Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Psychology
The mission of the Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Albizu University, is to train professionally and culturally competent clinical psychologists with special emphasis on the training of a diverse psychologist . workforce prepared to serve a growing multicultural population. The philosophy of training for the Psy.D. Program is based on the belief that the needs of a multicultural society are best served by psychology professionals who are culturally competent and inclusive. In accordance with this belief, the program seeks to provide students with rich exposure to culturally and individually diverse populations through its academic training and applied experiences. It also seeks to train students who have been underrepresented in the field. The Psy.D. Program is designed to train students as health service psychologists with an emphasis on clinical psychology. The program prepares students to provide comprehensive psychotherapeutic and psychodiagnostic services, assume administrative and supervisory positions in mental health programs, and provide professional psychological consultation. The doctorate in clinical psychology program trains students in the theories and concepts of cultural and individual diversity and their application to the practice of professional psychology. It also trains students to be consumers of research and base their work on the foundation of scientific evidence and scholarly works.
Program Goals
The Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Albizu University, Miami Campus, uniquely emphasizes training culturally competent psychologists to serve a growing multicultural population. The program’s mission focuses on fostering diversity by preparing a workforce that is inclusive and representative of underrepresented groups in psychology. Its philosophy prioritizes cultural competence and inclusivity, providing students with extensive exposure to diverse populations through academic and applied experiences. With a health service psychology training model, the program prepares students for roles in clinical practice, supervision, administration, and consultation, emphasizing evidence-based approaches. Albizu University instills in its students a commitment to lifelong learning, compassion, self-awareness, and scientific rigor. Once you submit a completed application to PSYCAS, they verify all the information and notify Albizu University when the verification is complete. In order for your application to be considered, Albizu University must receive this notification before February 1st. Verification takes time; it can take 4-8 weeks or longer, especially if a foreign transcript is involved, so make sure to submit with plenty of time for this process. Remember, a completed application includes every required component of the application. Applications not verified by PSYCAS by January 31 will not be considered. Our deadline for consideration for admission to the program beginning in Fall 2025 is January 31, 2025. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on the January 31, 2025. An application to our program also requires the completion and successful submission of all materials requested in this application.Important Information
Request Information
Academic Program Location Information by Campus
Miami
San Juan
Mayaguez
Program Details
-
Credits
99 -
Academic Level
Doctorate -
Duration
5 Years -
Language Used
English
Program Director
- (305) 593-1223, ext. 3129
- [email protected]
- 2173 NW 99th Ave., Miami, FL 33172-2209
Additional Program Academic Program Resource Miami
The following are required for your PsyD application:
- Complete the PSYCAS application
- Official college transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work (if applicable).
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from academic/clinical/research work be sent through the PSYCAS recommender portal (highly recommend at least one of these are required to come from academic faculty)
- A personal statement in the Documents section of PSYCAS
- A CV/Resume
- Complete < Albizu University > supplemental application using this promotional code to waive the fee : ALBPSYDF25
- International Applicants: Request that official evaluations of transcripts from all foreign institutions be sent to PSYCAS as follows:
- Use the World Education Services (WES) link in the Academic History section of the application to order your official WES evaluation or
- Use the “Download Evaluation Request Form” in the Academic History section of the application to request an evaluation from an evaluation service other than WES.
- OPTIONAL: Official General (Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing) GRE scores must be sent to Albizu University, GRE code 467001 (optional for the 2025 admission cycle).
Note: If requirements are different for international students, you may want to consider a separate designation for that population or consider conditional questions.
Characteristics of a Successful Candidate
· Overall GPA of 3.25
· A completed and signed application form accompanied by the appropriate fee prior to the established deadline dates.
· Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) institutions attended, showing that the following conditions have been met:
• Previous academic work must include courses in statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology. (Pre-requisites must have approved the courses with a grade of B or better).
· The transcripts need to include any degree received.
· A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education is required.
· Applicants enrolled in an institution of higher education outside the United States whose standards of training are substantially equivalent to the standards of training of those institutions in the United States will also be considered. A foreign evaluation must be provided by an approved agency by NACES (https://www.naces.org/members).
The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) in Clinical Psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Psychological Association (APA).
For information about accreditation, please contact:
APA Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: (202) 336-5979
Email: [email protected]
The curriculum of the Psy.D. Program is derived from its mission, philosophy, aims, and competencies. The Psy.D. Program offers a generalist curriculum along with electives that invite students to focus their area of study on any of these areas: Clinical Neuropsychology, Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Addictions Psychology, and Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. Students also have the option of taking a variety of elective courses across specialty areas, thereby enriching their generalist training. Upon successful completion of the program, students will have completed 99 credits.
It is important to note that students who began the Psy.D. Program prior to Fall 2019 were under the previous 134-credit curriculum. These students transitioned into the 99-credit curriculum and were at different levels in the program so that they will complete the program with more than 99 credits.
Upon satisfactory completion of all 40 credits in sessions 1-4, with the exception of PSYD840, students may apply for the en route Master of Science in General Psychology by completing an application form at the Registrar’s Office along with the payment of a processing fee.
Training in the doctorate in clinical psychology program is sequential, cumulative, and increasing in complexity. It is designed to prepare students for professional practice in Health Service Psychology and for training at the post-doctoral level. First-year students are exposed to foundation courses that prepare them to work with clients and to develop a graduate-level understanding of human behavior and dysfunction. Once students complete the foundation courses (ethics, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, psychopathology, and clinical interviewing), they continue their clinical courses (Evidenced Based Practice I: CBT), and begin their assessment training (Intellectual and Cognitive Assessment, Personality Assessment I). They also begin practicum (Practicum I and Practicum Seminar) in the final semester of the first year. Research course also begins this year (Applied Statistics and Psychometrics).
During the second and third years, students learn and apply intermediate skills in psychotherapy and assessment. They enroll in more advanced clinical courses (Evidenced Based Practice II: Psychodynamic and Humanistic Theory, Couples and Family Therapy, Group Therapy, Diversity and Culture in Clinical Practice, Clinical Supervision and Consultation) and enroll in advanced assessment Courses (Personality Assessment II, Integrative Assessment). Students continue to apply the skills learned in practicum and practicum seminars (PRAC702-707). Research courses also continue (Research Methods, Doctoral Project Seminar, Doctoral Project).
In the fourth and fifth years, the Doctoral Project continues, Elective courses are taken, and students begin Clinical Internships.
The program offers specialties/tracks (Neuropsychology, Health, Child, and Forensic) in any of the above areas of study to students who meet all of the following requirements. Please note that the specialty/track area will be listed on the student’s transcript but not on the diploma.
Complete, i.e., pass with a grade of “A” or “B”, four (3-4) courses in one specific area of study (e.g., Clinical Neuropsychology). This criterion can be met if the student earns an “A” or “B” upon repeating a course.
Complete an earn a “Pass” in every semester of a practicum rotation and/or clinical internship of which a major area of focus or rotation is in the specialty/track area.
His/her doctoral project topic must lie within the scope of the specialty/track area.
Additional Program Information
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Program Highlights
This program offers elective courses in neuropsychology, health psychology, child psychology, and forensic psychology. Additional elective courses include bilingual assessment and treatment, clinical practice management, human sexuality, and addiction—all taught by licensed psychologists who practice in these fields.
Most of the courses in the program have an experimental component (e.g., role play and presentations).
Our Psy.D graduates secure gainful employment as psychologists, with our most recent alumni survey showing 92% of respondents working in the field.
In Focus
The program is taught on campus.
Our faculty members are practicing professionals in neuropsychology, child and family therapy, behavioral medicine, forensic psychology, addiction, and bilingual assessment and treatment. They also have a strong record of publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
Students complete at least three (3) practicum semesters at the Goodman Psychological Services Center (GPSC), where they might interact with speech and language pathology students.
Program Details
-
Credits
98 -
Academic Level
Doctorate -
Duration
5 Years -
Language Used
Spanish
Program Director
- (787)-725-6500, ext. 1508
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 9023711 San Juan PR, 00902
Additional Program Details
95 credits (from 2020 curriculum), 10 clinical practicums, Pre-Doctoral Internship, Dissertation
Additional Program Academic Program Resource San Juan
Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree in an accredited university with a minimum 3.25 grade point average (GPA).
A complete application for admission. Access the following link to fill your application: https://albizu.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Admissions/Pages/prospectinquiry.aspx. You can also attach your admission documents in PDF format.
Official transcripts of institutions where you have previously studied.
Results of the Graduate Studies Admission Examination (EXADEP) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Only the scores from exams taken within the last five years will be accepted.
Two (2) letters of recommendation (in accordance with AU format).
Negative criminal record certificate, which you can request online at https://www.pr.gov/.
Original health certificate
Proof of hepatitis-B vaccination
Certificate of Vaccination of the Department of Health (PVAC-3, green form) for applicants who are 21 years of age or younger. For more information, visit: http://www.salud.gov.pr/Dept-de-Salud/Pages/Unidades-Operacionales/Secretaria-Auxiliar-de-Salud-Familiar-y-Servicios-Integrados/Division-de-Inmunizacion-Vacunacion.aspx
International students must present the evaluation of their academic credentials certified by a duly authorized agency.
Applicants who did not pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology must approve 15 credits (5 courses of 3 credits each) in psychology to qualify for an admissions assessment to the selected graduate program.
Once the Admissions Office has received all the required documentation and the interview has been completed, academic program advisors will reach out to successful candidates to provide program direction and guidance.
After all the required documentation is received and an interview completed by the Office of Admissions, academic program advisors reach out to successful candidates with program direction and advisement.
For information about accreditation, please contact:
APA Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: 202-336-5979
Email: [email protected]
Additional Program Information
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Program Highlights
Alumni from our Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program qualify for internships with the American Psychological Association (APA), and can apply for a license in both Puerto Rico and the United States.
Students in this program can work on research projects and take combined courses with other AU programs.
This program also promotes cross-institutional collaborations with other universities such as the Harvard School of Public Health, South Carolina School of Medicine, the University of Connecticut, and Bay State.
In Focus
Students in this program acquire skills in dialectic behavioral therapy, certifications in autism and forensic psychology, as well as clinical training in substance abuse disorders.
The members of our faculty have more than 20 years of experience. They are published professionals who have presented in the APA Convention and received several awards.
Program Details
-
Credits
95 -
Academic Level
Doctorate -
Duration
5 Years -
Language Used
Spanish
Program Director
- (787)-838-7272, ext. 7142
- [email protected]
- Carr. 64 Esquina Calle #3 Urb. Industrial, 00680, Puerto Rico
Additional Program Details
96 / 7 Clinical Practicum
Additional Program Academic Program Resource Mayaguez
Have completed a Bachelor's degree in accredited University (minimum GPA 3.25)
Complete admission application
Official credit transcript of the institution where you studied
EXADEP OR GRE OF 5 years or less
Two letters of recommendation
Negative Certificate of Criminal Background
Original Health Certificate
Hepatitis-B Vaccination Test
Certificate of Vaccination of the Department of Health (PVAC-3-green sheet / applies to children under 21)
International students must present the evaluation of their academic credentials certified by a duly authorized agency
The applicants whose concentration at the bacholrs degree level is not in psychology must approve 15 credits (5 courses of 3 credits each) in psychology in order to qualify for an evaluation of admission to the selected graduate program.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Albizu University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267-284-5000) www.msche.org. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Albizu University is accredited by MSCHE since 1974.
Click on the following link to find our Statement of Accreditation: https://www.msche.org/institution/0608/
Additional information may be obtained by contacting MSCHE at:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680
Phone: 267-284-5000
www.msche.org
Puerto Rico Council on Education’s (CEPR, by its Spanish acronym) Board of Postsecondary Institutions
Albizu University’s Mayaguez University Center have a renovation license issued by CEPR
Additional information may be obtained at:
Board of Postsecondary Institutions
Physical Address: San José St., Corner San Francisco? St., Old San Juan
Postal Address: PO Box 9023271
San Juan? ?PR 00902-3271
Phone: (787) 722-2121
Fax : (787) 641-2573
Web: https://agencias.pr.gov/agencias/cepr/inicio/Pages/default.aspx
American Psychological Association (APA)
The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program at the Mayagüez University Center is in the process of applying for accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) in September 2021.
Questions related to the program's accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-336-5979
E-mail: mailto:[email protected]
Web:https://accreditation.apa.org/
Additional Program Information
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Program Highlights
Alumni from this program qualify to obtain APA and/or APPIC internships, as well as a license in both Puerto Rico and the United States.
Students in this program can work on research projects and take combined courses with other programs in the institution.
Students at this program have the opportunity of clinical practice experiences at a variety of settings such as schools, psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, multidisciplinary health centers, nursing homes, children foster homes, our own university clinic, other universities’ clinics, and community-based interventions.
In Focus
Students in this program have the opportunity to acquire supervised clinical experiences with supervisors trained in therapies and evidence-based interventions such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Psychological First Aid, Trauma-focused CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Behavioral Activation and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy. They have the opportunity to enroll in elective courses covering areas such as health psychology, Neurosciences, Autism, neuropsychological assessment, family therapy, Psychotic Disorders, and art techniques in psychotherapy, among others.
The members of our faculty have specialized training in a variety of innovative psychotherapeutic approaches and up-to-date assessment and testing methods, have professional publications, and have presented at international conferences.
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