Superior academic credentials, exciting research, and clinical training opportunities. Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)

In a world filled with injustice and suffering, the APA-accredited Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Wheaton College Graduate School will form you into a Clinical Psychologist who meets the needs of others with a practice built upon an integrated, academically rigorous, justice and service-focused, and biblically grounded foundation.

Credential Type

Psy.D.

Major Credits Required

Duration

5 years

Format

Residential

99% Match Rate

Students matched at pre-doctoral interns

6 Active Research Labs

...that contribute meaningful scholarship to the field

94% Licensure Rate

Percentage of eligible graduates who earned professional licensure in the past 10 years

Request Information

Or reach out to us anytime at graduate.admissions@wheaton.edu.

Become a compassionate, Christian practitioner Why Earn a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at Wheaton?

Pursue Justice

We are an unapologetically rigorous, foundationally Christian program dedicated to serving the underserved and the Church in a manner consistent with Biblical justice dedicated to the holistic development of our students. We train clinicians to be grounded in, informed by and shaped by beliefs and practices of the Christian faith. Learn more about diversity and justice.

Serve with Excellence

We train clinicians to become highly competent clinical psychologists using a practitioner-scholar training model while committed to professional practice as service, especially to the Body of Christ, the Church and all persons marginalized and wounded by society on the basis of racial or ethnic identification, age, socioeconomic status or gender.

The Psy.D. program encourages its students to pursue memberships in professional organizations during their training. We have student members of the American Psychological Association (APA), International Neuropsychological Association (INS), and Christian Association of Psychological Studies (CAPS). Learn more about clinical training and research opportunities.

Develop Holistically

We train clinicians within a community context which is balanced in spiritual, personal, professional and interpersonal growth and development. Learn more about student development.

View Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Our Faculty Compassionate and Intelligent Educators

Fifteen School of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy faculty members play a role in the clinical psychology program. The core faculty consists of eight individuals who contribute more than half of their time to doctoral education. All of the core faculty members have attended doctoral programs and internships that are accredited by the American Psychological Association. Consistent with the training model employed, every effort has been made to attract scholars with strong interests in clinical practice and practitioners with strong scholarly interests and abilities. In addition to School of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy faculty, the clinical psychology program also employ the talents of several affiliated and guest faculty members.

Sally Schwer Canning, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology

James Cornwell, Ph.D.

Director of Research, Associate Professor of Psychology

Ward Davis, Psy.D.

Director of Clinical Training, Professor of Psychology

John McConnell, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychology

Benjamin Pyykkonen, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychology Programs Director, Associate Professor of Psychology

Sandra Yu Rueger, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology

Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D.

Professor and Dr. Arthur P. Rech and Mrs. Jean May Rech Endowed Chair in Psychology, Director, Sexual & Gender Identity Institute

Our Curriculum

Your coursework will consist of studies in these core areas:

scientific foundations
assessment & intervention
integration of faith and psychology
special and underserved populations
ethical and professional development
applied research & statistics

Additionally, you can explore psychology topics that interest you through 12 elective credits. The Psy.D. program also requires a dissertation, comprehensive exam, and a professional qualifying exam.

Please see the graduate course catalog for current requirements as well as the most up-to-date course numbers, titles, and descriptions.

Core Course Examples

Psychopathology
Biological Bases of Behavior
Psychoanalytic and Contemporary Psychodynamic Theory and Practice
Family Systems Theory and Therapy
Advanced Social Psychology
Class, Gender, Race, Religion & Sexual Identity
Theological and Religious Issues in Psychotherapy
Basic Clinical Interviewing Skills

What are the differences between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology?

Learn more about why Wheaton is transitioning to a Ph.D. program and explore what route is best for you.

Comparing the PsyD and PhD programs

Scholar-Practitioner Development Clinical Training & Research Opportunities

The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology combines research and practice, giving you plenty of ways to develop as a scholar-practitioner. During your doctoral studies at Wheaton, you will engage in exciting research, complete hands-on clinical training, and participate in a range of professional development opportunities.

Multicultural Peace and Justice Collaborative co-directors discussing at a table

Clinical Training Opportunities

Build a foundation of clinical skills through practicum and clerkship experiences in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practices. You'll also complete a full-time, year-long internship in a professional clinical setting. Past internship sites include university counseling centers, correctional facilities, VA hospitals, and community clinics.

Explore Clinical Experiences

Wheaton College Neuroscience students looking at test results on a computer

Faculty Research Labs

You'll hone your research and statistical analysis skills through a variety of courses, many of which take place within our faculty-led psychology research labs:

The Multicultural Peace & Justice Collaborative
Neurocognitive Functioning Lab
Psychology and Spirituality Research Lab
Sexual and Gender Identity Lab
Urban Community Health Lab
Youth Risk and Resilience Lab

Discover Our Research

phd student at practicum seminar holding notebook and smiling

Dissertation & Professional Development

One of the hallmarks of doctoral program is your contribution of original, meaningful scholarly literature to the field. As you embark on your dissertation, you'll work closely with a faculty mentor to shape your ideas and methodologies.

You'll also have a chance to network with scholars and other Psy.D. candidates from around the world at through membership in professional organizations or attending academic conferences.

Learn About Dissertations

Investing in You

Financial Wellness

All incoming Clinical Psychology Psy.D. students are automatically considered for department-based scholarships, typically ranging from $8,000 to $12,000. Additionally, you may be eligible for other funding options including stipends for research support and conference travel.

The Wheaton College Graduate School Student Financial Services team can help you understand how much your graduate studies will cost and what aid may be available to you.

Learn About Graduate Financial Aid

Next Steps

Ready to pursue your Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and prepare to serve others as a compassionate, Christian practitioners? Request more information about our psychology doctoral program or start your application today.

Graduate Admissions Request Information