PsyD in Clinical Psychology
The PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association through 2027*. This program will prepare students for careers as licensed psychologists, serving their communities through applied clinical practice.
Pepperdine University employs the practitioner-scholar model of doctoral training in which academics, clinical training, and research are conjoined. This rigorous program consists of three years of academic coursework and practicum training, followed by a year-long doctoral internship. After completion of postdoctoral clinical training, graduates will be eligible to be examined for licensure as psychologists throughout the United States and in Canada.
*For further information about the accreditation status of this or any other psychology doctoral program, please contact the APA Office of Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, Phone: 202.336.5979.
Pepperdine PsyD Program Benefits
Reputable Program
The Doctorate in Clinical Psychology program and Pepperdine University as an institution are among the highest-ranked in the United States.
Values Centered
Students are empowered to make a lasting impact through GSEP's core values of academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.
Quick Facts
| Format: | In Person |
| Term: | Fall |
| Location: | West Los Angeles |
| Length: | 4 years / 82 units |
| Tuition: | $2,085 per unit |
University-Based Doctoral Program
Pepperdine's PsyD in Clinical Psychology program provides access to major-university resources at the #55-ranked institution in the US*
World-Class Clinical Training Opportunities
Practical training sites include four university-based clinics and external training rotations throughout southern California.
Outstanding Faculty
Our students learn from recognized experts, scholars, and clinicians in the clinical psychology field.
Unique Emphasis
The Pepperdine psychology doctorate is founded on science-informed, evidence-based practice with an appreciation for multicultural context and cultural adaptation.
Dedicated Support and Resources
Our professional staff help find and secure practicum and internship placements.
Outstanding Placement Rates
We successfully provide psychology career opportunities, with a 97% overall internship placement rate and 91% placed at APA-accredited internships.
PsyD Program
U.S. News & World Report**
Internship Match Rate***
Satisfied With Their Choice
of Pepperdine****
Accredited through 2027*
*For further information about the acccreditation status of this or any other psychology
doctoral program, please contact the APA Office of Consultatioin and Accreditation,
American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242,
Phone: 202.336.5979
**Compared to Psy.D. programs listed in U.S. News & World Report, Best Grad School Rankings,
Clinical Psychology
*** Past five-year average, including 2025-2026 internship placements.
**** Based on the 2026 PsyD Alumni Survey. 98% of respondents reported satisfaction
with their choice of Pepperdine. Also, 90% reported the education they received to
be excellent.
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's PsyD in Clinical Psychology program.
Get in Touch
Fill out the Request Information form to learn more and get in contact with an enrollment officer.
Attend an Info Session
Experience an in-depth overview and meet program leaders.
Start Your Application
Submit the application form early to meet scholarship and enrollment deadlines. It takes fewer than 15 minutes.
Deadlines
Fall 2026: Classes Begin - First day of fall term classes.
Fall 2027: Priority Application Deadline - Submit the application form and supplemental materials by this date for priority consideration for fall 2027 enrollment.
Fall 2027: Final Application Deadline - Submit the application form and all supplemental materials by this date to be eligible for fall 2027 enrollment.
Fall 2027: Tuition Deposit Deadline - Submit the Intent-to-Enroll form and tuition deposit to secure fall 2027 enrollment.
Antiracism and Antidiscrimination Statement
The Pepperdine Psychology Doctorate and GSEP Psychology Division stand in solidarity against racial inequities and injustice and other forms of discrimination and oppression. We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that is enriched and strengthened by diversity including but not limited to race, ethnicity and national origin, gender and gender identity, sexuality, class, age, ability status, and religion. GSEP also encourages all community members to engage in critical learning and reflection to strengthen our capacity for being effective, active, and outspoken against all forms of racism and intersectional oppression.
Psy.D Program Learning Outcomes
- PLO 1 : Competency in applying psychological theory and scientific knowledge to an understanding of psychological dysfunction, maladaptation, and psychopathology;
- PLO 2 : Competency in psychological assessment and diagnosis;
- PLO 3 : Competency in psychological intervention, treatment, and consultation;
- PLO 4 : Competency in research methods appropriate to the applied clinical practitioner; and
- PLO 5 : Competency in understanding and applying ethics, law, and professional standards to conduct.
Psychology Doctorate Career Outcomes
Psychologists are needed in many clinical, academic, and professional settings, including medical centers, community mental health agencies, children's hospitals, forensic settings, Veterans Administration Healthcare Systems, universities, and private practice. After earning your doctoral degree and post-doctoral fellowship, you may pursue licensure and employment in a variety of roles.
Psy.D Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office is available to answer questions and help you navigate funding your education at GSEP through numerous scholarship, grant, loan, and other opportunities.
To help determine your total cost of Pepperdine's Psy.D tuition and living expenses for this specific program, please refer to our GSEP tuition calculator.
Alumni and Faculty Spotlight
"Our faculty members bring richness and depth to both their research and their teaching. Many of our faculty have private practices or work in practice actively, making a huge difference for our students." — Dr. Thema Bryant, Professor and 2023 President, American Psychological Association.
What Our Alumni Are Saying
"I thought it was awesome to find a place that has as part of their mantra, 'we are preparing people for leadership.' What I did not count on is that I would have this total self-awareness/self-discovery process that would happen. That changed my life! It was very comforting to be taught by professionals who are actually out there. So you are learning the theories, but you are also getting all this priceless knowledge."
-Pamela Anderson, MA '14
Why Choose the Pepperdine PsyD Program?
Accreditations and Recognitions
Contact Us
Gary Younger
Enrollment Officer
Pepperdine GSEP
310.568.2334
Email
Schedule a Phone Appointment
Take the Next Step
Learn more about Pepperdine's PsyD in Clinical Psychology program.
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