Pennsylvania PsyD Programs Guide 2025
What You’ll Find on This Page
- Quick Facts About Pennsylvania PsyD Programs
- Program Comparison Table
- Complete List of APA-Accredited PsyD Programs
- PhD Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania
- How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Clinical Psychologist Salary Outlook
- How to Choose the Right Program
- Frequently Asked Questions
Pennsylvania stands as a premier destination for aspiring clinical psychologists, offering 14 APA-accredited PsyD programs and numerous PhD options across the state. With renowned institutions in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and throughout the Commonwealth, students can choose from diverse training models, specializations, and learning formats to match their career goals.
Whether you’re seeking a practitioner-focused PsyD or research-oriented PhD, Pennsylvania’s psychology doctorate programs provide comprehensive training that meets the state’s rigorous licensing requirements. This guide examines every APA-accredited program, compares costs and features, and explains the path to becoming a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania.
Quick Facts About Pennsylvania PsyD Programs
- Total APA-Accredited PsyD Programs: 14 programs across the state
- Tuition Range: $17,599 (Indiana University of Pennsylvania, in-state) to $83,250 (Bryn Mawr College)
- Average Time to Completion: 4-6 years for most programs
- Newest APA Accreditation: Holy Family University (contingency status through March 2025)
- Licensure Exam Pass Rates: West Chester University reports 57% licensure rate for 2012-2022 graduates
- Clinical Training Hours Required: Minimum 1,500 supervised hours for licensure
- Employment Outlook: 9.5% job growth projected over the next decade in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania PsyD Program Comparison Table
| University | Location | Annual Tuition | APA Status | Program Length | Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | Indiana | $17,599 (in-state) | Accredited | 4 years | Clinical Psychology |
| Widener University | Chester | $39,864 | Accredited | 5 years | Clinical Psychology |
| West Chester University | West Chester | $862/credit (in-state) | Accredited | 4 years | Clinical Psychology |
| La Salle University | Philadelphia | $46,215 | Accredited | 5 years | Clinical Psychology (CBT focus) |
| Chestnut Hill College | Philadelphia | $36,300 | Accredited | 4-5 years | Clinical, Couple/Family, Assessment |
| Immaculata University | Immaculata | $25,470 | Accredited | 4 years | Clinical Psychology |
| Chatham University | Pittsburgh | $1,160/credit | Accredited | 4-5 years | Counseling Psychology |
| PCOM | Philadelphia | $33,697-$42,997 | Accredited | 5-7 years | Clinical, School |
| Point Park University | Pittsburgh | $1,177/credit | Accredited (2019) | 5 years | Clinical Psychology |
| Duquesne University | Pittsburgh | $45,450 | Accredited (2015) | 5-6 years | School Psychology |
| Marywood University | Scranton | $34,500 | Accredited (2006) | 5-6 years | Clinical Psychology |
| Holy Family University | Philadelphia | $21,600 | Contingency (2025) | 4-5 years | Counseling Psychology |
| Carlow University | Pittsburgh | $32,396 | Accredited (2011) | 4.8 years avg | Counseling Psychology |
Related Resources: Compare these programs with online PsyD programs or explore accelerated 3-year PsyD programs if you’re looking for faster completion options.
Complete List of APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s 14 APA-accredited PsyD programs offer diverse training models and specializations. Each program maintains rigorous admission standards, comprehensive clinical training, and preparation for state licensure. Below, we examine each program’s unique features, costs, and requirements.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers Pennsylvania’s most affordable PsyD program for in-state residents at $17,599 annually. This four-year, APA-accredited program follows a practitioner model emphasizing professional application of psychology to diverse human conditions. The curriculum integrates extensive supervised training in interpersonal relations, psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and community outreach.
- Institution type: Public
- Location: Indiana, PA
- Annual tuition: $17,599 in-state; $26,393 out-of-state
- Program focus: Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: APA
- Learn more: Visit IUP’s PsyD Program
Widener University
Widener University’s APA-accredited PsyD program prepares scholar-practitioner psychologists through intensive clinical training and research integration. Students complete practicum placements, paid internships, and dissertation research over five years. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice in intervention, assessment, consultation, and supervision, with most graduates working as licensed clinical psychologists.
- Institution type: Private
- Location: Chester, PA
- Annual tuition: $39,864
- Program focus: Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: APA
- Learn more: Visit Widener’s PsyD Program
West Chester University
West Chester University’s practitioner-scholar model PsyD program maintains one of Pennsylvania’s highest reported licensure rates at 57% for 2012-2022 graduates. This four-year, APA-accredited program prepares students for leadership roles implementing evidence-based practices for mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The curriculum emphasizes critical research consumption and intervention development for quality improvement.
- Institution type: Public
- Location: West Chester, PA
- Tuition: $862 per credit in-state, $1,209 per credit out-of-state
- Program focus: Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: APA
- Learn more: Visit West Chester’s PsyD Program
La Salle University
La Salle University’s five-year PsyD program specializes in cognitive-behavioral theoretical orientation within a practitioner-scholar framework. The APA-approved curriculum integrates evidence-based practice, psychological science, theory, ethics, and diversity awareness. Students receive comprehensive training in clinical research, psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and professional standards.
- Institution type: Private
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Annual tuition: $46,215; $1,260 per credit
- Program focus: Clinical Psychology (CBT emphasis)
- Accreditation: APA
- Learn more: Visit La Salle’s PsyD Program
Chestnut Hill College
Chestnut Hill College offers specialized concentrations in Couple, Family, and Child Therapy or Psychological Assessment within its APA-accredited PsyD program. Students develop clinical skills alongside broad academic knowledge through comprehensive training in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, consultation, and supervision. The program emphasizes both practical application and scholarly contribution to clinical psychology.
- Institution type: Private
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Annual tuition: $36,300; $1,100 per credit hour
- Program focus: Clinical Psychology with optional concentrations
- Accreditation: APA
- Learn more: Visit Chestnut Hill’s PsyD Program
Immaculata University
Immaculata University’s four-year, APA-accredited PsyD program provides intensive instruction in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and clinical practice areas. The curriculum encourages research skill development through coursework, faculty-supervised independent projects, and dissertation requirements. Graduates are prepared for scholarly contributions and mental health leadership roles.
- Institution type: Private
- Location: Immaculata, PA
- Annual tuition: $25,470
- Program focus: Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: APA
- Learn more: Visit Immaculata’s PsyD Program
Chatham University
Chatham University’s counseling psychology PsyD emphasizes psychological counseling grounded in science, client strengths, and social justice commitment. The APA-accredited program requires 85-103 credits and prepares students for diverse practice settings through comprehensive clinical training and supervision.
- Institution type: Private
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Tuition: $1,160 per credit hour
- Program focus: Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: APA
- Learn more: Visit Chatham’s PsyD Program
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
PCOM offers two distinct APA-accredited PsyD programs. The School Psychology program (APA-accredited since 2019) includes 111 credits over 5-7 years with BCBA credential preparation. The Clinical Psychology program (APA-accredited since 2003) requires 89 credits over five years with two years of practicum experience. Both programs integrate medical school resources for comprehensive healthcare training.
- Institution type: Private
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Annual tuition: School: $33,697; Clinical: $42,997
- Programs offered: PsyD in School Psychology, PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: APA (both programs)
- Learn more: School Psychology | Clinical Psychology
Point Park University
Point Park University’s community-focused PsyD program, APA-accredited since 2019, offers one of Pittsburgh’s most affordable doctoral options at $1,177 per credit. The 90-credit program averages 4.9 years to completion, with emphasis on community psychology and social justice. Students manage to complete requirements efficiently, often finishing earlier than the standard five-year timeline.
- Institution type: Private
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Tuition: $1,177 per credit
- Program focus: Clinical Psychology (community emphasis)
- Accreditation: APA (since 2019)
- Learn more: Visit Point Park’s PsyD Program
Duquesne University
Duquesne University’s School Psychology PsyD program holds both APA accreditation (since 2015) and National Association of School Psychologists endorsement. The 91-credit program, offered through the School of Education, provides optional GRE admission and reports 40% of 2014-2024 graduates pursuing licensed practice roles. The curriculum integrates educational and psychological perspectives for comprehensive school-based practice.
- Institution type: Private
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual tuition: $45,450; $1,515 per credit hour
- Program focus: School Psychology
- Accreditation: APA, NASP-endorsed
- Learn more: Visit Duquesne’s PsyD Program
Marywood University
Marywood University’s 117-credit PsyD program, APA-accredited since 2006, offers both post-bachelor’s and post-master’s tracks without GRE requirements. The program features an in-house psychology clinic providing exceptional clinical training opportunities. Students complete comprehensive coursework, practicum experiences, and dissertation requirements while gaining hands-on experience in the university’s clinical facilities.
- Institution type: Private
- Location: Scranton, PA
- Annual tuition: $34,500; $1,000 per credit
- Program focus: Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: APA (since 2006)
- Learn more: Visit Marywood’s PsyD Program
Holy Family University
Holy Family University’s Counseling Psychology PsyD offers flexible pathways with 102 credits for bachelor’s-entry and 78-90 credits for master’s-entry students. The program welcomes applicants from related fields, including social work and public health. Currently holding APA contingency accreditation through March 2025, graduates are considered to have completed a fully APA-accredited program for licensure purposes.
- Institution type: Private
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Annual tuition: $21,600
- Program focus: Counseling Psychology
- Accreditation: APA contingency (full recognition expected 2025)
- Learn more: Visit Holy Family’s PsyD Program
Carlow University
Carlow University’s 93-credit Counseling Psychology PsyD, APA-accredited since 2011, emphasizes social justice values within a practitioner-scholar model. With some online courses available, the program advertises completion in as few as 48 months, though the decade-long average is 4.84 years. The curriculum integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout clinical training.
- Institution type: Private
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Annual tuition: $32,396
- Program focus: Counseling Psychology (social justice emphasis)
- Accreditation: APA (since 2011)
- Learn more: Visit Carlow’s PsyD Program
PhD Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania
While PsyD programs emphasize clinical practice, Pennsylvania also offers several prestigious PhD programs for students interested in research-focused careers. These programs typically take 5-7 years and prepare graduates for academic, research, and specialized clinical positions.
Notable PhD Programs Include:
- Penn State University: APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD with adult and child tracks, accredited by both APA and PCSAS
- University of Pennsylvania: Clinical Psychology PhD with neuroscience and intervention science concentrations
- Temple University: Clinical Psychology PhD with specializations in neuropsychology and developmental psychopathology
- Carnegie Mellon University: Psychology PhD with cognitive, developmental, and social tracks
- University of Pittsburgh: Clinical Psychology PhD emphasizing the biological bases of behavior
PhD programs typically offer full funding through teaching and research assistantships, making them financially attractive despite longer completion times. Consider a PsyD vs PhD comparison to determine which path aligns with your career goals.
How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania
Becoming a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania requires completing specific educational milestones, supervised experience, and passing state examinations. The Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology oversees licensure for the state’s approximately 7,500 practicing psychologists. Here’s the comprehensive pathway to licensure:
Educational Requirements
Your journey begins with foundational education in psychology. Pennsylvania requires:
- Bachelor’s Degree: While not necessarily in psychology, you’ll need prerequisite coursework for doctoral admission
- Master’s Degree: Many doctoral programs include a master’s degree en route, though some accept bachelor’s-level applicants
- Doctoral Degree: Either PsyD or PhD from an APA-accredited or regionally accredited program meeting state requirements
Supervised Experience Requirements
Pennsylvania mandates extensive supervised training before independent practice:
- Pre-Doctoral Internship: Minimum 1,500 hours through an APA-approved internship program
- Post-Doctoral Experience: An Additional 1,750 supervised hours after degree completion
- Face-to-Face Requirements: At least 875 hours (50%) must involve direct client contact
- Supervision Standards: Work must be supervised by a licensed psychologist meeting state criteria
Application Process with the Pennsylvania Board of Psychology
The licensure application involves multiple components submitted to the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology:
- Initial Application: Submit application with $105 non-refundable fee
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions
- National Practitioner Data Bank Report: Self-query report demonstrating professional standing
- Letter of Good Standing: From any state where previously licensed
- Criminal Background Check: Pennsylvania State Police clearance dated within 90 days
- Child Abuse Clearance: From the Department of Human Services
- Verification of Experience: Documentation of all supervised hours
Examination Requirements
Pennsylvania requires passing two examinations for licensure:
- EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology): National standardized exam testing foundational psychology knowledge. Most candidates spend 4-6 months preparing. Register through ASPPB
- Pennsylvania Psychology Law Examination: State-specific exam covering Pennsylvania regulations, ethics, and legal requirements
Timeline and Preparation Tips
The entire licensure process typically takes 6-8 years post-bachelor’s degree:
- Doctoral program: 4-6 years
- Post-doctoral supervised experience: 1 year
- Examination preparation and licensure: 3-6 months
Pro Tips for Success:
- Choose an APA-accredited program to ensure smooth licensure eligibility
- Document all supervised hours meticulously from day one
- Begin EPPP preparation during your final doctoral year
- Network with Pennsylvania psychologists for mentorship and job opportunities
- Join the Pennsylvania Psychological Association for resources and support
Pennsylvania Clinical Psychologist Salary Outlook
Clinical and counseling psychologists in Pennsylvania enjoy competitive salaries and strong job growth prospects. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the state employs 3,850 clinical and counseling psychologists with robust earning potential across experience levels.
Statewide Salary Data
| Salary Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (25th percentile) | $68,000 (estimated) | $5,667 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $90,450 | $7,537 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,980 | $8,665 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $124,990 | $10,416 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $170,860 | $14,238 |
Metropolitan Area Salary Variations
Salaries vary significantly across Pennsylvania’s metropolitan areas, with some regions offering substantially higher compensation:
- Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton: $116,470 median ($111,800 mean)
- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington: $106,330 median ($119,060 mean)
- York-Hanover: $106,520 median ($111,910 mean)
- Erie: $94,680 median ($96,950 mean)
- Pittsburgh: $75,550 median ($84,260 mean)
- Harrisburg-Carlisle: $79,620 median ($96,170 mean)
Job Growth Projections
Pennsylvania’s psychology field shows promising growth with clinical and counseling psychologist positions projected to increase by 9.5% over the next decade—nearly four times the state’s overall job growth rate of 2.5%. This growth translates to approximately 365 new positions statewide.
PsyD-prepared psychologists typically enter the workforce at higher salary levels due to their extensive clinical training. Those specializing in neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or health psychology often command premium salaries above state averages.
For detailed salary information by specialization, visit our Pennsylvania psychologist salary guide.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures shown here for Psychologists. Job growth projections are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, CareerOneStop. Figures are based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2025.
How to Choose the Right Pennsylvania PsyD Program
Selecting the ideal PsyD program requires evaluating multiple factors beyond rankings and reputation. Consider these essential criteria when comparing Pennsylvania’s doctoral psychology programs:
Accreditation Status
APA accreditation remains the gold standard for psychology doctoral programs. All 14 Pennsylvania PsyD programs maintain APA accreditation or contingency status, ensuring:
- Eligibility for licensure in all 50 states
- Access to APA-accredited internship sites
- Recognition by employers and credentialing bodies
- Quality assurance through regular review processes
Financial Considerations
Program costs vary dramatically from $17,599 to over $46,000 annually. Evaluate total program costs, including:
- Tuition structure: Annual vs. per-credit pricing
- Financial aid: Assistantships, scholarships, federal loans
- Hidden costs: Dissertation fees, assessment materials, supervision
- Return on investment: Compare costs to regional salary expectations
Training Philosophy
Pennsylvania programs offer various training models:
- Practitioner-Scholar: Emphasizes clinical practice with research literacy (most common)
- Scholar-Practitioner: Balances research and practice equally
- Clinical Scientist: Research-focused with clinical application
Specialization Opportunities
Many programs offer specialized training tracks:
- Neuropsychology (limited programs)
- Child and adolescent psychology
- Health psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Couple and family therapy (Chestnut Hill)
- School psychology (PCOM, Duquesne)
Location and Lifestyle Factors
Consider geographical preferences and lifestyle needs:
- Urban programs (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh): More internship sites, higher cost of living
- Suburban/rural programs: Lower living costs, tighter cohort communities
- Commute considerations: Most programs require on-campus attendance
- Clinical training sites: Proximity to diverse practicum placements
Student Outcomes to Investigate
Request program-specific data on:
- Licensure exam pass rates (EPPP scores)
- Internship match rates
- Time to degree completion
- Attrition rates
- Graduate employment statistics
- Alumni satisfaction surveys
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between PsyD and PhD programs in Pennsylvania?
PsyD programs focus primarily on clinical practice and typically take 4-6 years to complete. They emphasize practical training with less emphasis on research production. PhD programs are research-intensive, usually take 5-7 years, and prepare graduates for academic or research careers while also providing clinical training. PhD programs often offer full funding through assistantships, while PsyD programs rarely provide full financial support.
How competitive are Pennsylvania PsyD program admissions?
Pennsylvania PsyD programs are highly competitive, typically accepting 5-15% of applicants. Programs receive 100-500 applications for cohorts of 15-40 students. Successful applicants generally have GPAs above 3.5, relevant psychology coursework, research experience, and clinical or volunteer experience in mental health settings. Some programs no longer require GRE scores, including Marywood and Duquesne.
Can I complete a PsyD program online in Pennsylvania?
While some Pennsylvania programs offer limited online coursework (like Carlow University), no fully online APA-accredited PsyD programs exist in the state. All programs require substantial in-person components for clinical training, practicum placements, and internships. Students must complete at least 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience in approved settings. For remote options, explore our guide to accredited online PsyD programs.
What GPA do I need for Pennsylvania PsyD programs?
Most Pennsylvania PsyD programs expect a minimum GPA of 3.0, but competitive applicants typically have GPAs of 3.5 or higher. Programs like Marywood expect a 3.30 minimum for both overall and psychology coursework. Some programs consider upward grade trends and may place less emphasis on early undergraduate performance if later coursework shows improvement.
How much does a PsyD cost in Pennsylvania?
Total program costs in Pennsylvania range from approximately $70,000 (Indiana University of Pennsylvania, in-state) to over $230,000 for five-year private programs. Public universities offer the most affordable options for Pennsylvania residents. Consider total program costs, not just annual tuition, as programs vary from 4-7 years in length. Most students rely on federal loans, though some programs offer limited assistantships or scholarships.
Are there any 3-year PsyD programs in Pennsylvania?
No Pennsylvania PsyD programs offer standard 3-year completion. The fastest programs are 4 years (West Chester, Indiana University of Pennsylvania), though actual completion often takes longer. Carlow University advertises completion in as few as 48 months for highly motivated students, but their average is 4.84 years. Accelerated completion may be possible for students entering with master’s degrees and transferable credits.
Which Pennsylvania PsyD programs don’t require the GRE?
Several Pennsylvania programs have made the GRE optional or eliminated the requirement entirely. Marywood University and Duquesne University explicitly state GRE scores are not required. Other programs may waive GRE requirements for applicants meeting certain GPA thresholds or possessing relevant master’s degrees. Contact individual programs for current testing requirements as policies frequently change.
What specializations are available in Pennsylvania PsyD programs?
Pennsylvania programs offer diverse specialization options. Chestnut Hill College provides concentrations in Couple, Family, and Child Therapy or Psychological Assessment. PCOM offers separate tracks for Clinical and School Psychology. Several programs emphasize specific theoretical orientations like La Salle’s cognitive-behavioral focus or Carlow’s social justice emphasis. Most programs allow students to develop specialization through practicum placements and dissertation topics.
How long does Pennsylvania psychology licensure take?
After completing your doctoral degree, expect 12-18 additional months to achieve full licensure. This includes completing 1,750 hours of supervised post-doctoral experience, preparing for and passing the EPPP (4-6 months preparation typical), passing the Pennsylvania law exam, and processing time for application review. The entire journey from starting your doctoral program to independent practice typically spans 6-8 years.
What are the best-paying psychology specialties in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, neuropsychologists and forensic psychologists typically earn above the state median of $90,450. Industrial-organizational psychologists command some of the highest salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually. Health psychologists working in medical settings and those in private practice in affluent areas like the Philadelphia Main Line or Pittsburgh suburbs also report higher earnings. Geographic location significantly impacts salary, with the Allentown and Philadelphia metros offering the highest compensation.
