Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Admissions
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Admissions Requirements

  • Completed bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • GPA: Recommended minimum GPA of 3.4 in the last two years of study.
  • Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants do not need to have an undergraduate major in psychology but should have a strong background in undergraduate psychology. The following courses must be completed with a grade of B- or better before PsyD coursework begins. (They do not need to be complete at the time of application.)
    • Abnormal Psychology
    • Statistics (math-based)
    • Research Methods or Experimental Psychology 
    • One of the following:
      • Developmental Psychology
      • Perception/Sensation
      • Physiological or Biological Psychology
  • English Proficiency: Demonstrated English proficiency, for international students, with a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper test), 250 (computer test), or 100 (internet test), or an IELTS overall score of 7.0 with minimum sub scores of 7.0 in each section.
  • Professional mental health experience is encouraged but not required.
  • PSYCAS Application: Complete an online application through PSYCAS. Your application will include official transcripts, a CV/résumé, two letters of recommendation, and completed essay questions.

The School of Graduate Psychology seeks students with both academic aptitude and personal qualities that will enable them to develop personally and professionally into effective psychologists.

A personal interview is required for all finalists who apply to the program.

Applicants are advised that Pacific University requires criminal background checks. This background check is required to determine students' qualification to provide services; it takes place after admission and deposit. A criminal record may disqualify a previously admitted student. In addition, drug screenings and additional trainings are required prior to the start of clinical practicum placements.
 

Admissions Deadlines

Application Deadline: Dec. 19, 2024

Interview Notifications: January/February

Interviews: February/March

Acceptance Notifications: March

Deposit Due: April 15

Classes Begin: August

How to Apply

  • Explore a PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Pacific University. Information sessions are held each fall, and dates will be listed below as available.
  • Talk to an Admissions Counselor: Contact our dedicated admissions counselor to learn more about the PsyD program. You can also talk to our Student Ambassadors to learn what it's like to be a Pacific student.
  • Apply through PSYCAS: Submit your application online through the PSYCAS system. Find tips and tricks in our PSYCAS Application Checklist. Your application will include:
    • A CV/Résumé 
    • Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended
    • Two letters of recommendation. You will provide your recommenders' information in the online application, and they will be sent an email requesting the necessary documentation.
    • Completed essay questions

International Students

We welcome international students in the Pacific University Clinical Psychology PhD program. International applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency, as outlined above. Students who attended a non-U.S. or non-Canadian college, university, or graduate school will also need a course-by-course evaluation of their international transcripts. Several third party organizations provide this service to international students, but we prefer WES (World Education Services). The credentials evaluation must be received in our Admissions office by the application deadline to ensure consideration of your application.

Transfer Students

Post-baccalaureate work at the graduate level in psychology taken at an accredited university may be evaluated for transfer. An "A" grade must have been achieved in a course taught by an instructor with a doctoral degree, and the Pacific course instructor and the Program Director must determine that the content of the course (based on syllabus documentation and the Transfer of Credit Application) is of sufficient breadth and depth as to be comparable to our doctoral level course. A maximum of 27 credits may be transferred from other schools provided these were earned after award of a bachelor's degree from an accredited program and within the four years immediately preceding admission to the school. Practicum, Diversity, Ethics and internship credits are not transferable.

Class Profile

2024 Entering Class Statistics
Approximate number of students matriculating 32
Number of students applying 325
Age range of incoming students 20-43
Average undergraduate GPA 3.62
Last 60 GPA 3.77
In-state students 27%
Out of State/International 73%
Contact Us

School of Graduate Psychology
503-352-7277 | 503-352-7320 (fax)

190 SE 8th Ave., Ste. 260
Hillsboro, OR 97123

Jenni Gottschalk | Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Admissions
800-933-9308 Ext 7225 or 503-352-7225 | jgott@pacificu.edu

Make an appointment with me! CLICK HERE