Counseling Psychology (PsyD)

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Counseling Psychology (PsyD) Overview

Chatham University's Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology program is one of a small number of APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PsyD programs in the nation. Our program is distinguished by the practice of counseling grounded in the science of psychology; a focus on clients' assets and strengths; a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice; and access to a broad range of training opportunities on- and off-campus. The PsyD is a full-time program, admitting students each fall.
Application Deadline

December 1

The Fall 2025 admission application will be available in August 2024 and all application materials must be received no later than December 1, 2024.

Credits Required

85-103

For students entering with a bachelors degree, 103 credits are required to complete the PsyD. For those entering with a masters degree, dependent on which foundational coursework requirements have been met, 85-103 credits are required.

Explore the Program

Admissions & Outcomes

Download this PDF to learn more about the student admissions, outcomes, and other data for Chatham University's Doctorate in Counseling Psychology.

Program Excellence

Accreditation

Chatham University's Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology program is one of a small number of APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PsyD programs in the nation. Chatham's PsyD program received reaccreditation until 2031.

Explore the PsyD in Counseling Psychology Degree:

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.

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.

PSY711: Multicultural and Diversity Issues in Counseling Psychology

The course provides an in-depth exploration of cultural differences as they impact the counseling relationship. Identity development theory will be examined, as will multicultural research methods and findings. Finally, the significance of both between-group and within-group differences will be explored for their relative influence on the process of therapeutic change.

PSY816: Health Psychology Practice

The course focuses on the interface between psychology and medicine, preparing students to use psychology interventions in the treatment and management of illness and to understand the role of the psychologist in the interdisciplinary healthcare team. Theory, research, and practice of health psychology will be presented.

PSY810: Advanced Data Analysis

This course introduces advanced concepts in data analysis, with an emphasis on ensuring that students are capable of designing research studies and selecting and implementing appropriate methods of data analysis. Students will work on their dissertation proposals in this course.

View Course Catalog

View Sample Course of Study

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.

Our PsyD program is focused on training students for careers in psychology practice that are firmly grounded in scientific knowledge, ethical principles, and multicultural awareness. Our faculty work to provide mentorship to guide students’ development as both practitioners and scholars.

—Anthony Isacco, Ph.D., Director of Training

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Success Coach Program

Success Coach Graduate Assistants (SCGAs) receive 12 credits of tuition remission and a $6,000 annual stipend in return for working 15 hours per week from mid-July through May to help support undergraduate students in their transition to college.

Explore the SCGA Program : Checkerboard 2 - Success Coach Program
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Program Faculty

Chatham's Counseling Psychology program's faculty members are accomplished teachers, scholars, practitioners, and active leaders in the field. They serve as mentors and advisors and are there for you every step of the way. 

Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 3 - Program Faculty
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WELL Project

Chatham University’s Counseling Psychology graduate programs received an HRSA-funded Behavioral Workforce Education and Training grant in the Fall of 2017 for the Supporting Wellness: Expanding Psychology Training in Integrated Care Project, or the WELL Project. The project is completed.

Explore the WELL Project : Checkerboard 4 - WELL Project
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HAPPY Project

Chatham University’s Counseling Psychology graduate programs received an HRSA-funded Behavioral Workforce Education and Training grant in fall 2021 for the Healthcare Alliance Promoting Pittsburgh Youth Project (the HAPPY Project).

Explore the HAPPY Project : Checkerboard 5 - HAPPY Project
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Tuition & Funding

The cost of a graduate degree consists of university tuition (per credit charge), fees, and any other personal expenses you may require for earning your degree. Chatham also offers a 20% corporate partner discount, graduate assistantships, and professional campus work positions for many graduate programs that can help make a Chatham graduate education more affordable. Our Financial Aid and Admissions offices will also work with you to understand loan and financing options available. 

Explore Tuition & Funding : Checkerboard 8 - Tuition & Funding
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Accreditation

Chatham University's PsyD program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Chatham's PsyD program received reaccreditation until 2031.

  • Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
    750 First Street NE
    Washington, DC 20002-4242
    202-336-5979

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Visits & Events

Start the next steps in your graduate journey at Chatham University by visiting campus or attending upcoming events. Join virtual info sessions, open houses, or admitted student sessions to learn about our programs and the application process, interact with faculty, and experience the Chatham community. Click the button below to view the schedule and register, and email graduate@chatham.edu with any questions.

View Graduate Event Schedule : Checkerboard 12 - Visits & Events

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Do you have questions?

We make it easy to get in touch:

Call Us

800-837-1290

Text Us

412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)

Email Us

graduate@chatham.edu

Request Information

Complete our Request for Information form

Or, answer a few questions and we will be glad to help.

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