Program Overview
Lead at the next level
The Doctor of Psychology program requires a core curriculum of 100 credit hours with
an additional 9 credit hours of electives (total of 109 credit hours). The program
includes the required coursework, a comprehensive examination, practicum and internship experiences and a doctoral
dissertation.
For a semester-by-semester breakdown of courses and timelines, see our five-year degree plan.
The program places an emphasis on professional practice, with graduates trained in evidence-based practice and scientific inquiry and evaluation. Focal aspects of the program that support these aims include:
For a semester-by-semester breakdown of courses and timelines, see our five-year degree plan.
The program places an emphasis on professional practice, with graduates trained in evidence-based practice and scientific inquiry and evaluation. Focal aspects of the program that support these aims include:
Attention to community need
- Address the variety of needs present within the community through the development of local Health Service Psychologists via didactic, clinical and research experiences.
- Support awareness of systems of oppression and barriers to mental health services within local communities that differentially impact the wellbeing of community members.
- Identify and develop evidence-based practices to support clients' full and authentic experience of their personal and community values.
Dedication to professionalism in public affairs
- Align the program curriculum and embedded experiences with the Missouri State University public affairs mission.
- Develop practitioners who are prepared to practice ethical leadership, cultural competence and humility and community engagement.
Development of effective practitioners
- Ongoing reflection on the influence of one's background and personal context in professional behavior and discourse.
- Awareness of the dynamic nature of circumstances, both present and historic, that impact all parties in the therapeutic relationship.
- Commitment to the continuous development of one's professional identity, theoretical orientation and ethical application of procedure.
- Utilization of evidence-based practices to meet the individual needs of clients and to disseminate important clinical discoveries to the broader psychological community.
Program Highlights and Statistics
Why choose Missouri State?
$90,000+
earning potential, per year, on average for health service psychologists, according
to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1 of 1
MSU has the only doctorate program in psychology in southwest Missouri.
7%
predicted job growth outlook. That's higher than the average U.S. job growth. (U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Career pathways
Lead at the next level
As a licensed health service psychologist, you’re qualified to provide mental and
behavioral health care services. Your clients can be individuals, couples, families
and/or groups.
Most health service psychologists have careers in:
Most health service psychologists have careers in:
- Community care
- Higher education
- Hospital administration
- Integrated health care/mental health treatment
- Research institutions
- School systems
Applied learning and mentorship
Real-world clinical experiences
The PsyD program allows you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings while building relationships with expert practitioners.
- Serve your community: You'll build clinical skills and serve your community through practicum placements at sites like Burrell Behavioral Health and other respected providers in the region.
- Start in year two: In your second year, and during part of your third and fourth years, you’ll complete supervised clinical hours at external practicum sites.
- Learn from experts: You’ll learn from experienced practitioners and gain hands-on experience supporting diverse populations.
Start your path to clinical practice
Apply now
- Applications are open through Dec. 1, 2025.
- No master’s degree required. You could begin your PsyD directly after completing your undergraduate studies.
- Finish in as little as five years with hands-on training tailored to serve the diverse communities supported by clinical psychologists in the region.
Get in touch
Contact us
Do you have questions before you apply? Contact our office or reach out directly to the program coordinator.
- TTY
- 711 or 800-735-2966
- Psychology@MissouriState.Edu
- Address
- Missouri State University
Psychology Programs
School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences
901 South National Avenue - Hill Hall
Springfield 65897
Loading Profile. . .
