Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D.?

Unlike a research-based Ph.D. Program, the Psy.D. Program is designed to produce practitioners, not researchers, while providing the same high level of scholarly study. The PsyD offers the highest level of available training in applied psychology.

What are my financial aid options?
Applicants may contact the Financial Aid Office directly at 925.969.3385 to explore loan, grant, and fellowship possibilities.

Does John F. Kennedy University offer correspondence courses?
The Graduate School of Professional Psychology does not have an external program, though it does make an effort to accommodate working students' schedules. Classes are held in Pleasant Hill, and regular attendance is required.

Is the GRE required?
No.

How long does it take to complete the Doctor of Psychology Program?
Full-time students have a four-year schedule. The first three years consist of coursework (12 - 15.5 units, 4 quarters per year) and practica (8 - 10 hours per week, the 1st year; 16 - 24, the 2nd and 3rd years.) Students do an internship during the fourth year. Students may moderate their schedules, taking up to eight years to complete their studies. Students may petition to transfer between the full-time or moderated tracks at the beginning of any academic year.

When is the deadline for the application?
January 2nd for the fall of the same year.

Am I able to transfer any units into the PsyD Program?
Not automatically. Students may petition to transfer up to 18 quarter units of Masters level coursework and up to 30 quarter units of doctoral level course work. The transferability of each class will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis after students are admitted to the program.

Are there any prerequisites?
Four prerequisite courses are required: Introduction to Psychology, Statistics, Theories of Personality, and a diversity-related course. These courses may be taken at the undergraduate or graduate level, although post-bachelor's applicants are encouraged to take master's level courses in preparation for the doctoral program. Prerequisite courses are offered at John F. Kennedy University each spring and summer quarter, though students may also take them at any approved institution. Prerequisite courses must be completed before beginning the PsyD Program.

Does the program offer specialized study?
The program offers generalist training at the doctoral level. Specialized training at the post-doctoral level can be pursued. Students will be able to explore their areas of interest through their doctoral project, research papers, practica and internship.

Is the program accredited?
John F. Kennedy University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The PsyD program is a Member of the National Council of Schools and Programs in Professional Psychology (NCSPP). The PsyD Program is also accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)*.

When are the courses/practica placements offered?
Generally, courses are offered Tuesdays through Thursdays, throughout the day and evening. This schedule was created considering the time preferences of current students and faculty and is subject to change. Practicum placements are available every day of the week during the days and evenings.

What is the program's theoretical model?
The program is designed to educate and train practitioner-scholars. The training is based on the National Council of Schools and Program of Professional Psychology's (NCSPP's) competencies. Similar to NCSPP, the PsyD program trains students in Systemic and Theoretical Foundations, Relationship, Multicultural Competence, Assessment, Intervention, Research and Evaluation, and Professional Roles.

What is the dissertation project?
It is an intensive study in an area of the individual student's interest. The clinical dissertation project should demonstrate the student's ability to deal with a specific and well-defined issue using available research findings. Examples of dissertation projects include: qualitative and quantitative research, program evaluations, and service needs assessments. Students will develop their proposed projects with the support of relevant coursework as well as faculty advisors.

How do I find my practica/internship?
The training committee is involved in placing all first year students in ethnographic practica. Beyond the first year, students obtain approval to apply for various practica and internships. Directories of approved sites are available for student review. Students consult with advisors and the training director throughout the process.

Will the practica/internships be paid?
Practica experience will most likely not be paid. All students who enter APA-approved internships will receive stipends. Students will receive payment for their training experience whenever possible.

* APA's address and information:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation

apaaccred@apa.org