What is most important to look for in a PsyD program?

[Gggoatlord]

Hey all, I'm wondering what you think are the most important aspects of a PsyD program besides cost.

For example, if it's quality of training, what are the components of that?

Is it alumni outcomes/network? EPPP scores and Licensure rates?

Please let me know. Deciding between two schools!

[ASDadvocate]

12 minutes ago, Gggoatlord said:

Hey all, I'm wondering what you think are the most important aspects of a PsyD program besides cost.

For example, if it's quality of training, what are the components of that?

Is it alumni outcomes/network? EPPP scores and Licensure rates?

Please let me know. Deciding between two schools!

Hi! Just to give you an idea of where my opinion comes from, I should say that I applied to both school and clinical psychology programs, as well as both PhD and PsyD programs. 

One thing that is EXTREMELY important to me is ‘fit’. Some questions you can ask in regards to fit are: Will the curriculum content and clinical experiences satisfy what I hope to accomplish before finishing my degree? Will I have the opportunity to engage in activities that match my interests but still expand my current knowledge base? In line with this, who are the faculty I will train under and is their expertise something that calls to me? Are the emphasis and mission of the program something I’d like to be a part of? In other words, would you be happy and thriving for 4-6 years in this program and with these faculty and students?

I recently went to an interview for a school that was one of my top ones. I say was because after attending, I realized that the theoretical emphasis the program endorsed and the viewpoints of 5/6 of the faculty members did not align with my interests at all. Only one of the core professors of the program had interests very similar to mine but he didn’t even teach any of the courses. Although I would learn new content and ideas I’ve never been exposed to, in the end, I think I would be unhappy going to a program where I can’t be “myself” professionally and theoretically. 

This program has 100% licensure rates, full funding and a generous stipend (which it’s quite rare given it’s a PsyD program). That wasn’t enough for me to want to compromise my professional needs and potentially even my future goals though.

I think ultimately decisions and rationales look different for everyone. But I think you should definitely always think of your fit with the program since you’ll be there for quite some time. 

Hope this helps! Good luck!