Yeshiva University Psy.D. Psychology Review
With a program history that stretches back more than 40 years, the Yeshiva University Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology is a well-established East Coast institution offering the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. Let’s learn more about the pros and cons of this Psy.D. program, which has been accredited by the APA since the mid-1980s.
About the Program
Before we dive into what makes this program great, and which aspects aren’t so great, let’s take a look at the vital statistics of the university and the program.
Basics
- Institution type: Private, not-for-profit
- Main campus: New York City
- Accreditation: APA
- First year of program: 1979, APA-accredited since 1985
Tuition and fees
- Full-time, in-state tuition: $38,320
- Full-time, out-of-state tuition: $38,320
- Per credit-hour tuition for part-time students: $1,760
- Institution fees: $2,674
Student outcomes
- Median years to completion: 5 (2008-2017)
- Percentage completing in <5 years: 0% (2017-18)
- Percentage completing in 7+ years: 0% (2017-18)
- Degrees conferred, 2008-2018: 241
- Percentage of students obtaining internships: 90% (2017-18)
- Percentage of graduates earning professional licensure: 96% (2008-2018)
Degrees & requirements
- Psy.D. degrees offered: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. in School-Clinical Child Psychology
- Non-Psy.D. degrees offered: D. in Clinical Psychology, Health Emphasis
- Number of credit hours required: 116
Admissions
- Application method: Online through APA portal
- Application fee: $65
- Admission requirements: GRE, 70th percentile score recommended; undergraduate transcript; three letters of recommendation; 3-page personal statement; resume
- Admissions office address: 1165 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461
Biggest Pros
What factors are points in favor of students considering a Psy.D. at Yeshiva?
Multiple types of Psy.D. degrees
Yeshiva University is one of the few prestige organizations to offer multiple types of Psy.D. degrees, as most schools offer only the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology. Yeshiva also offers a Psy.D. in School-Clinical Child Psychology, which gives students a chance to travel a unique academic path that focuses on children and the educational system.
Training in cutting-edge therapies
While much of the curriculum, regardless of degree, is focused on traditional, well-established practices in psychology, Yeshiva’s program is on the forefront of studying the application of relatively new therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), psychodynamics and neuropsychology.
Parnes Clinic
In some Psy.D. programs, students don’t begin working directly with individuals dealing with mental health and other emotional or behavioral issues until their fourth year, when they begin a practicum or internship. At Yeshiva, Psy.D. students are among those staffing the Parnes Clinic, which provides low-cost services to the Bronx and greater New York City community, including psychotherapy and assessment services.
Focus on population groups
For prospective students who don’t want to focus on school or child psychology but who do want to narrow their focus to a particular population group, clinical Psy.D. students have the option of receiving specialized training in couples and family therapy, treatment of older adults, anxiety and depressive disorders, serious mental illness, trauma and more. School and clinical child psychology students can choose to add concentrations in CBT or psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Biggest Cons
What aspects of Yeshiva’s Psy.D. programs might make a prospective student think twice about considering the program?
Lack of flexibility
Only offered on a full-time basis and only at the campus in New York, Yeshiva’s program will instantly rule out many students who need to earn their Psy.D. degrees either part time or through an online delivery system.
Selectivity
Though it speaks highly to why the program is so well-regarded, Yeshiva’s Psy.D. program is intensely selective, admitting about 20 new students per year, while only about 100 students are currently in the program. For those considering the program, it’s crucial to make sure their applications are rock-solid.
Cost
While it’s definitely not the most expensive possible school, Yeshiva’s $38,000 per-year tuition cost is on the high side, even among other private universities. Since the program is designed to last five years, that means the average student will likely need to spend at least $150,000 to earn their degree.
The Bottom Line
Still unsure if Yeshiva University’s Psy.D. degree options are right for you? Check out this chart to find out.
| Is the Yeshiva University 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
From its long history in the New York area to a real-world clinic that helps people in the community deal with behavioral and mental health issues, Yeshiva University’s Psy.D. program is firmly rooted in tradition but still embraces modern therapeutic methods. While it’s not right for students who can’t relocate to the area, Yeshiva’s program will be ideal for those who can get into the highly selective school (and who can afford the tuition).
This Psy.D program made our Editors’ Choice Best Accredited Psy.D. Programs for 2020.
Additional Resources
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology Degrees
- Student Outcomes and Other Data
- Clinical Psy.D.
- School Psy.D.
- Psy.D. Curriculum
- Admissions FAQs
