University of Dayton

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, supervised clinical practica, and original research leading to a doctoral dissertation. Core study areas include psychopathology, psychodiagnostic assessment, psychotherapy theories and techniques, multicultural competence, advanced research methods, and quantitative statistics. Students take specialised seminars in topics such as cognitive‑behavioural therapies, psychodynamic and humanistic approaches, health psychology, lifespan development, and ethics and professional issues.

• Foundational courses: history and systems of psychology, ethical and legal issues, professional development.
• Clinical skills: intake assessment, individual and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, case conceptualisation.
• Assessment and testing: cognitive, personality, neuropsychological and projective assessment methods.
• Research training: advanced statistics, experimental design, program evaluation, grant writing.
• Practicum and internship: sequential supervised clinical placements in the University’s training clinics and community partner agencies, culminating in an external pre‑doctoral internship.
• Dissertation: independent empirical research under faculty supervision, including proposal, data collection and defence.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a recognised master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field; exceptional applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and substantial research experience may also be considered. Typical requirements include a competitive academic record, demonstrable research experience, and relevant clinical or volunteer experience.

• Transcripts showing strong preparation in psychology courses (research methods and statistics are particularly important).
• A statement of purpose detailing research interests, clinical experience and career goals.
• Curriculum vitae or resume summarising academic and professional experience.
• Letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional referees who can speak to research potential and clinical aptitude.
• Interview with faculty as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers in clinical and counselling psychology, higher education and applied research. The programme prepares students for eligibility to pursue licensure as clinical or counselling psychologists (licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction) and for competitive pre‑doctoral internships.

• Clinical or counselling psychologist in hospitals, community mental health centres, private practice and specialised treatment programmes.
• Academic positions in universities and colleges as researchers and lecturers.
• Applied research roles in healthcare organisations, government agencies and non‑profit sectors.
• Consultation, programme development and leadership roles in mental health services, schools and corporations.

Why study at University of Dayton

The University of Dayton offers a supportive, small‑cohort doctoral environment with close mentorship from faculty engaged in active clinical and empirical research. Students benefit from hands‑on clinical training through the University’s training clinics and community partnerships, and from interdisciplinary collaboration across departments.

• Emphasis on the scientist‑practitioner model, integrating rigorous research training with high‑quality clinical practicum experiences.
• Faculty mentorship with opportunities to collaborate on funded research, publish and present at conferences.
• Access to on‑campus psychological services and established community placements for supervised clinical training.
• Opportunities for financial support such as teaching and research assistantships and competitive fellowships, typically offered to admitted students.