J o h n F K e n n e d y U n i v e r s i t y

DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY (PSYD)The PsyD degree was first recognized by the APA in 1973.Today, many PsyD programs are offered nationwide. The Doctorof Psychology (PsyD) Program is designed for individualsseeking the highest level of training to become appliedpsychologists. Graduates are prepared for the multiple roleswhich contemporary psychologists must fill to competentlyserve their communities: clinician, program administratorand evaluator, consultant, educator, supervisor, assessor,and critical consumer of psychological research. Practicalapplications, advanced clinical training, and specializedfieldwork are emphasized throughout the course of theprogram.A dedicated faculty of practitioner-scholars offers a studentfacultyratio of approximately ten to one. In the selection offaculty and program staff, the PsyD Program aims to reflectthe diversity of California’s community including issues ofgender, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, and classto underscore the university’s commitment to diversity andto incorporate the curriculum’s emphasis on professionalcompetency with diverse and underserved populations.Students may choose to attend the program full- or part-time.The intensive full-time plan of study takes four years to complete.Full-time students complete three years of coursework(four quarters per year) plus weekly practicum hours eachof the first three years. After the three full-time years ofcoursework, a one-year, full-time internship, or two half-timeinternships, are required for graduation. Students are alsorequired to complete a clinical dissertation project. Parttimestudents work with their advisor to develop a modifiedschedule tailored to each individual student’s needs.AccreditationThe Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Program at JohnF. Kennedy University is accredited by the AmericanPsychological Association (APA). Interested parties maycontact the APA at:Committee on AccreditationAmerican Psychological Association750 First Street NEWashington DC 20002-4242(202) 336-5979Admission RequirementsIn addition to the university requirements listed previously inthis catalog, applicants to the PsyD program must completethe following:• Official transcripts from all colleges and universitiesattended. With rare exceptions, a 3.0 GPA is required foradmission.• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.(International applicants to the PsyD Program must havethe equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.)• A personal statement, no longer than four double-spaced,typewritten pages. The statement should reflect theapplicant’s interest in the field of psychology and diversity,and rationale for applying to this program.• A resume/vitae.• Applicants must submit a recent and representative sampleof academic writing (sample academic paper). The sampleshould be no longer than 10 pages and should include theapplicant’s name.• Three letters of recommendation which attest to the applicant’ssuitability for a Doctor of Psychology Programare required. Two of the three recommendations willpreferably be from former or current instructors.• Applications will be evaluated by the Program AdmissionsCommittee. Applicants deemed most appropriate foradmission will be contacted by the program to schedule apersonal interview.• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score isrecommended but not required of applicants.The application deadline is January 2 for application and allsupporting documentation. Applicants are admitted for fallquarter only. Late applications will be considered on a caseby-casebasis if space is available.The following four classes are required prior to enrollmentin the PsyD program. These classes need to have been takenat a regionally accredited university within the past ten yearswith a grade of C or better in an undergraduate program or aB- or better in post-undergraduate work:• Diversity-related class• Introduction to Psychology• Survey course on Theories of Personality• StatisticsGRADUATE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 187