Missouri State student discussing topics in psychology in professional setting
Be a mental health leader

Earn Your Clinical Doctorate

Missouri State’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program equips you to provide evidence-based care where mental health professionals are needed most.

Start without a master’s degree. Finish in as few as five years. Begin supervised clinical experience in year two.
Applications for Fall 2027 are open now through Dec. 1, 2026.

Program Overview

Prepare for professional practice

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.

Missouri State’s PsyD program prepares you to provide evidence-based care, lead ethically and respond to the needs of the communities you serve:
Missouri State student conducting a test with another student
Serve your community
  • Learn to recognize and respond to the mental health needs of individuals and communities.
  • Explore how access, systemic barriers and lived experiences affect mental health and well-being.
  • Develop evidence-based approaches that respect each client’s values, identity and circumstance. 
Missouri State student listening to a psychology instructor
Lead with purpose
  • Our program curriculum and clinical training is embedded with experiences enriched by the Missouri State University public affairs mission.
  • Develop the judgment and awareness to serve clients ethically across a range of backgrounds and experiences, and contribute meaningfully to your community.
  • Learn to approach clients, colleagues and communities with curiosity and humility.
Student in scrubs talking with unsee patient
Grow as an effective practitioner
  • Examine how your background and experiences influence your work with clients.
  • Adapt your approach to each client’s needs and circumstances.
  • Build your professional identity, theoretical orientation and ethical decision-making skills.
  • Use evidence-based practices and contribute meaningful knowledge to the field of psychology.
Program Highlights and Statistics

Why choose Missouri State?

$99,000+

earning potential, per year, on average for health service psychologists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1 of 1

Mo State has the only doctorate program in psychology in southwest Missouri.

6%

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:
  • Community care
  • Higher education
  • Hospital administration
  • Integrated health care/mental health treatment
  • Research institutions
  • School systems
A  commencement motor board with the message: I don't read minds. I heal them.
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 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.
A smiling student sitting on a couch listening to another individual

Quick Links

Sample schedule
Five-year degree plan
Financial planning
Estimated costs and student data
Program Information
Frequently asked questions
Prior learning
Transfer credit policy
Start your path to clinical practice

Apply now

  • Applications are open through Dec. 1, 2026.
  • 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.
A mockup of a laptop with the PsyCAS window open.
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
Email
Psychology@MissouriState.Edu
Address
Missouri State University
Psychology Programs
School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences
901 South National Avenue - Hill Hall
Springfield 65897
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