Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Individuals who complete this program will be prepared to fill a much-needed niche here in Hawai‘i and beyond. In addition to working in clinical practice and in academia, the HPU PsyD graduate will be prepared to facilitate change and influence social policy. With our exceptionally diverse student body and our location at the crossroads of the Pacific, Hawai‘i Pacific University is ideally positioned to provide this education and training.

The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology will achieve the following outcomes:

• Clinical Skills Training. Learn in-depth clinical skills including psychotherapeutic interventions clinical assessment to assist clients from diverse backgrounds to treat a wide range of problems and improve their quality of life.
• Science and Evidence-Based Practices. Demonstrate foundational and advanced knowledge of theories and empirical evidence supporting those theories in personality/social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, biological aspects of behavior, and psychopathology, as well as the research methods and statistical data analysis employed in psychology.
• Communication and Responsibility in a Diverse World. Conduct cognitive/ intellectual, personality, and psychodiagnostic assessments and effectively implement, communicate, and disseminate appropriate psychological interventions supported by the empirical literature with consideration of diversity, group dynamics, and geography.
• Professionalism and Application. Understand the APA code of ethics and how it is applied to clinical situations; extend that knowledge by employing theories of clinical supervision in practice, internship, and professional work; develop and maintain appropriate professional relationships with people served as well as with professional colleagues and supervisors.
• Critical Thinking and Lifelong Learning. Be able to critically evaluate scientific theories, clinical assessment and intervention methods, and ethical dilemmas in professional psychology and identify best practices during supervision and as professionals.

Our faculty have a wide range of experience in clinical settings ranging from private practice to government health service agencies, major medical centers, and state hospitals. Our classes and practicum experiences will reflect this multiplicity of backgrounds, offering students rigorous education and training in core competencies of psychology, while taking into account students’ own preferences for specialized training and future career paths. Expected practicum settings include a wide variety of public and private agencies, hospitals, and forensic facilities.

Admission to the program is based on academic ability and potential for success at the graduate level.

Academic ability is evaluated by the applicant’s past academic performance, recommendations.

1. A baccalaureate degree in psychology (or 15 semester credits in psychology including at least one course in statistics and one in research methods) from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or an equivalent degree from another country. 

2. A minimum of 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) based on a 4.0 scale or 3.25 cumulative graduate grade-point average.

3. Three recommendation letters.

4. Completion of the personal statement.

5. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in written and verbal English. A test of English proficiency examination is required of all foreign applicants from countries which English is not the native language and who have not attended an American college or university for two consecutive years. (TOEFL with a score of at least 550 (pBT) or 80 (iBT) [HPU's Institution code is 4352.] or IELTS overall band score of at least 6.0. The general training exam is not accepted. No institution al code is needed).

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Eligible applications are reviewed by an Admissions Committee which uses multiple criteria for the assessment of applicants. Admission is selective.

To be considered, applicants must submit or complete the following:

1. Application along with an application fee of $65

2. Official transcripts from an accredited baccalaureate and master’s program (if applicable)

3. Three letters of recommendation

4. A personal statement specific to the PsyD program

5. Two Interview (in-person or remote)

The following are the characteristics of desirable candidates for the program:

1. A 3.25 GPA or better in psychology courses

2. Bachelor's and/or master's degree in Psychology from an accredited university

3. A CV and previous professional experience related to mental health are valued, but not required.

The application cycle for Fall 2022 is now open in APA’s PSYCAS application portal. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling admissions basis. Applications received after March 31 will be reviewed as long as space remains in the program. All applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning that applicants’ materials are reviewed for an interview as soon as they are complete.

Click here to start your application now through our APA’s PSYCAS application portal.