Admission to the Psy.D. Program

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We are now accepting applications for Fall 2024 admission via PsyCAS.

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are due on January 10, 2024.

To learn more about the Psy.D. program:

  • Click here to see our brochure
  • Click here to see our Admissions FAQs
  • Click here to watch our student-created virtual tour video
  • For program information email: PsyD@wpunj.edu
  • Have questions? Contact Rosario Urena, here 

Admissions Requirements

The PSYCAS application portal is now available. The final application deadline is January 10, 2024.

  • A bachelor's degree and official transcript from an accredited college or university or an appropriately certified foreign institution.
    •  All applicants, including applicants from William Paterson University, are required to submit all of their transcripts through PSYCAS.
  • Prerequisite psychology courses: Strong applicants who are deficient in any of the five prerequisite courses may be considered for admission if the applicant provides documented evidence of course equivalencies as well as interest, ability, and aptitude for doctoral study in clinical psychology.
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Statistics
    • Research Methods
    • Abnormal Psychology
    • Physiological Psychology or equivalent
  • Minimum undergraduate GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or minimum graduate GPA: 3.50 on a 4.0 scale. An applicant with a grade point average lower than the stated admission requirements may be considered for admission if the applicant provides documented evidence of interest, ability, and aptitude for doctoral study in clinical psychology.
  • Personal Statement, which should address ALL of the following:
    • What has led you to pursue a career in clinical psychology, and specifically the Psy.D. degree?
    • What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses and how will they impact your ability to attain your academic and professional goals?
    • Why does this program represent a good fit for you, including the faculty with whom you are interested in working?
    • Please also include any additional information that can help us evaluate you.
  • A current resume or curriculum vitae (C.V.), which includes clinical, research and/or human service experiences.
  • Three letters of recommendation:
    • At least two out of the three letters should be academic references. The third letter should come from a person that can speak to the applicant’s strength as a doctoral student or clinician. Personal or non-professional references are not accepted.
  • In-person or virtual interview (required)
  • In addition to the PSYCAS application fee, there is a supplemental, non-refundable $50 application fee to William Paterson University of New Jersey (WP). Within 1-2 weeks of submitting your PSYCAS application, you will receive an email from WP with instructions for how to pay the supplemental application fee. To receive full consideration of your application, the supplemental application fee must be paid.
  • It is strongly recommended that you visit the PSYCAS "Frequently Asked Questions" page before starting your application. All questions about submitting, completing, and verifying your application should be directed to the PSYCAS helpline at https://help.liaisonedu.com/PSYCAS_Applicant_Help_Center. 

Please note that that GRE is no longer required for admission. Please do not submit your GRE scores.

Admission Decisions

Admissions decisions are based primarily on academic credentials (e.g., GPA), letters of recommendation, and the perceived "fit" between a student's interests, interests of the program, and the interests of the core faculty member(s). Our selection process was developed as a way of establishing a close working relationship between faculty and students early in the program. This selection process also represents a commitment by the faculty to the progress and success of each student we accept. You will be notified via email regarding the final admissions decisions. While we wish we could provide individual feedback about the status of each application, we are unable to due to the large volume of applications. To check the status of your application documents, please log in to your PSYCAS account.

You can view Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data here: https://www.wpunj.edu/cohss/departments/psychology/psyd/student-admissions-outcomes-and-other-data.html

Graduate Open House

The date for the Open House for the Fall 2024 application cycle has not yet been finalized. We will update this page with more information once the Open House has been scheduled.

Financial Support for Graduate Study

Graduate Assistantships: Graduate assistantship opportunities will be available to select students with outstanding credentials. The assistantships provide tuition waivers and a stipend. Click here for details.

Teaching: Students holding M.A. or M.S. degree in psychology or a related-field may apply to teach as adjunct faculty to gain undergraduate teaching experience starting in the second year. Adjunct faculty also receive partial tuition remission and financial compensation.

Grants: Please contact the program regarding research, clinical, or training grants that may be available for student support.