Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Brenau University and the PsyD program are approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Board of Trustees.

Advance your knowledge and expertise of human behavior and grow your career as a psychologist through Brenau’s Doctor of Clinical Psychology program. You’ll gain clinical experience with a wide range of clients, conduct independent psychological assessments with clients, and complete a research dissertation, preparing you with the skills you’ll need to educate others or advance your own practice. All of your doctoral courses will be housed in the state-of-the-art  Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling facility, which is located inside the Gainesville Renaissance. 

Duration: 9-15 semesters
Start term: Fall
Class type: On-ground
Location: Gainesville

Student opportunities 

• Obtain supervised training and experience in advanced therapeutic techniques
• Receive supervised advanced doctoral-level training and experience in psychological assessment 
• Hone your skills through simulation technology, including virtual reality treatment of phobias and PTSD 
• Focus your studies in neuropsychology, forensics, adult psychotherapy, geriatric psychotherapy, or child and adolescent psychology
• Have access to two on-site clinics as well as multiple sites in the community where you can provide therapy and assessment services to community members
• Earn your degree at an official institute for play therapy (only one of two in Georgia)
• Take classes from accomplished professors, several of whom have active practices 
• Attend and participate in professional continuing education programs and professional development opportunities offered at Brenau
• Take part in an on-site research symposium
• Participate in and help lead the annual Get PsychED movie/activity day with high school students
• Gain required continuing education hours, after graduation, by taking continuing education programs at Brenau

Potential careers

• Licensed clinical psychologist 
• University professor
• Researcher
• Private practice/group practice owner
• Psychological evaluator 
• Nonprofit director

Admissions requirements 

To be considered for this program the applicant must meet all of the following requirements:

For applicants who already have a master’s degree in a closely related field:

• GPA of 3.50 or higher 
• GRE score of 300 or higher (combined verbal/quantitative score). 
• Master’s degree in Psychology, Clinical Counseling Psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or a related discipline that required at least 60 (with specific content areas) and at least 600 hours of practicum/internship experience. 

For those who have not completed a master’s degree prior to application to this program:

• GPA of 3.70 or higher
• GRE score 320 or higher(combined verbal/quantitative score). 
• Specific clinical area of interest
• Active involvement in a research project or thesis 

If accepted, these accepted doctoral applicants will pursue the degree of Master of Psychology during the first two years of the program and will be expected to maintain a 3.50 GPA or higher in all of their coursework while in the program in order to matriculate to the doctoral level.

A complete application to this program will consist of the following:

• Completed PSYCAS application
• Two-to-three page writing sample (in pdf format) that conveys how this program will meet the applicant’s career interests
• Two-to-three Research and Clinical Experience statement that conveys the applicant’s research experience including publications, master’s thesis work, or extensive literature reviews, as well as clinical experience, including internship positions, post-graduate clinical work experiences, any license or certifications held and other trainings and continuing education
• Three evaluations/letters of recommendation submitted through PSYCAS evaluator portal
• Official GRE scores (Brenau’s ETS-PSYCAS code is 4960)

Don’t have the degree requirements to enter the Doctor of Clinical Psychology program? 

Earn a Master of Science in Psychology or Master of Science in Clinical Counseling degree at Brenau, which offer a smooth transition into the doctoral program if accepted.

Have questions?

Contact Madeline Altabe, PsyD Coordinator, Associate Professor, at maltabe@brenau.edu.