Walden University - Online PsyD Program

Walden University - Online PsyD Program

At Walden University, we've built our reputation of excellence by focusing on the needs of adult learners. We combine the highest academic standards of an accredited university with the flexibility and convenience of distance learning, making it possible for busy professionals who are balancing work, family, and education, to obtain a respected degree-often in less time than it would take at most traditional universities. At Walden, you'll benefit not only from our unique distance-learning delivery models, but from the personal attention of our world-class faculty, and from a highly customized program that is directly related to your individual career goals.

School of Psychology
As a leader in distance learning for 36 years, Walden offers advanced degree programs that serve the needs of more than 30,000 working professionals. Our progressive, online programs incorporate theory and practice to offer action-oriented research you can use immediately in your profession.

Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Addiction, depression, stress management, parenting, relationships-skilled mental health counselors have the opportunity to make a difference with individuals, families and groups in a variety of settings. Through a mix of research, fieldwork and courses taught by national experts, this program will prepare you to diagnose and treat behavioral disorders knowledgeably, ethically and with respect for diversity. You'll gain the confidence, qualifications and critical-thinking skills to seek licensure and apply best practices as a change agent in the counseling profession.

Master of Science in Psychology
This degree provides individuals with a background in the development and application of psychological theories, basic scientific methods, and principles of psychological science. The program provides pre-doctoral training and build practitioner-oriented competencies.

Students will be able to:

Apply psychological knowledge and research to real-world situations.
Think critically and independently about psychological theory and research.
Conduct basic or applied research.
Apply psychological concepts in a variety of settings.
Prepare for further graduate study at the certificate or doctoral level.

Degree Requirements
This degree consists of eight required courses and two electives, as well as the completion of a thesis. Required courses appear, for each specialization, in order of recommended sequence. Two elective courses, selected from identified graduate courses in the School of Psychology, may be added anywhere in the student's program provided that prerequisites are met. Additional courses may be taken to provide breadth and depth of learning.

50-quarter credit hours
Orientation course (PSYC 6000)
Program of Study (included in PSYC 6000 Success Strategies)
Thesis (10 credit hours)
3.0 GPA

Specializations include:

Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology
This specialization program prepares students to apply principles and theories, and conduct research and data management in a variety of settings and to work in organizations, corporations and human resource and personnel departments.

PhD in Psychology
The university's mission includes broad access to high-quality post-secondary education through a distance-learning environment and preparation of its graduates to achieve professional excellence, and to effect positive social change. Consistent with this mission, the program is designed to prepare scholar-practitioners to meet real-world challenges and facilitate positive change in individuals, groups, organizations, and in local, national, and global communities. Specifically, the program prepares lifelong learners to integrate psychological theory, research, established methods of scientific inquiry, and evidence-based practice that incorporates cultural and individual diversity.

The School of Psychology's training model encompasses an integrated, developmental, and sequential plan of study that includes Web-based and face-to-face course work; residencies that provide opportunities for knowledge and skill acquisition, ethical practice, and for professional socialization; field training; and demonstration of research competency.

Degree Requirements

127-147 quarter credit hours
Orientation activities
Professional Development Plan and Program of Study (included in PSYC 8000 Professional Development)
Minimum 12 quarters enrollment
3.0 GPA
Dissertation (prospectus, proposal, dissertation and oral presentation)
Full-time enrollment (with the exception of continuous enrollment options)
Field Experience (practicum and internship) (licensure specializations only)
Residency units:

Licensure specializations: 500-hour academic year in residence
Other specializations: 32 units
Specializations include:

Clinical Psychology (Licensure)
This specialization prepares you to practice as a licensed psychologist in health care settings, community mental health centers, group practice settings, inpatient psychiatric settings and private practice. Clinical psychologists promote psychological well-being, engage in prevention and early intervention of psychological difficulties and provide treatment to clients experiencing severe psychopathology.

Counseling Psychology (Licensure)
This specialization prepares you to practice as a licensed psychologist who works with clients to promote functional relationships, healthy lifestyles and positive career choices and roles. Counseling psychologists work with clients of all ages in various therapeutic settings to facilitate growth and development by building on client strengths.

General Educational Psychology
The objective of this track is to prepare students to integrate psychological theory and practice, using scientific methods and evidence-based practice to inform undergraduate and graduate instruction that incorporates issues of cultural and individual diversity.

General Research Evaluation
The objective of this track is to prepare students to integrate psychological theory and practice, using scientific methods and evidence-based practice to apply their knowledge and skills about research and evaluation in a variety of settings.

Health Psychology
In this specialization, students plan to practice in a variety of health care settings and academic institutions, including medical centers, medical research settings, business and industry, government and military as well as sports and fitness settings. Others teach and engage in research at colleges and universities.

Organizational Psychology
This specialization prepares individuals to work within industry, government and university settings as practitioners, consultants and researchers. Specifically, this specialization focuses on issues related to organizational behavior, leadership and development; personnel staffing, development and well-being; and effective, ethical consultation and research practices. You may select one of three tracks offered in this specialization:

Industrial Psychology
Organizational Psychology
Consultation Psychology
School Psychology (Licensure)

In this specialization, you will develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to provide quality and contextually relevant educational and mental health services to children (birth-21 years) and their families.

School psychologists practice in school settings and private practice, teach at the university level and conduct applied research. A specialization in school psychology provides training in both psychology and education and emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning, behavior and motivation.

With skills and knowledge of school systems, effective teaching and successful learning, you will be prepared to partner with educators, parents and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy and supportive environment.

Mental Health Counseling Licensure
The M.S. in Mental Health Counseling is designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for licensing exams. This program is designed to meet the academic licensure requirements of most state counseling licensure boards. Walden University's M.S. in Mental Health Counseling is not accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which is a requirement for licensure in some states. Because no graduate program in counseling can guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine requirements specific to their state.

For more information about M.S. in Mental Health Counseling licensure and for state licensure board listings, visit the National Board for Certified Counselors (www.nbcc.org/stateboardmap). For any of these programs or specializations, you should also contact your appropriate licensing body. International students are encouraged to identify and contact their appropriate licensing body.

Psychology Licensure
The Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, and School Psychology specializations are designed to prepare graduates to qualify to sit for psychology licensing exams. These specializations are designed to meet the academic licensure requirements of most state psychology boards. Walden University licensure specializations in psychology are not accredited by the American Psychological Association, which is a requirement for licensure in some states. Because no graduate psychology program can guarantee licensure upon graduation, we encourage students to consult the appropriate agency to determine specific requirements.

For more information about Ph.D. in Psychology specialization licensure and for licensing boards contact information, visit the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (https://www.asppb.org/about/boardContact.aspx). For any of these programs or specializations, you should also contact your appropriate licensing body. International students are encouraged to identify and contact their appropriate licensing body.

Information
If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from Walden University.