Information for Applicants

How do I know if the University of Evansville PsyD Program is right for me?

Deciding whether a PsyD program is right for you is a very personal decision that requires a clear understanding of your career goals. Pursuing a PsyD is a big commitment in terms of your time and resources. Our PsyD Program may be right for you if: 

  1. You aspire to become a practicing psychologist. Our program emphasizes clinical training and is well-suited for someone wanting to focus on direct clinical care.
  2. You prefer application over research. While our program includes research components, we prioritize applying psychological principles in real-world settings rather than conducting extensive original research.
  3. You are comfortable with a rigorous program. Our program is full-time and entirely taught on-campus, in-person. Pursuing a PsyD requires dedication and resilience.
  4. You are interested in diverse clinical populations. We emphasize training in cultural competence and working with a variety of patient populations. You need to be open to adopting and internalizing values related to inclusivity, particularly as it relates to mental health care.
  5. You want flexibility in career options. Our PsyD Program equips you to seek employment in a variety of settings including private practice, hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, or organizational settings.
  6. You meet admission requirements. Our program requires a strong academic background and clear motivation related to becoming a psychologist (see below).
  7. You seek professional licensure. If your goal is to become a licensed psychologist, our PsyD Program adopts a pedagogical approach that prepares you for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

If these factors align with your values and goals, a PsyD in clinical psychology may be the right choice to help you achieve your aspirations.

What qualifications make a student competitive to be admitted?

Applicants who stand out for admission to our PsyD Program have a clear track record of academic achievement, relevant experience, and personal qualities that align with our program’s goals. Key qualifications include: 

  1. A strong academic background
    1. Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field
    2. Competitive GPA. A strong undergraduate GPA (often 3.5 or higher) is preferred
  2. Relevant experience
    1. Clinical experience: Hands-on experience such as volunteering or working in mental health settings (e.g., crisis hotlines, community clinics) shows your interest in the field as well as your readiness for clinical training
    2. Research experience: Though we are primarily focused on training psychologists who are practicing clinicians, we value some research experience as that suggests you have the ability to complete a rigorous dissertation project
  3. Personal statement
    1. Clear motivation: A compelling personal statement that clearly outlines your goals and explains the “why” behind your pursual of a PsyD is very important
    2. Alignment with our mission: Your personal statement should suggest that your interests fit with our focus and values
  4. Strong letters of recommendation
    1. We look closely at letters of recommendation, and therefore, it behooves you to obtain letters from individuals that know you well and can attest to your academic abilities, interpersonal skills, or research potential. Common letter writers include professors, supervisors, or mentors in psychology or related fields.
  5. Relevant skills
    1. Interpersonal skills: We look for candidates who are empathetic, self-aware, and open to feedback.
    2. Cultural competence: Candidates need to show a commitment to working with diverse populations.
    3. Communication skills: Writing and verbal communication skills can help a candidate stand out.
  6. Extracurricular activities
    1. Our PsyD students are well-rounded individuals who are often involved in clubs, student organizations, or community organizations.
  7. Fit with the program
    1. The importance of researching the faculty and our curriculum: Your interests need to align with what we have to offer in terms of clinical and research experiences. Clearly communicating this alignment shows that you have done your homework about our program and are genuinely interested.

By painting a clear picture of your strengths in these areas, you will present yourself as a capable and competitive candidate for a PsyD in clinical psychology.