Doctor of Psychology
We offer a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree in Counseling Psychology. Our program emphasizes clinical training, service to the underserved, and evidence-based practice.
The program follows a cohort model, meaning students enter with a group of students and stay with this group throughout their time in the program. Cohort sizes have historically had anywhere from 5-10 students. In recent years, cohorts have been 7-9 students.
The cohort starting in fall of 2025 is full. Applications can begin to be submitted in early August for the following year. If you wish to be included in events geared towards prospective students for the Counseling Psychology Psy.D. program, you should email Dr. Christina Liparini, Program Director, at cliparini@steu.edu to receive communications.
Classes are scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This schedule is designed to accommodate students balancing professional and academic commitments.
The program typically takes 4 years to complete, including coursework, practicum training, dissertation, and a full-time pre-doctoral internship.
No. This is not a part-time program.
Students are expected to maintain full enrollment and consistent progress throughout
their time in the program.
Yes, many students maintain part-time employment during their studies, especially in the first year.
However, beginning in the second year when externship placements (clinical field training) begin, students are strongly encouraged to scale back work hours to accommodate approximately two full days per week at their practicum sites.
Yes. The Counseling Psychology Psy.D. program at Saint Elizabeth University is fully accredited for ten years by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) with an effective accreditation date of May 6, 2024. The next site visit will be in 2033.
Applicants must have completed a master’s degree prior to enrollment.
Eligible degrees typically include:
- Counseling
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- Social Work
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Other mental health-related fields
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic preparation and a commitment to professional psychology.
There is very limited funding available through graduate assistantships. Students are encouraged to apply early and to explore additional financial aid options through the university’s Office of Financial Aid.
Students participate in supervised practicum experiences in their second and third
years and later complete a full-time pre-doctoral internship.
Practicum placements include:
- Schools
- Community mental health agencies
- Hospitals
- University counseling centers
Please note that students are not permitted to complete their practica through existing outside work positions.
- Clinical training and psychological assessment
- Multicultural competence and social justice
- Research and evidence-based practice
- Professionalism and ethical practice
Yes. Students must successfully complete and defend a doctoral dissertation as part of the degree requirements. Students can opt to utilize a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods design.
We seek students who are:
- Academically prepared
- Committed to the service of others
- Socially conscious
- Capable of self-reflection and personal growth
- Dedicated to developing clinical and research competencies