Table of Contents
- Quick Facts About Virginia Psychology Programs
- APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Virginia
- PhD Psychology Programs in Virginia
- Program Comparison Table
- How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Virginia
- Virginia Clinical Psychologist Salary Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia offers exceptional opportunities for students pursuing their doctorate in psychology, with multiple APA-accredited programs across both PsyD and PhD tracks. As one of the leading states for clinical psychology employment, Virginia provides excellent career prospects upon graduation. This comprehensive guide covers all available psychology doctorate programs in Virginia, including admission requirements, costs, and licensing pathways.
Whether you’re seeking a practice-focused PsyD degree or a research-oriented PhD, Virginia’s universities offer diverse options to match your career goals. From the prestigious University of Virginia to innovative programs at Regent University and Virginia Commonwealth University, you’ll find programs that align with your interests in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or specialized areas.
Quick Facts About Virginia Psychology Programs
- Total APA-Accredited Programs: 9 programs across 7 institutions
- PsyD Programs Available: 4 APA-accredited programs
- PhD Programs Available: 6 APA-accredited programs
- Average Program Length: 4-6 years plus internship
- Internship Match Rates: 92-100% at top programs
- Virginia Psychology Job Growth: 11.6% projected through 2032
- Average Annual Salary: $108,130 for clinical psychologists
APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Virginia
Virginia hosts four excellent APA-accredited PsyD programs, each offering unique strengths and specializations. These practice-focused doctoral programs emphasize clinical training and preparation for direct patient care.
Regent University – PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Regent University’s APA-accredited PsyD program has achieved remarkable success with a 100% internship match rate for seven consecutive years (2016-2023). This Christian-integrated program combines rigorous clinical training with faith-based perspectives.
- Institution Type: Private Christian University
- Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Annual Tuition: $31,500
- Program Length: 4 years plus internship
- Credit Hours: 116 semester hours
- Specialization: Clinical Psychology with Christian integration
- Clinical Hours: Extensive practicum and externship requirements
Divine Mercy University – PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Divine Mercy University offers a comprehensive PsyD program that trains students to address modern mental health challenges using evidence-based approaches and advanced clinical skills.
- Institution Type: Private Catholic University
- Location: Sterling, Virginia
- Annual Tuition: $44,585
- Program Length: 5 years
- Credit Hours: 122 semester hours
- Clinical Externship: Minimum 1,800 hours required
- Specializations: Clinical psychology with pathology emphasis
James Madison University – PsyD in Clinical and School Psychology
JMU’s innovative program follows the combined and integrated Madison Model, training students in both clinical and school psychology. This unique approach produces versatile practitioners capable of working in diverse settings.
- Institution Type: Public University
- Location: Harrisonburg, Virginia
- Annual Tuition: Typically covered by fellowships and assistantships
- Program Length: 5 years
- Minimum Credits: 62 doctoral credits at JMU
- Admission: 5-7 students accepted annually
- Licensure Success: 92% of graduates (2014-2024) became licensed
Radford University – PsyD in Counseling Psychology
Radford University’s APA-accredited PsyD program emphasizes rural mental health, cultural diversity, and social justice. This program is specifically designed for students with prior experience in counseling.
- Institution Type: Public University
- Location: Radford, Virginia
- Admission Requirement: A Master’s degree in human services is required
- Specialization: Rural mental health and underserved populations
- Internship Hours: 2,000 hours required
- Focus Areas: Cultural diversity, evidence-based practice
PhD Psychology Programs in Virginia
Virginia’s PhD programs emphasize the scientist-practitioner model, preparing graduates for careers in research, academia, and clinical practice. These research-focused programs typically require dissertation research and offer comprehensive training in psychological theory and methodology.
University of Virginia – PhD in Clinical Psychology
Founded by Thomas Jefferson, UVA’s PhD program has maintained APA accreditation since 1988 and follows the clinical scientist model with strong research emphasis.
- Institution Type: Public Research University
- Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
- Annual Tuition: Full tuition remittance with stipend for all students
- Program Length: 5 years plus internship
- Additional Programs: Combined Clinical-School Psychology PhD (APA-accredited)
- Non-APA Tracks: Cognitive, community, developmental, and social psychology
Virginia Commonwealth University – PhD in Clinical Psychology
VCU’s program, accredited since 1975, operates within a biopsychosocial perspective and has graduated over 285 doctoral students. The program typically maintains a student body of 50-55 students across all training levels.
- Institution Type: Public Research University
- Location: Richmond, Virginia
- Program Length: 5 years on campus plus internship year
- Specializations: Behavioral medicine, clinical child psychology
- Admission: 5-9 students accepted annually
- Rankings: Top-50 clinical program per U.S. News & World Report
Virginia Commonwealth University – PhD in Counseling Psychology
VCU also offers an APA-accredited PhD in Counseling Psychology, distinctive for its emphasis on counseling, health psychology, and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Institution Type: Public Research University
- Location: Richmond, Virginia
- APA Accreditation: Maintained since 1984
- Specialization: Health psychology emphasis
- Career Preparation: Academia, medical schools, clinical settings
- Next Site Visit: 2028
George Mason University – PhD in Clinical Psychology
George Mason’s APA-accredited clinical program provides extensive training in evidence-based practices and offers several non-APA-accredited specialty tracks.
- Institution Type: Public Research University
- Location: Fairfax, Virginia
- Annual Tuition: Full tuition remittance with guaranteed assistantships
- Additional Tracks: Applied Developmental, Cognitive/Behavioral Neuroscience, Human Factors, I/O Psychology
- Reputation: Considered one of the top “up-and-coming” universities nationally
Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology
This collaborative PhD program, jointly offered by Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University, is transitioning to a standalone program at ODU while maintaining its APA accreditation.
- Institution Type: Public University Consortium
- Location: Norfolk, Virginia
- Program Length: 5 years
- Annual Tuition: $6,000 with full tuition remittance and assistantships for residents
- Focus Areas: Ethics, multiculturalism, research, assessment, intervention
- Transition Note: Moving to ODU standalone program with anticipated APA accreditation in 2027
Virginia State University – PhD in Clinical Health Psychology
VSU offers a specialized program focusing on health psychology, particularly addressing health disparities in minority communities.
- Institution Type: Public University
- Location: Petersburg, Virginia
- Annual Tuition: $8,876 in-state, $19,742 out-of-state
- Specializations: Behavioral risk factors, health service disparities, minority health issues
- Accreditation Status: Not currently APA-accredited (application in progress)
- Research Focus: Diabetes, hypertension, and obesity in underserved populations
Virginia Psychology Programs Comparison
| University | Degree Type | APA Accredited | Annual Tuition | Program Length | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regent University | PsyD Clinical | Yes | $31,500 | 4 years + internship | Christian Integration |
| Divine Mercy University | PsyD Clinical | Yes | $44,585 | 5 years | Clinical Psychology |
| James Madison University | PsyD Clinical/School | Yes | Funded | 5 years | Combined Model |
| Radford University | PsyD Counseling | Yes | In-state rates | Varies | Rural Mental Health |
| University of Virginia | PhD Clinical | Yes | Funded | 5 years + internship | Clinical Scientist |
| Virginia Commonwealth | PhD Clinical | Yes | Funded | 5 years + internship | Biopsychosocial |
| Virginia Commonwealth | PhD Counseling | Yes | Funded | 5 years + internship | Health Psychology |
| George Mason University | PhD Clinical | Yes | Funded | 5 years + internship | Evidence-Based Practice |
How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Virginia
Obtaining licensure as a professional psychologist in Virginia requires completing several sequential steps over approximately seven years. The Virginia Board of Psychology oversees the licensing process and establishes specific requirements for practicing psychology.
Educational Requirements
Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
Complete an undergraduate degree with at least 120 credit hours. While a psychology major is recommended, it’s not strictly required if you complete the prerequisite courses.
Step 2: Master’s Degree (2 years)
Earn a master’s degree in psychology or a related field, typically requiring 54 credits and submission of GMAT/GRE scores for admission.
Step 3: Doctoral Degree (4-6 years)
Complete either a PsyD or PhD in psychology from an APA-accredited program. This includes coursework, research (for PhD dissertations), clinical training, and a pre-doctoral internship.
Post-Doctoral Requirements
Supervised Professional Experience (SPE):
- Minimum 1,500 hours of supervised professional experience
- Must be completed post-doctorate under a licensed psychologist’s supervision
- Duration: 12 months minimum, 3 years maximum
- Includes face-to-face client interactions as specified by the Board
Examination and Licensure
EPPP Examination:
- Score of 500 or higher required on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
- Must be completed within two years of eligibility
- Computer-based testing is available year-round
Application Process:
- Submit the Licensure by Examination form with $200 filing fee
- Provide verification documents, including internship completion, supervision verification, and official transcripts
- Complete background check and submit Self-Query Report
- Submit NPDB (National Practitioner Data Bank) form
For detailed application procedures and current requirements, consult the Virginia Board of Psychology official website.
Virginia Clinical Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook
Virginia offers excellent career prospects for psychology professionals, with strong job growth projections and competitive salaries. The state consistently ranks among the top employers of clinical psychologists nationwide, providing diverse opportunities across academic, healthcare, and private practice settings.
Job Growth Projection: Clinical and counseling psychologist positions in Virginia are projected to grow by 11.6% through 2032, significantly higher than the national average. This growth reflects increasing awareness of mental health needs and expanded insurance coverage for psychological services.
Salary Information: Clinical and counseling psychologists in Virginia earn a competitive average annual salary of $108,130. Professionals in the top 10% of earners can expect salaries starting at $222,560 annually, reflecting the strong earning potential in the field.
For detailed salary breakdowns by region and specialization, visit our comprehensive Virginia Clinical Psychologist Salary guide, which includes data on metropolitan areas, rural regions, and various psychology specializations.
Factors Affecting Salary in Virginia
- Geographic Location: Northern Virginia (DC metro) typically offers the highest salaries
- Practice Setting: Private practice, hospitals, government, and academic institutions vary
- Specialization: Neuropsychology, forensic psychology, and health psychology often command premium salaries
- Experience Level: Entry-level vs. experienced professionals see significant salary differences
- Education: Board certification and additional credentials increase earning potential
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between PsyD and PhD programs in Virginia?
PsyD programs emphasize clinical practice and applied skills, while PhD programs focus on research and academic preparation. Both lead to licensure eligibility, but PsyD graduates typically enter direct clinical practice, while PhD graduates often pursue academic or research careers. Virginia offers both options with excellent APA-accredited programs.
How competitive are Virginia psychology doctorate programs?
Virginia psychology programs are highly competitive, with most accepting 5-15 students annually from hundreds of applicants. Strong academic records (with a GPA of 3.5 or higher), research experience, clinical experience, and a compelling personal statement are essential. Some programs like JMU accept only 5-7 students per year.
Do all Virginia psychology programs require GRE scores?
Most Virginia psychology doctoral programs require GRE scores, although some have eliminated this requirement since the COVID-19 pandemic. Check individual program websites for current admission requirements, as policies regarding standardized test requirements continue to evolve.
Can I practice psychology in other states with a Virginia degree?
Yes, graduates from APA-accredited programs in Virginia can typically obtain licensure in other states through reciprocity agreements or by meeting the individual state’s requirements. APA accreditation is widely recognized and facilitates license portability across states.
What financial aid is available for psychology doctoral students in Virginia?
Many Virginia programs offer substantial financial support, including full tuition remission, graduate assistantships, and stipends. Programs at UVA, VCU, and JMU typically provide comprehensive funding packages. Private institutions may offer need-based aid and merit scholarships.
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist in Virginia?
The complete process typically takes 10-12 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 2 years for a master’s degree, 4-6 years for a doctoral program, 1 year of internship, and 1-2 years of supervised experience. Some combined programs may slightly reduce this timeframe.
Ready to start your journey? Explore our comprehensive guides to APA-accredited PsyD programs and learn about funding opportunities to support your doctoral education.
May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary for Psychologists and Psychologists, all other. National labor market information and state labor market information also sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor. Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2025.
