Admission Details
The PsyD degree at Chatham University offers a streamlined curriculum that includes coursework, practicum training, dissertation, and internship. There are three primary ways to enter the PsyD program and students complete an individualized plan of study with the Director of Training and their academic advisor to chart their path through the program.
First, students entering with a Bachelor's degree earn both a Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) and the PsyD by accruing approximately 103 credits. This streamlined approach allows for students to save 27 credits (approximately $27,000) when compared to completing a masters and doctoral degree separately.
Second, students entering with a Master's degree will work with the Director of Training and their academic advisor to determine which foundational coursework that they have completed or still need to take in the program. Typically, students entering with a master's degree in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling have the required foundational coursework and can launch into the PsyD curriculum. Such students accrue 85 post-masters credits.
Third, students entering with a master's degree in a related field such as Social Work, Sports Psychology, Athletic Counseling, General Psychology, and/or Public Health typically need to complete some foundational coursework while taking PsyD credits. The number of post-master's credits may vary between 85-103.
Please note: All students that enter with a master's degree regardless of field are not expected to accrue more than 103 credits.
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites:
- A baccalaureate or master's degree from an accredited college or university
- (PsyD) Master's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field (36 credit hours minimum); with a 3.2 minimum graduate GPA
OR
(EPsyD) Undergraduate degree with a minimum of 15 undergraduate psychology credit hours; with a 3.5 minimum undergraduate GPA (with B's or above in psychology coursework)
Completed application for admission by the posted deadline, including:
- Online application
- Admissions Essay (current prompt found in application portal)
- Curriculum vita or Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Once a student’s application materials are received, they will be contacted to schedule a required 30-minute virtual interview with a faculty member.
As part of our admissions review, Chatham reserves the right to request a background check prior to the offer of admission.
Admission Process
After verifying that the minimum academic requirements are met, the program utilizes a holistic approach in reviewing the candidate's entire application. This process is intended to seek talented and qualified individuals of all backgrounds. Taking multiple factors into consideration during our admissions process positively achieves the educational benefits of a student body that is both diverse and academically excellent. This approach includes an evaluation of each candidate’s academic achievement as well as their personal characteristics, attributes, and experiences.
As well, applicants will be informed by the Office of Admissions whether they have been accepted into the PsyD program.
International Applicants
International Applicants must submit additional documentation to the Office of Admissions. A list of these documents can be found on the International Admission web page.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement
The PsyD in Counseling Psychology program at Chatham University is a community of diverse learners. We believe that learning is optimized in an atmosphere of safety, support, and respect. We strive to create this atmosphere by welcoming community members from the full spectrum of human experience, including diversity in age, class, race, ethnicity, gender identity, physical abilities, political beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, spirituality, and size. We strive to acknowledge the role power and privilege play in our multiple, intersecting identities and to work towards creating a climate of egalitarianism, justice, and affirmation of all persons. We encourage students to challenge themselves to think beyond their current understanding of the world. As part of our program’s commitment to diversity, we endeavor to infuse consideration of multicultural issues into every aspect of our students’ graduate training, including classroom instruction, practicum and internship experience, comprehensive examinations, and dissertation research.
