University of Hartford Psy.D. Psychology Review
The University of Hartford’s Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology (GIPP) has offered an APA-accredited Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree since 1991. Over the past three decades, Hartford’s Psy.D. has become one of the most sought-after in the field, so let’s learn more about the program and what aspects make it such a desired next step for people wishing to begin working as professional psychologists.
About the Program
What are the basics of Hartford’s Psy.D., and what crucial information should students have?
Basics
- Institution type: Private, not-for-profit
- Main campus: West Hartford, Connecticut
- Accreditation: APA
- First year of program: 1991
Tuition and fees
- Full-time, in-state tuition: $28,115
- Full-time, out-of-state tuition: $28,115
- Per credit-hour tuition for part-time students: $1,162
- Institution fees: $375
Student outcomes
- Median years to completion:4 (2009-2019)
- Percentage completing in <5 years: 8% (2018-19)
- Percentage completing in 7+ years: 4% (2018-19)
- Degrees conferred, 2009-2019: 213
- Percentage of students obtaining internships: 92% (2018-19)
- Percentage of graduates earning professional licensure: 97% (2009-2019)
Degrees & requirements
- Psy.D. degrees offered: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
- Non-Psy.D. degrees offered: S. in School Psychology, M.S. in Organizational Psychology, dual M.S./M.B.A. in Organizational Psychology
- Number of credit hours required: 96
Admissions
- Application method: Online
- Application fee: $50
- Admission requirements: Personal statement; 2-page letter of intent; list of psychology courses and grades; resume; GRE general test (verbal 550, quantitative 550) and psychology subject test (550); three academic or professional recommendations
- Admissions office address: 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117
Biggest Pros
Let’s dive into the factors that make earning a Psy.D. from Hartford an attractive prospect for students.
Small class sizes
Only about 20-25 students are admitted to the GIPP Psy.D. program in a typical academic year, and the full-time, cohort-based approach means class sizes are small. This gives students an exceptionally intimate educational experience, as they get tons of one-on-one time with instructors, mentors and colleagues.
Child and adolescent track
Within the traditional structure of the program, students who are so inclined can tailor their education by focusing an especially important population group, children and adolescents. This track adds courses and practicum work to the core curriculum, helping students develop crucial skills in working with young people.
Cost
Earning a Psy.D. from Hartford will typically cost about $125,000-$150,000, which can be an eye-popping figure taken in isolation. But prospective Psy.D. students who have considered other programs know this is a bit of a bargain. With a per-year cost under $30,000, Hartford’s Psy.D. is one of the most cost-effective APA-accredited programs in the U.S.
Biggest Cons
Let’s look at the key factors that might play into making Hartford’s Psy.D. unappealing for students.
Selectivity
The small class sizes that set Hartford apart from a student experience mean that the majority of people who apply won’t get in, and prospective students need to be realistic about whether they’re the right candidate for this particular program.
Little real-world experience beyond internship/practicum
While students will spend at least a year in their Psy.D. internships and practicum, other programs do a better job at giving students this chance from the start, as there are several APA-accredited Psy.D. programs in which students can work in actual functioning mental health and community clinics.
Limited degrees and specialties
While the child and adolescent track is a popular choice for those interested in that particular population, the Hartford Psy.D. is a general one, and those who want to earn a different type of Psy.D. or who want to focus on a population other that young people may be better served in a different program.
The Bottom Line
While every learner’s needs and journey are unique, here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide whether the University of Hartford’s Psy.D. is right for you.
| Is the University of Hartford Psy.D. Program Right For Me? | ||
| Need | Yes | No |
| I need to take my classes online | x | |
| I’m interested in clinical psychology | x | |
| I want to focus on a particular population group | x | |
| I’m interested in applied psychology | x | |
| I’m interested in school psychology | x | |
| I’m interested in industrial-organizational psychology | x | |
| I have a very limited budget for a Psy.D. program | x | |
| A well-established program is important to me | x | |
| I want to work in a real-world mental health clinic | x | |
| I want to contribute to cutting-edge research projects | x | |
| I don’t want to take the GRE | x | |
Conclusion
Thanks to small class sizes, the University of Hartford has one of the most in-demand APA-accredited Psy.D. programs in the country, and with a relatively affordable total cost, it’s no wonder. Prospective students should be sure that their academic history and desired future career path align well before applying, but for those who do get in, the program will prepare them very well for a career in psychology.