Explore our PsyD Program
Discover our Mission-Driven Model
We’re a fully APA accredited PsyD program in clinical psychology with history, heart, top-notch training opportunities, and a mission to be scholars and agents of change. As one of the oldest PsyD programs in the country, we remain relevant with our mission-driven focus to serve our community and meet the needs of society. At Spalding, you’ll receive excellent training from a faculty of practitioners who are actively making a difference in their communities. You’ll be given the space to cultivate your own interests and begin making your mark on the world. Plus, you’ll find that our practicum placements and stellar internship match rate (100% 10 of the last 11 years) reflect the quality of our doctoral candidates.
Training
“Our students say, ‘we would stand our training up against any program in the country.'” – Dr. Brenda Nash, Chair
Faculty
“[Our faculty] truly care about the students, professionally and personally […]” – Dr. Norah Chapman, Associate Chair
Making Your PsyD Affordable
In recent years, PsyD students have collectively received annually about $200,000 in practicum stipends and $360,000 in tuition remission as graduate assistants. Approximately 50% of our students receive some form of financial assistance outside of student loans.
It’s important to us that your education is an affordable investment, not a financial burden. That’s why we work to find and share opportunities for offsetting the cost of a doctoral degree — from graduate assistantships and financial aid to grant funding, paid teaching and work opportunities.
PsyD graduate Autumn Truss worked as a graduate assistant throughout her time at Spalding. One of the reasons that she chose Spalding was because of the available financial aid.
“I was impressed by the quality of Spalding’s program, but not having to worry about finances on top of everything else was a bonus,” says Truss. “Many of the other PsyD programs that I considered didn’t have graduate assistantships to help cover the cost. In that way, Spalding’s program is more like a PhD program. I’ll be able to earn my doctorate with less debt.”
In addition to the opportunity to serve as a graduate assistant on campus, advanced students can also work in the field off-campus. Since our doctoral program is in a state that allows for master’s level licensure, students with their master’s degree can teach at several local universities, including Spalding’s undergraduate program, or work part-time as master’s level clinicians in hospitals, community mental health settings, residential treatment facilities, private practices and college counseling centers. All of these opportunities enhance students’ learning in the classroom and make the investment in doctoral education more affordable.
Living in Louisville
PsyD candidates from all over the US and several other countries choose to earn their doctorate here. Boasting a thriving arts scene amidst renowned parks and natural surroundings, Louisville is also one of the most rich dining and cultural destinations in the Midwest.
PsyD alumnus Ashley McDuffee, BA, moved to Louisville–the largest city that she has lived in–from a small town in upstate New York. She finds Louisville’s many small neighborhoods and communities appealing.
“I quickly found pockets of Louisville that reflected my interests and tastes (literally, the food is so good!) and it now feels like my home,” McDuffee says. “Since moving here I’ve gone on Indiana wine tours, sipped Kentucky bourbon, joined the coolest co-ed soccer team, discovered my love of running through Cherokee Park neighborhoods and attended the Kentucky Derby.”
Committed to Our Mission
Our Mission
“The SOPP is a dynamic group of learners committed to preparing students to achieve their fullest potential as individuals, scholars, and agents of change, to promote well-being in the world, individually and collectively.”
Statement of Commitment
“As psychologists, psychology faculty, psychologists in training, and psychology students, we affirm the dignity, worth, and humanity of all people and commit to speaking and acting in ways that reflect such. We commit to being anti-discriminatory as individuals and to helping change systems and institutions that perpetuate discrimination of any kind. We commit to promoting well-being in others and to minimizing harm. And, we pledge to engage in ongoing self-reflection to ensure we are upholding these commitments. As faculty, we further commit to building a climate where all students have the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential and thrive, and to creating classes that are informed and responsive to all students’ experiences. And, we pledge to engage in ongoing programmatic evaluation to ensure we are upholding these commitments.”