Degree Requirements
Become a critical thinker and problem solver able to work in applied settings and draw upon the theory and knowledge of psychology and education to deliver a continuum of empirically supported services.
One of only a few programs in the country, Rivier's combined doctoral program is deliberately designed to integrate the two practice areas of counseling and school psychology.
Rivier’s Psy.D. program has the distinction of full accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA). This accreditation signifies that the program provides exceptional education and training, preparing students to become successful, ethical mental health service psychologists.
Our unique approach to doctoral training prepares graduates to work in a variety of professional settings as psychologists and is consistent with the generalist approach to training entry-level psychologists. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of agency, community, independent practice, and public service settings.
The program follows the practitioner-scholar model, which integrates clinical skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and consultation with the empirical foundations of the discipline.Â
Students are prepared as critical thinkers and problem solvers who draw on the theory and knowledge of psychology and education to deliver empirically supported services. Students are trained to be consumers of research that informs their practice as skilled professionals delivering assessment, diagnosis, intervention, consultation, and preventive services.
We seek to recruit and retain a diverse student group across a number of dimensions. Read about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the program.
M.A. in Counseling – En Route Degree
Newly enrolled students in the Psy.D. program who do not have a master’s degree have the option to earn a Master of Arts in Counseling while en route to their doctoral degree. This is a milestone degree and does not make a student eligible for any type of licensure. The M.A. in Counseling degree curriculum is only comprised of the prerequisite foundation coursework that all students must complete before beginning the doctoral coursework. Having a master’s degree along with the doctorate gives a competitive edge to students when seeking the required, year-long, final-year internship. Students choosing this option will be awarded the master’s degree upon completion of the prerequisite foundation coursework and initial practicums I and II.
Most students who enter the Psy.D. program with master’s degree will have already completed many of the foundation-level courses; however, they must complete all the foundation coursework prior to beginning doctoral courses. This en route degree is unnecessary for those who already hold a master’s degree, and they are not eligible for this program.
The Program is designed with professional standards and licensing requirements in mind. The Program is designed to be completed in no fewer than 5 years, including a three-year academic residency at Rivier and a 2000-hour internship. All students are expected to attend full-time, including the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Because of the demands of doctoral studies, practicum placements, and research projects, students in the program do not work more than 20 hours per week. The Program requires completion of the following requirements:
Courses are generally offered on weekdays in the late afternoons and evenings. Courses are also offered during the morning and early afternoon one day per week. The Program includes a limited set of online courses (primarily foundation courses) in keeping with the New Hampshire Board of Psychology licensing requirement that the method of teaching is predominately face-to-face.
The Program requires students to be on campus on one established day of the week. This day is designed to provide students with opportunities for ongoing interactions with peers and faculty that will contribute to their socialization and development as psychologists. Some courses are offered on this day, along with Program learning experiences (e.g., comprehensive examinations, doctoral research project defenses). The Program also offers regularly scheduled professional development and diversity events on this day. Students should not schedule outside employment responsibilities or practicum responsibilities on the dedicated weekday on campus.
The University has extensive resources for practicum experience requirements, which begin early and continue throughout the program, increasing in scope and complexity. Students gain experience in intervention and assessment across a variety of school, community mental health, outpatient, and hospital-based practicum placements. The Regina Library offers dedicated space for doctoral students, as well as reference materials, psychological assessments, and extensive online access to journals, affording students the opportunity to conduct research at convenient times and locations.
This Psy.D. program brings together distinguished faculty from a variety of disciplines with rich experience in:
The Psy.D. program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association, which grants national accreditation for programs in health service psychology. The University’s next accreditation review is scheduled for 2033. Rivier’s Psy.D. curriculum meets the State of New Hampshire licensing requirements for psychologists.
Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, (202) 336-5979, [email protected], www.apa.org/ed/accreditation
Rivier’s Psy.D. degree prepares health service psychologists to work in a variety of professional settings.
Program graduates go on to have rewarding careers in a variety of roles and settings:
Graduating with her Psy.D. in 2017, today Dr. Jacquelyn Reinert is the owner of Life.Lived, LLC, providing individual and group therapy, parent coaching, and evaluation and consultation services. She is also a Clinical Psychologist for Chelmsford (Mass.) Public Schools. Dr. Reinert is a member of the NH Psychological Association Board of Directors and serves on several association committees.
Become a critical thinker and problem solver able to work in applied settings and draw upon the theory and knowledge of psychology and education to deliver a continuum of empirically supported services.
Learn about criteria, how the admissions process works, and what you will need to apply.
Faculty will serve as your mentors and guides.
Take your career to the next level with a Psy.D. in Counseling and School Psychology.