Psy.D. Program FAQs

Georgia Southern University PsyD Program FAQs

• How long is the PsyD program?

The program takes 5 years to complete, minimum. The first 4 years are on campus and the 5th year is the pre-doctoral internship.

• How many students are admitted each year?

The PsyD program enrolls 8 new students each year. We are unable to enroll more than 8 students per year.

• Do I need a Masters degree before attending the PsyD?

No, you can attend the PsyD after earning a BA/BS.

• If I have a Masters degree, do I still need to submit GRE scores? Are there minimum scores required for the GRE? How much do GRE scores count for admission?

We do not have a minimum GRE score, so we review all complete applications regardless of GRE scores. Our average GRE score for those admitted in the past 5 years is available on our website. GRE scores are only one part of the application, and we examine the entire application when making admission decisions. NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties with testing, the GRE (both general and subject) will be OPTIONAL for applicants applying for Fall 2023 admission. You may still provide GRE scores, but you are not required to.

• What days/times are classes held? Are classes in person or online?

The program is a full time day program with all courses meeting in person. Courses are only held on the Statesboro campus. Students in the first year generally have classes 4 or 5 days a week. In the 2nd year, students are in practicum approximately 12 hours per week, with courses and practicum duties varied throughout the week. In the 3rd-4th years, courses are generally in blocks (each course only meets once a week) and are on 2 or 3 days per week, with 2 days per week at the practicum site (16 hours per week). The 5th year is an internship (full time) applied for via APPIC match. 

• Are there Graduate Assistantships (GAs) available for PsyD students?

Yes! There are 4 GAs available in the Psychology Department for incoming students each year. The other incoming students can apply for GAs in various departments on campus. All GAs (regardless of whether they are in the Psychology Department or in other departments) include a stipend and a full tuition waiver (including out of state tuition) in exchange for 20 hours of work per week. Students are still responsible for university fees.

• My GPA is not quite 3.30. Can I still apply?

We cannot consider any application from a student who has less than a 3.30 GPA. For applicants whose undergraduate GPA is less than 3.30, a Masters degree GPA can be used to meet this application criterion (as long as the Masters GPA is 3.30 or higher).

• What types of clinical training experiences are available for students?

Our students have the opportunity to gain clinical experience in a number of settings. We currently have students placed in Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, military base hospitals/outpatient clinics, Regional Centers, inpatient hospital settings, community mental health centers, college counseling centers, and private practices.

• Can I transfer any classes from other graduate programs?

Yes, we do allow for limited transfer credits to apply toward degree requirements. If an applicant is granted admission, they may then petition to transfer the courses below. The decision is made by reviewing course materials. The most recent instructor for the course will review the syllabus, etc. to determine if the course is equivalent to the course here at GS. Only the following courses may be considered for transfer: Psychometric Theory, Intellectual Assessment, Developmental Psychology, Statistics, Research Design, Affective & Cognitive Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Social Psychology, and History & Systems.

• Which faculty are taking new students this year?

In general, any faculty member will be willing to mentor the research of an incoming student. We do not accept students to work in any particular faculty member’s lab or under their direction for research. All students are admitted without regard for specific match to one faculty member’s research interests. That said, all clinical faculty (and many of the experimental faculty) take new students into their labs each year. We have not had a problem with students finding research mentors.

Last updated: 8/11/2022