Doctor of Psychology in Applied Psychology with a Concentration in Clinical Psychology
The mission of the program is to train competent doctoral-level practitioner/scholars
who have core foundations in interpersonal and scientific skills and mastery of clinical
practice and evidence-based interventions, and who can apply their knowledge and skills
within a range of settings, including rural and underserved populations.
Application Deadline
Review of applications will begin on November 15 for each subsequent fall cohort and will continue until the class is filled.
More About Our Psy.D.
The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Applied Psychology focuses on evidence-based practice, and training supervisors, using a cognitive-behavioral orientation. The Psy.D. is an applied practice degree in the behavioral (or mental) health field. The program follows a practitioner/scholar model of training (also known as the Vail model), promoting application of the foundational knowledge of the science of psychology to clinical practice and the development of interpersonal and scientific skills for use in implementing and evaluating practice.
Upon completion of the internship, graduates will be eligible to apply for licensure as psychologists. The program will require two capstone experiences—a dissertation and a pre-doctoral internship. The dissertation serves to document the student’s mastery of scientific skills while the pre-doctoral internship serves to document the student’s ability to integrate and apply knowledge and skills in community settings and evaluate practices.
Psychologists trained within this practitioner/scholar model program will be qualified to establish careers in the private and public sectors, including clinics, hospitals, community agencies and schools. They may also teach in colleges and universities and provide supervision to master’s level practitioners.
Accreditation Info
The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Applied Psychology program is currently NOT ACCREDITED by the American Psychological Association (APA). The program is, however, designed to satisfy APA criteria. We are following the steps necessary to achieve accreditation in a timely manner and will apply for accreditation as soon as possible.
Graduation from a non-accredited program may impact eligibility for licensure in the state in which the student intends to practice. All applicants should investigate licensure requirements of the locale in which they intend to practice. The WKU Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Applied Psychology curriculum does conform to licensure requirements for practicing as a psychologist in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
More information about APA accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and AccreditationAmerican Psychological Association
750 1s Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/ Phone: (202) 336-5979
Email: apaaccred@apa.org
“Arriving on campus for class for the first time in August 2021, I smiled so big! I was so happy to be at my home away from home!” - Jennifer Hutcherson
The objectives of the program are to:
- Provide training in empirically supported practices for the direct and indirect delivery of behavioral health services in the area of clinical psychology.
- Meet the demand for doctoral level practitioners in the western region of Kentucky, especially in underserved areas.
- Support the WKU service region through research, outreach, and collaboration for economic development, as well as service to the profession and building the capacity of inhabitants of the region.
- Support the mission of the Psychology Department and the university along with the strategic agenda of the Council on Postsecondary Education.
Doctor of Psychology Documents
The Department of Psychology
Gary A. Ransdell Hall, Office 3012
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
Additional Information
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