Doctorate

Clinical Psychology

Degree type:
PsyD
Mode of study:
On-campus
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Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles, California offers a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology designed to provide professional psychological services to a variety of populations, including Spanish-speaking clients. With two cutting-edge emphases, our PsyD curriculum is designed to meet the needs of an inclusive, multicultural environment with a strong focus on serving those most in need.

Our practitioner-scholar model prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the practice and field of clinical psychology. Our faculty and student body round out the learning experience by providing a variety of worldviews and cultural perspectives.

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What is a PsyD?

Degree program

A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a doctoral degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis on practical training and applied research. PsyD programs in clinical psychology focus on developing skills for direct clinical practice rather than academic research. With a PsyD degree, graduates are prepared to work directly with clients to assess, diagnose and treat mental health issues.

Why get a PsyD at the Mount?

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    Small classes and cohort based

    Cohorts are capped at 12 students, giving PsyD students the opportunity to work closely with peers and expert faculty members. A small cohort model also ensures students’ needs are addressed directly and that faculty can provide support and mentorship inherent to the MSMU mission.

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    Full-time class schedule

    The full-time PsyD program takes five years to complete. Courses are offered two days a week with additional research projects, practicum experiences and professional development activities outside of class.

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    Dissertation support

    PsyD students collaborate with advisors to complete a pre-internship dissertation. The dissertation equips graduates with evidence-based skills to advance the field and provides a foundation for effective treatments in their chosen area of emphases.

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    Clinical practice

    Practica and the final-year internship are integral to our practitioner-scholar curriculum. In the final year of the program all students are required to complete a full-time clinical internship.

Program mission statement

Mount Saint Mary’s University PsyD program trains the next generation of ethical and socially-just health service psychologists who strive for cultural humility while integrating the practice and science of psychological services. Our PsyD program incorporates the spirit of the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ) and partners with the CSJs in their commitment to “deepen our awareness of our complicity and work toward dismantling interlocking systems of oppression” and to "use our collective voice to accompany others in speaking their truth.”

To learn more about the program outcomes, view our student admissions, outcomes, and other data overview.

PsyD emphases

Discover cutting-edge emphases in clinical psychology at Mount Saint Mary's University. With a focus on Latinx Mental Health and Diverse Populations, our doctoral program prepares mindful clinicians with a strong sense for social inclusiveness.

Explore PsyD emphases

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Learn more with our online resource

You have the valuable opportunity to earn a graduate psychology degree that will empower you to engage in ethical psychology practice and make a tangible difference in the world around you. Learn more about our graduate programs in Psychology in our online resource: A Field Guide to Careers with a Psychology Degree 

Explore our field guide

Take your next step

Sign up for an upcoming event or information session; meet with your admission counselor; explore our program pages. Then, when you're ready to apply, check out our application requirements and deadlines and get started! Apply now
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