Minnesota Psychology Doctorate Programs: APA-Accredited PsyD & PhD Guide for 2025

APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota offers three APA-accredited Doctor of Psychology programs, each providing unique specializations and training opportunities. These practitioner-focused programs emphasize the development of clinical skills while maintaining a strong foundation in psychological science and research methodology.

University of St. Thomas – Counseling Psychology PsyD

The Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of St. Thomas has maintained APA accreditation since 2000, establishing itself as a leader in counseling psychology education. The program’s comprehensive curriculum combines theoretical foundations with extensive practicum experiences across diverse clinical settings.

The program emphasizes culturally responsive practice and serves Minnesota’s diverse communities through partnerships with local healthcare systems, community mental health centers, and educational institutions. Students complete practicum rotations at sites including Regions Hospital, Children’s Minnesota, and various community clinics in the Twin Cities.

Faculty research areas include trauma-informed care, immigrant and refugee mental health, and integrated behavioral health, providing students with opportunities to engage in clinically relevant scholarship. The program maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 4:1, ensuring personalized mentorship throughout the doctoral training.

Learn more about the University of St. Thomas PsyD program

Saint Mary’s University – Counseling Psychology PsyD

Saint Mary’s University’s PsyD in Counseling Psychology, accredited by the APA since 2015, offers an innovative blend of traditional campus-based and hybrid learning formats. The program’s Minneapolis campus provides convenient access to metropolitan clinical training sites while maintaining strong connections to rural practice opportunities.

The curriculum integrates evidence-based practices, with an emphasis on rural and underserved populations, to address Minnesota’s healthcare disparities. Clinical training encompasses cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and emerging interventions including telepsychology and digital mental health applications.

Students benefit from partnerships with Mayo Clinic facilities, Allina Health systems, and numerous community organizations. The program’s commitment to social justice and advocacy prepares graduates to address systemic barriers to mental health access across diverse Minnesota communities.

Explore Saint Mary’s University PsyD program details.

Augsburg University – Clinical Psychology PsyD

Augsburg University’s PsyD in Clinical Psychology represents Minnesota’s newest APA-accredited program, achieving full accreditation in 2021. The program builds upon the legacy of the former Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, incorporating decades of clinical training expertise into a modernized curriculum.

The program’s unique emphasis on integrated healthcare equips psychologists to collaborate effectively in medical environments, focusing on the connection between physical and mental health. Students undertake rotations in primary care clinics, specialty medical services, and conventional mental health settings.

Research opportunities include participation in faculty-led investigations of treatment effectiveness, health disparities, and implementation science. The program maintains active partnerships with Hennepin Healthcare, HealthPartners, and numerous federally qualified health centers serving Minnesota’s underserved populations.

View Augsburg University PsyD program information

PhD Psychology Programs in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota’s Department of Psychology is the state’s leading research-intensive doctoral program, consistently ranked among the top psychology PhD programs nationwide. The department offers seven specialized fields of study, providing comprehensive training in psychological science and research methodology.

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Established in 1917, the University of Minnesota’s psychology department has produced influential researchers and practitioners who have shaped the field both nationally and internationally. The PhD program emphasizes empirical research while offering opportunities for clinical training in select specializations.

Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research Program

The Clinical Science and Psychopathology Research (CSPR) Program holds dual accreditation from both the APA and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), reflecting its commitment to evidence-based clinical training and scientific rigor.

Faculty expertise encompasses mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, personality pathology, and neurodevelopmental conditions. The program’s integration with the University’s medical school and brain sciences center provides unique interdisciplinary training opportunities.

Additional PhD Specialization Areas

The University of Minnesota offers six additional areas of specialization for doctoral students:

• Cognitive and Brain Sciences: Neural mechanisms of perception, attention, memory, and decision-making
• Counseling Psychology (APA-accredited): Prevention, resilience, and multicultural competence in therapeutic practice
• Developmental Psychology: Lifespan development, early childhood interventions, and aging processes
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology: Workplace behavior, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness
• Personality, Individual Differences, and Behavior Genetics: Genetic and environmental influences on personality and psychopathology
• Social Psychology: Interpersonal processes, group dynamics, and social cognition

All PhD students are assured of funding for five years through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowship support. The department’s dedication to diversity and inclusion includes targeted recruitment initiatives and mentorship programs aimed at supporting underrepresented students in psychology.

Explore University of Minnesota psychology PhD programs.

Other Doctoral Options in Minnesota

While the programs listed above represent Minnesota’s primary doctoral psychology offerings, several institutions provide related graduate training:

• Minnesota State University, Mankato: Master’s programs with pathways to doctoral study at other institutions
• Walden University (Online): PhD in Psychology with various specializations (note: not APA-accredited for clinical practice)
• Capella University (Online): PsyD and PhD options in counseling and clinical psychology (varying accreditation status)

Prospective students should carefully evaluate the program’s accreditation status, as APA accreditation has a significant impact on licensure eligibility and career opportunities in Minnesota.

Program Comparison & Selection Guide

Selecting the appropriate doctoral program requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including career goals, financial resources, and preferred learning environments. Minnesota’s psychology programs offer distinct advantages depending on individual priorities and professional aspirations.

PsyD vs. PhD: Understanding the Distinctions

The choice between PsyD and PhD programs reflects fundamental differences in training philosophy and career preparation. Understanding these distinctions helps prospective students align their educational choices with long-term professional goals.

For detailed comparisons of these degree types, visit our comprehensive PsyD vs PhD guide.

Financial Considerations

The financial implications of doctoral psychology education go beyond tuition costs, including living expenses, opportunity costs, and long-term return on investment. Minnesota’s programs differ considerably in their financial support structures.

Students should consider potential earnings when evaluating the costs of a program. According to recent data, Minnesota clinical psychologists earn median salaries ranging from $85,000 to $115,000, with variations based on specialization and practice setting.

Admission Requirements and Competitiveness

Minnesota’s doctoral psychology programs maintain selective admission standards, with acceptance rates typically ranging from 5% to 15%. Successful applicants demonstrate strong academic preparation, research experience, and alignment with program values.

Standard admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (psychology major preferred but not required)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0-3.5 (competitive applicants often exceed 3.7)
• GRE scores (required by some programs; 70th percentile or higher recommended)
• Research experience (laboratory work, thesis, publications advantageous)
• Clinical or volunteer experience in mental health settings
• Strong letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
• Personal statement demonstrating research interests and career goals
• Interview performance (for finalist candidates)

How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Minnesota

Minnesota’s path to licensure as a psychologist involves multiple stages of education, supervised experience, and examination. The Minnesota Board of Psychology oversees licensure standards, ensuring practitioners meet rigorous qualifications to protect public welfare and maintain professional excellence.

Educational Requirements

The foundation for psychology licensure begins with a doctoral education that is appropriate. Minnesota recognizes both APA-accredited programs and non-accredited programs that meet specific curricular standards.

For APA-Accredited Program Graduates:

• A doctoral degree automatically meets the educational requirements
• No additional course documentation needed
• Streamlined application review process

For Non-APA-Accredited Program Graduates:

Applicants must demonstrate completion of specific semester credits:

• 6 credits in Research Design, Statistics, and Psychological Measurement
• 3 credits each in:
  • Biological Bases of Behavior
  • Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior
  • Social Bases of Behavior
  • Personality Theory and Human Development
  • Human Diversity
  • Professional Ethics and Standards
• 6 credits in Application of Psychological Principles

Supervised Experience Requirements

Minnesota mandates comprehensive supervised experience encompassing both pre-doctoral and post-doctoral training:

Pre-Doctoral Experience:

• Minimum 1,800 hours during doctoral program
• Must include direct client contact and supervision
• Typically completed through practicum and internship
• APA-accredited internships strongly preferred

Post-Doctoral Experience:

• Additional 1,800 hours after degree completion
• Completed within a 12-30-month timeframe
• Maximum 50 hours per week are counted
• Supervision agreement required before starting
• Must include a variety of professional activities

Examination Requirements

Minnesota requires the passage of two examinations for licensure:

1. Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)

• National standardized exam administered by ASPPB
• 225 multiple-choice questions covering core psychology domains
• Minimum passing score: 500 (scaled score)
• Topics include: biological bases, cognitive-affective bases, social/cultural bases, growth/development, assessment/diagnosis, treatment/intervention, research methods, ethical/legal/professional issues

2. Minnesota Professional Responsibility Exam (PRE)

• State-specific jurisprudence examination
• Covers Minnesota psychology laws and regulations
• Open-book format, completed at home
• Tests knowledge of Minnesota Statutes and Rules governing psychology practice

Application Process Timeline

The typical timeline from doctoral enrollment to full licensure spans 6-8 years:

Maintaining Licensure

Licensed psychologists in Minnesota must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain active licensure:

• 40 continuing education credits every 2-year renewal cycle
• Must include ethics and professional boundaries content
• Suicide prevention training is required
• Cultural diversity and social justice topics are encouraged
• Online and in-person formats are accepted

For current licensure information and applications, you can visit the Minnesota Board of Psychology.

Reciprocity and Mobility

Minnesota offers multiple pathways for out-of-state psychologists to obtain licensure:

Reciprocity Requirements:

• Active licensure in another state for 2+ consecutive years
• Doctoral degree in psychology
• No pending complaints or disciplinary actions
• Pass the Minnesota PRE exam

PSYPACT Participation:

Minnesota participates in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing:

• Temporary practice across participating states
• Telepsychology services across state lines
• Streamlined mobility for qualified psychologists

Minnesota Doctorate Psychology Salary Outlook & Career Opportunities

Psychology careers in Minnesota offer competitive compensation and diverse practice opportunities across various settings, including healthcare systems, educational institutions, private practice, and specialized treatment facilities. The state’s commitment to mental health services creates strong demand for qualified doctoral-level psychologists.

Salary Expectations by Specialization

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, psychology salaries vary significantly based on specialization, experience, and practice setting:

For detailed salary information across all specializations, consult our Minnesota Psychologist Salary Guide.

Employment Settings and Opportunities

Minnesota’s diverse healthcare landscape provides varied employment settings for psychology doctorate holders:

Healthcare Systems and Hospitals:

• Mayo Clinic (Rochester, multiple locations)
• Allina Health System (Twin Cities metro)
• HealthPartners (statewide network)
• Children’s Minnesota (pediatric specialization)
• M Health Fairview (University of Minnesota Medical Center)

Community Mental Health Centers:

• Guild Incorporated
• People Incorporated Mental Health Services
• Nystrom & Associates
• Fraser (autism and developmental disabilities)

Veterans Affairs and Government:

• Minneapolis VA Health Care System
• St. Cloud VA Medical Center
• Minnesota Department of Human Services
• State-operated treatment programs

Growth Projections and Market Demand

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development projects robust growth for psychology careers through 2032:

• Overall psychology employment growth: 9.9% (faster than average)
• Annual job openings: Approximately 190 positions
• Highest demand areas: Clinical psychology, neuropsychology, geropsychology
• Emerging specializations: Telepsychology, integrated primary care, digital mental health

Practice Considerations in Minnesota

Private Practice Opportunities:

Minnesota’s insurance landscape and mental health parity laws create favorable conditions for private practice:

• Strong insurance reimbursement rates
• Growing acceptance of telepsychology services
• Collaborative care models with primary care providers
• Opportunities for specialized niche practices

Rural Practice Incentives:

Minnesota offers specific programs to encourage practice in underserved areas:

• Loan forgiveness programs for rural service
• Higher reimbursement rates in designated shortage areas
• Telepsychology infrastructure support
• Professional development and consultation networks

Professional Development and Advancement

Career advancement opportunities for Minnesota psychologists include:

• Leadership Roles: Department chairs, clinical directors, program administrators
• Specialization Certification: Board certification in specialty areas (ABPP)
• Academic Appointments: Faculty positions at universities and medical schools
• Consultation Services: Expert witness, organizational consulting, program evaluation
• Policy and Advocacy: Legislative consultation, public health initiatives

Professional organizations supporting career development include:

• Minnesota Psychological Association
• Twin Cities Society of Clinical Psychology
• Minnesota School Psychologists Association
• Minnesota Association of Black Psychologists

Frequently Asked Questions