Exploring the Best PsyD Programs in Florida: Traditional & Online
Want to pursue a career as a psychologist in the Sunshine State? Discover the best APA-accredited PsyD programs in Florida, both online and on-campus, and learn about job and income opportunities. Keep reading to find out how to get your license and choose a program that suits your needs.
If you’re looking to pursue a career in the behavioral and mental health fields, a Psychology Doctorate (PsyD) might be the right path for you, regardless of whether you’re a recent college graduate or a working professional seeking a change. With one of the best APA-accredited PsyD programs in Florida, you can obtain a PsyD with just a bachelor’s degree in as little as 4 to 5 years.
This guide showcases the best APA-accredited PsyD programs in Florida and provides information on online program options, application requirements, licensure for psychologists in the state, as well as earning potential and job demand for PsyD degree-holders in Florida. Read on to get all the information you need to choose the right Florida PsyD program for you.
Best APA-Accredited PsyD Programs in Florida for 2024
The Florida schools spotlighted below offer some of the best PsyD programs in the state that are accredited by the APA and offer substantial support services. These programs also have financial aid opportunities and competitive tuition to allow you to pursue your PsyD degree as affordably as possible. This is only a preview of our full rankings, which will be released in the coming months. For now, check out three Florida PsyD programs that stand above the rest in 2023.
1
Nova Southeastern University
NSU is a private research institution located in Fort Lauderdale. It boasts more than 150 academic programs, including one of the top Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs in Florida. This clinical psychology program offers seven concentrations to help you tailor this degree to meet your specific academic needs and professional goals.
NSU’s PsyD program offers students the opportunity to specialize in several concentrations, including clinical forensic psychology, long-term mental illness, clinical health psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and a multicultural track that trains students to work with diverse populations.
To graduate, students must complete 119 credits, and full-time students typically finish the program in five years. The program includes a 12-month clinical practicum placement and a 2,000-hour clinical internship. In 2020, all of the program’s students who took the EPPP exam in Florida passed. The program is accredited by the APA.
Delivery
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks
- Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychology
- Multicultural/Diversity
- Forensic Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Health Psychology
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Long-term Mental Illness
2
Albizu University
Albizu is a private institution with a branch campus in Miami, Florida. It specializes in offering degree programs in psychology, health, education, and human services, including one of the best accredited Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology programs in Florida. Students can pursue this degree online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format.
Clinical psychology PsyD degree-seekers at Albizu need 96 credits for graduation. In most cases, full-time students complete the program and internship in five years. At least three full-time practicum semesters must be completed at the Goodman Psychological Services Center on campus. The school expects applicants to possess a 3.25 or higher GPA and submit their GRE scores for consideration. Applications also need to include official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, an updated resume, and a personal statement.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Clinical Neuropsychology
- Health Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
3
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Tech is a private research university located in Melbourne, Florida. It boasts approximately 6,400 students, including those taking advantage of its APA-accredited PsyD program.
Built on the practitioner-scientist model, degree-seekers complete coursework in personality and psychotherapy, cultural and social psychology, assessment of intelligence, and projective personality assessment. Students must complete 123 semester hours beyond their bachelors’ degrees along with 2,000 clock hours of supervised experience at an internship facility. This on-campus program offers four specialized areas of study.
Delivery
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Specialization/Concentration Tracks:
- Integrated Behavioral Health
- Family and Child Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Neuropsychology/Clinical Health Psychology
APA Accreditation and PsyD Programs in Florida
APA is the only organization recognized by the United States Department of Education to provide accreditation for doctoral-level psychology programs at colleges and universities. APA’s accreditation standards ensure that doctoral programs provide a quality education that adequately prepares students to pass the EPPP licensure exam.
Florida is one of several states adhering strictly to APA-specific requirements. In fact, Florida’s Board of Psychology accepts licensure applications only from those graduating from APA-accredited doctoral programs. Florida also requires psychology students seeking licensure to complete supervised experiences and internships that meet APA’s standards.
For those interested in Florida PsyD programs but who aren’t seeking licensure, there are other accrediting bodies, including the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), with high standards. You can pursue a quality PsyD degree confidently in programs with these accreditations, but you cannot obtain licensure to practice psychology in Florida unless you attend an APA-accredited school.
The Basics: Online PsyD Programs in Florida
Entirely online Florida PsyD programs are rare, largely because the APA does not currently offer accreditation to fully online programs. You are more likely to locate programs with hybrid learning formats, like the program at National Louis University. On-campus PsyD programs are still the most common type in the state.
If you’re looking for more online PsyD options, check out popular online universities. Capella University, for example, offers a mostly online PsyD but still requires participation in in-person residencies, internships, and practicums. Comparatively, Walden University’s online PsyD requires one in-person residency. For more information on online psychology programs, check out our guide to online psychology programs.
Online Florida PsyD Program Spotlight
1
Albizu University
Albizu’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology is available on-campus in Miami, online, or in a hybrid format. The curriculum helps remote students develop culturally sensitive approaches to patient-centered careers. Learners complete a variety of specialized classes, labs, and clinical experiences and can develop additional competencies in clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or health psychology. Remote degree-seekers also have access to elective classes like child psychology, clinical practice management, addiction, and human sexuality. Online features at Albizu include extensive student support resources, including a 24/7 help desk, virtual library, and remote tutoring services.
Students need 99 credits to complete the PsyD program at Albizu. Full-time learners can finish the program in five years, including a one-year clinical internship at an approved location or the Goodman Psychological Services Center, which is sponsored by the university. Applicants should possess a 3.25 or higher GPA and competitive GRE scores. They must also include official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, an updated resume, and a personal statement outlining professional goals and academic objectives.
FAQs About PsyD Programs in Florida
Do I need a master’s degree to get into a PsyD program in Florida?
A master’s degree is not always a requirement for getting a doctorate in psychology in Florida. All of the spotlight schools above, including Florida Tech, accept applications for their PsyD from those with bachelors’ degrees or higher. Still, be sure to check with your prospective schools about their admissions requirements.
Do PsyD programs in Florida require the GRE?
In most cases, you need to submit GRE scores when applying to PsyD programs in Florida. GRE scores are required at Albizu University, Nova Southeastern University, and Florida Tech. There are exceptions, however, like the on-campus and hybrid program at National Louis University. Check with schools you are interested in before applying.
How long do PsyD programs in Florida take to finish?
The duration of your PsyD program in Florida depends on your previous education and transfer credits. Most programs require full-time enrollment, which means you’ll spend 4-5 years completing your PsyD degree. Students at Florida Tech, for example, must be Florida residents for the four years of coursework (i.e., eight semesters plus three summer terms) plus a year-long, in-person internship. Part-time PsyD programs, which are rare, take 5-7 years to complete.
How much do PsyD programs in Florida cost?
The cost of APA-accredited PsyD programs in Florida varies among schools, but in-state tuition rates are much less expensive than out-of-state rates. In some cases, schools with online or hybrid programs charge in-state tuition rates regardless of residence. Thankfully, most doctoral programs offer financial assistance (e.g., stipend, grant, or scholarship) to graduate students. If you transfer significant amounts of graduate-level credits, this can also offset the costs of your PsyD degree in Florida. Here’s a look at cost-per-credit at three of the top Doctor of Psychology programs in the state.
National Louis University
Total Credits: 112 + Internship
$1,162/credit
Financial Aid and Scholarships for PsyD Students in Florida
Earning a PsyD degree in Florida is a significant financial undertaking. Fortunately, you have financial aid options – scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants, and loans – to help offset the cost of your degree.
Many schools offer their PsyD students assistantships and scholarships. Nova Southeastern University, for example, offers merit-based and need-based scholarship opportunities. Assistantships, on the other hand, typically require you to do part-time work for the psychology department or the school, but they often come with substantial financial benefits such as fully covering tuition costs. Check with your prospective school to see what is available and if you’ll need to apply for funding directly or if you’ll be automatically considered for scholarships and assistantships.
Many on-campus and online learners can get free money for education through the federal government, individual states, and state and national professional organizations. For more information and additional options on how to fund your psychology education, check out our financial aid guide and scholarships guide.
How to Become a Psychologist in Florida
Becoming a licensed psychologist is similar from state to state, but each state’s board of psychology sets its own requirements. It’s important to understand the requirements established by the Florida Board of Psychology before applying for licensure and even as you’re choosing a program. In addition, states sometimes update their licensure process and requirements, so review Florida’s information periodically as you work toward your PsyD degree.
Step 1
Prepare and Apply for Graduate School
To earn psychologist licensure in Florida, you need a PsyD degree from an APA-accredited program. Locate schools in Florida that meet your academic and personal needs, research their application requirements, and ensure your application includes all the necessary application materials. If your school requires the GRE, schedule at least 4-6 months of study time before taking the exam.
Step 2
Complete Education and Supervised Experience Requirements
The next step in this process is completing your doctoral degree and required supervised experience hours at an APA-accredited PsyD program. In Florida, you need at least 4,000 hours of supervised experience to be considered for licensure. Up to 2,000 of these hours can come from a doctoral-level internship, but the remaining 2,000 must be from supervised hours completed at an approved location.
Step 3
Submit an Application to the Florida Board of Psychology
Next, complete the appropriate licensure application online. You must also include a $305 application fee, your initial licensure fee, and an activity fee for your application to be processed. You should know within 30 days whether your application was accepted, but it can take 90 days for the board to notify you, so submit your application as soon as possible.
Step 4
Pass the EPPP and State Rules Exam
You may take the EPPP before submitting a licensure application. Many students submit their applications while preparing to sit for the EPPP to make the process as quick and efficient as possible. In addition to the EPPP, you also need to pass the Florida Laws and Rules examination. If you’ve already passed the EPPP with a score that’s acceptable in Florida, you can follow the application method labeled “Examination with Waiver” provided by the Florida Board of Psychology.
Step 5
Continuing Education Credits and License Renewal
After you earn your license as a psychologist in Florida, you’ll need to complete regular continuing education classes to keep your license current. In Florida, professionals need to complete 40 hours of CE credits every two years. At least three of the 40 hours needs to be on ethics and Florida’s rules and regulations and two should be in medical practice and errors. Every third renewal period, two credits must be in domestic violence topics.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for PsyDs in Florida
The job outlook for professionals with a PsyD degree in Florida is positive. Clinical, counseling, or school psychologists positions can expect a 19% growth by 2028. That’s over 5% faster than the average growth for these psychologists nationwide.
Psychologists in Florida also make a competitive annual salary. The median annual salary for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in the state is $71,480, a lower rate than the national average. Florida psychologists working in the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island area, however, earn over $19,000 more than the national average. If you’re in the 90th percentile of earners in the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island area, you can make about $51,180 more per year than psychologists in the 90th percentile across the country.
Job Outlook for Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists in Florida
| Employment (2022) | New Jobs Created (2022-2032) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Average Annual Openings (2022-2032) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 3,214 | 1,080 | 15.7% | 506 |
| United States | 196,000 | 12,800 | 6% | 12,000 |
Source: Florida Commerce
Annual Salaries for Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists in Florida
| 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $39,090 | $78,730 | $140,320 |
| United States | $48,820 | $96,100 | $168,870 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $39,870 | $77,090 | $118,190 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $49,940 | $60,730 | $109,990 |
| Gainesville, FL | $33,880 | $68,680 | $123,900 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $24,980 | $62,380 | $105,380 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $41,390 | $61,890 | $81,550 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $42,340 | $74,350 | $121,170 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | $38,110 | $99,220 | $189,730 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $37,980 | $64,010 | $131,730 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $32,090 | $62,230 | $87,980 |
| Panama City, FL | $33,470 | $45,620 | $83,160 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | $61,120 | $76,420 | $99,450 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $41,240 | $63,540 | $103,470 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL | $39,720 | $51,390 | $97,480 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $37,890 | $60,300 | $112,550 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $48,430 | $77,590 | $111,320 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020