3.9). But it anyways it’s not a lot. Any advice on what kind of jobs I can look for next? thank you! 😊

I did not get in to a PsyD this year. I have heard that it is better to gain clinical experience than to pursue a master's degree to boost my chances of getting in next year.

What kind of jobs would help me the most? I don't really have a population I want to specialize in. Would any kind of behavioral tech work?

Is there anything I should be on the lookout for or avoid? Anything unhelpful or that could raise a red flag for admissions committees in the future?

Hello! Anyone else here starting the PsyD program this fall?

Hi everyone,

I’m an undergraduate junior at Boston University majoring in psychology. I have a 3.9 GPA and am currently an RA in multiple clinical/research labs. I also have a few other relevant experiences: I’ll be working on an honors thesis, I volunteer with Crisis Text Line, and I may be TAing for a Family Violence course this fall.

My long-term goal is to become a clinical-forensic psychologist, possibly with a stronger emphasis on forensic psychology than clinical work. This field genuinely excites me more than anything else I’ve explored. I had originally planned on pursuing a PhD, partly because I do enjoy research, but also because of the financial burden associated with PsyD programs. Recently, though, I realized I may have been trying to convince myself that a PhD was the better fit when, in reality, a PsyD may be what I truly want for my doctoral training.

To get to the point, I’m feeling at a bit of a crossroads. I want to be financially prudent, but across the 75+ Clinical PsyD programs in the U.S., the median tuition plus living costs seems to be around $335,000, assuming no tuition waivers, scholarships, assistantships, etc. I know the earning potential for psychologists can be strong, especially with private practice, specialization, and a niche area like forensic work, but I don’t want to take that for granted. I also keep thinking about the opportunity cost: money spent on tuition and living expenses is money that could otherwise be invested and compounding in the S&P 500 over time. Youth feels like both a blessing and a curse 🫠

I know this is the field I want to pursue, but I’m unsure how much financial freedom I realistically have. Some PsyD programs seem much more reasonable than others. Right now, I’ve shortlisted Baylor University, Indiana State University, Georgia Southern University, Appalachian State University, Marshall University, Xavier University, University of Indianapolis, and William Paterson University. That said, I know admissions can be extremely competitive.

At this point, I’m thinking it may be wise to take a year or two to build up my skills, strengthen my résumé, and gain more clinical experience before applying. What I’m really hoping for is to hear about people’s personal experiences, especially regarding finances. I’d also love to hear from anyone who was once in a similar position: whether you’re happy with the path you chose, whether you would do anything differently, and how you thought through the financial side of doctoral training.

I appreciate any advice or perspective. Thank you so much.

Hello, so I know the typical PsyD program duration is 5 years and nearly all programs (to my knowledge) require some sort of summer course work. I also already know almost every program I plan on applying to would require me to move, I just wanted to get a better idea of how that has looked for others. Would I need to plan on living wherever I end up for the full five years? Or is there flexibility in that I could come home for a few months each year (and how would that look if renting?). Do any programs offer university housing or is renting the best route? I would appreciate any insight from those who have/are planning to move for their program. Obviously there’s no one answer as every program is different and experiences will vary, I’m just trying to prepare myself for a variety of possibilities. Thank you!!

Hi everyone! I graduated with my bachelors in may 2025 and I’ve been working as an associate nursery school teacher for the past school year since graduating. I’ve realized during this time that I want to go to get my PsyD specifically for child/adolescent/family-related work. I’ll be applying in the next cycle but may wait two application cycles before starting a program.

The school where I work focuses on child-led learning and we work with specialists and parents to discuss children’s development so it’s a pretty good set up in terms of mentorship and developmental engagement and everything, but the school year is ending and I’ve definitely been feeling a bit burnt out. I want to take courses and/or do other things to progress in my career plans, however during the school year it’s just too much to add anything. (I would have summers to do some light work/courses).

I saw a job posting and have been talking to a family for a nannying position where I wouldn’t have to work until 1pm most days when I pick up the kids from school but would be on-call from 9-1 in case the kids are sick etc. Then I’d be doing basic nannying/family assistant work until 6pm. So basically i’d be getting paid for 45 hours/week but would only be actually doing closer to 25 hours most weeks. I’d be making more than I currently make at the nursery school for significantly less work. I’d likely be able to do psych course work or other things in the mornings before getting the kids (I didn’t do psych work in undergrad).

My only concern here is that it will look bad on my PsyD applications that I only stayed at the nursery school role for a year, that many people see nannying as less “prestigious” and also that I’m not sure what to expect from potential recommenders at the school if they’d still want to recommend me even after I leave.

Does anyone have any insight into what PsyD admissions people would think about this potential transition? Or any other tips for someone in my position?

(More info if it helps show where I’m at in my competitiveness as an applicant: I had a 3.93 GPA in undergrad and won a departmental research award for a religious studies paper. I have several years of work with kids but as for psych work academically or clinically I’m lacking)

Hello everyone! I am a senior in undergrad (major is criminal justice) hoping to become a forensic psychologist one day. I am starting to look at APA accredited programs to obtain a PsyD in clinical psychology with a concentration in forensics. I have done 3 internships with a forensic consulting company and am currently starting to do an internship with a behavioral health clinic with a focus on reforming criminal offenders/ helping victims. I am also considering volunteering for a suicide/ crisis hotline. My question is what else can I be doing to stand out as an applicant and be able to get into a good program. Or am I going about this all wrong? I am open to all advice :). Would also love to connect with people in the field/ perusing the field.

As the title stated I am looking to switch from my current career as a database analyst to hopefully getting a PsyD. I’m currently planning on taking some (6-7) undergrad Psych classes at my local state college over the next two years, would that be enough to be competitive for at least partially funded PsyD programs? Thinking about IUP in particular for some personal reasons.

For other academic background:
I have a Bachelors in Cybersecurity and Masters in both Public Policy and Systems Engineering.

I took the GRE last year and scored 170Q, 166V, which should be valid until 2030.

Hello everyone!

I want to say that I just feel alone and slightly discouraged in my PsyD application journey

My dream school was able to go through the interview process with me! However the director is requesting GRE scores. I was not planning on taking the GRE but I can understand why. So I am studying HARD because I do want it extremely bad!

My first interview went GREAT!

However my second interview the faculty gave me a very hard time being that my Masters degree (3.6GPA) was online (from their school btw, all my education has). I explained it was to work and gain some experience in the mental health field as I work in behavior therapy as a RBT. It was also to save money and prepare for that degree. They have placed my application on hold and they are waiting on my GRE scores.

I’m not sure why I just feel discouraged (not giving up).
I also did make it clear I was ready for relocating, living near campus, and understanding of a full residency.

My BS in psychology was a 2.8 (I know this is low and life was unkind during my undergraduate years)

My MA is a 3.63 with only 1 C+

I just feel odd and want to know what you guys thought. Am I out? Do I still have strong chances? They said they were half full on 4/20

Who is still waiting to hear back? I’m currently still waiting on Midwestern Glendale and PCOM.

Hi everyone,

I’m graduating from undergrad in December, and the opportunity to do a senior thesis has presented itself to me. I’d have to start in a week and a half, but I’m not sure if to commit to it. I would be continuing research from a poster I did in April.

Basically, my question is if it’s worth doing a senior thesis over the summer and fall if I’m going to be applying to Clinical Psych psy.d. programs? I plan on applying this coming fall cycle. I just want to know if it’ll help my application at all.

I appreciate any and all opinions. Thank you!

Hi everyone! I’m a graduate student pursuing a master's in counseling psychology. I want to apply to PAU's PsyD program and would love any advice I could get, in terms of the application process, what kinds of experiences people had before applying, how the interview process was, etc. - also knowing what you wish I knew before applying, all the fun stuff lol

I have a lot of clinical experience in hospital, school, and community-based settings, but limited research experience (only one experience from undergrad).

Just hoping to get some advice :)

Hello, I will be attending the University of Denver’s Forensic Psychology Master’s program, starting this summer and plan to eventually pursue a PsyD or PhD. As a first-generation student navigating student loans for the first time, I would love feedback on the best way to approach it.

Currently, I’ve been offered both the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan ($20,500 annual limit) and the Grad PLUS Loan. My current plan is to use the Grad PLUS Loan for my master’s since it does not have a cap and can cover the entire cost. Then use my Unsubsidized Federal Loan for my doctorate to avoid private loans as much as possible. ( I am applying for scholarships/grants) I would appreciate any insight on how students are managing the cost with the caps on loans.