Let’s say you’re a Georgia resident with a bachelor’s or a master’s in psychology and are ready to take the next step in your career to become a licensed psychologist. However, before you can apply for licensure, there’s another educational requirement: graduate from an accredited PhD or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program. While both degrees can help get you to licensure, a PhD program tends to be more research-heavy with fewer clinical components. If you’re looking for a more hands-on doctoral program, a PsyD degree is the way to go. This guide provides insight into the accredited PsyD programs in Georgia, resources for funding your PsyD, and answers to your questions about being a PsyD student. Continue reading to gain a better understanding of Georgia’s PsyD programs and decide if an online PsyD degree is right for you.Exploring the Best PsyD Programs in Georgia: Traditional & Online
Program Profiles: Popular PsyD Programs in Georgia
Earning a PsyD will prepare you for a career as a clinical psychologist, with plentiful opportunities to work in education, research, healthcare, or private practice. Classwork in these advanced programs will provide you with knowledge about the varying subfields in psychology, as well as the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Currently, Georgia has two institutions that offer accredited PsyD programs: the PsyD program at Georgia Southern University and the PsyD program offered by Mercer University. Because of the emphasis on hands-on clinical training and coursework, neither of Georgia’s PsyD programs is offered online. However, if you would like to receive qualified training within your state, they may be a good option.
To give you an idea of what one of these programs looks like and whether it might be a good fit for you, we’ve detailed the course offerings at Mercer University below.
Mercer University
The five-year PsyD program at Mercer University prepares students to become licensed, practicing clinical psychologists in interdisciplinary healthcare settings. Its broad training in psychology provides an understanding of how competent psychological practice includes diversity, high ethical standards, and professional attitudes and values.
Mercer’s PsyD program prepares you to be part of an integrated healthcare team through interprofessional education and experiences in conjunction with Mercer’s other healthcare programs. Three years of practicum experience in the metro Atlanta area further emphasize this preparation.
This PsyD program in Georgia also offers a combined PsyD/Master of Public Health program that prepares graduates to provide evidence-based mental healthcare in cost-effective ways. The combined degree option can also be completed in five years.
Duration: Five years
Mode: In-person
Cost: $1,123 per credit hour
Curriculum:
- Psychometric Theory and Assessment
- Lifespan Developmental Psychology
- Biological Bases of Behavior
- Cognition and Affective Processes
- Social Psychology and Social Neuroscience
- Research Design
- Statistical Methods
- Seminar in History and Systems of Psychology
- Professional Values
- Ethics and Professional Issues
- Individual and Cultural Diversity
- Psychopharmacology
- Psychopathology
- Personality Assessment
- Cognitive Assessment
- Neuropsychological Assessment
- Child Psychopathology
- Clinical Interviewing
- Evidence-Based Assessment and Therapy I & II
- Child and Family Behavior Therapy
- Integrated Primary Healthcare
- Health Psychology
- Psycho-oncology
- Consultation and Supervision
Frequently Asked Questions From Georgia’s PsyD Students
Can I get my PsyD online in Georgia?
There are currently no online PsyD programs available from Georgia institutions. Since PsyD programs require extensive in-person learning within cohorts, internships, and supervised work experiences, the curriculum doesn’t lend itself to online learning. Some PhD in psychology programs, like the PhD in psychology at Emory University, offer some online coursework, but they are still billed as on-campus programs.
If you are interested in pursuing an online PsyD degree, there are several online PsyD programs outside of Georgia, and you can find the top programs highlighted in our main guide to online PsyD programs. However, these PsyD programs may not meet Georgia’s criteria for licensure as a clinical psychologist. If you plan to obtain a license for clinical psychology in Georgia, check with the Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists before committing to any online PsyD program.
Do I need a master’s degree to get into a PsyD program in Georgia?
Each program has its own admissions requirements, with some requiring a master’s in psychology or related field. If you are interested in earning your master’s degree first, you can review our top online master’s in psychology listing. That said, both of the PsyD programs offered in Georgia that are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) only require a bachelor’s degree in psychology for admission.
How important is APA accreditation for PsyD programs in Georgia?
Graduating from an APA-accredited program is a crucial credential for anyone seeking a career in psychology. It demonstrates that the individual has received a solid educational and scientific foundation and is well-equipped for success in the field. It also holds great value for potential employers, licensing boards, and the general public.
Both available PsyD programs in Georgia hold APA accreditation. Another route to becoming a licensed clinical psychologist in Georgia is through obtaining a PhD in psychology. However, it’s important to note that such programs must also hold APA certification.
How do I become a licensed psychologist in Georgia?
Becoming a psychologist is fairly similar from state to state, but each has its own specific requirements. In Georgia, you must first graduate from an APA-accredited PsyD or PhD program.
Accredited programs must include three or more years of graduate education, including a predoctoral internship and 1,500 hours of supervised work experience (SWE) completed over 11 to 24 months. You also need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Georgia Jurisprudence exam.
What are the financial aid options for PsyD students in Georgia?
As a PsyD student in Georgia, your financial aid opportunities may vary depending on their programs. As an example, the PsyD program at Georgia Southern University offers four graduate assistantships awarded each year that provide a living stipend and cover tuition costs.
If you would like additional assistance covering your expenses, you may want to explore other financial aid options, such as scholarships and grants. For instance, there are scholarships for public servic degrees that you may qualify for.
Salary & Career Outlook for PsyD Graduates in Georgia
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $48,820 | $168,870 | $96,100 |
| Georgia | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $41,710 | $136,680 | $79,410 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $43,330 | $138,600 | $70,470 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $45,240 | $128,910 | $67,380 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $35,780 | $116,490 | $85,090 |
| Savannah, GA | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $39,210 | $138,740 | $86,390 |
Source: Clinical & Counseling Psychologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | 67,500 | 75,200 | 7,700 | 11.40% |
| Georgia | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | 1,240 | 1,370 | 130 | 10.50% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Find Help: Resources for Georgia’s PsyD Students & Professionals
Earning your PsyD degree can be overwhelming and stressful, but it’s not something you have to tackle alone. There are many Georgia-specific resources and scholarships that can help ease the financial, academic, and professional challenges of getting your doctorate. Below are some links to resources that can help you in your studies and career as a clinical psychologist.
- GAFutures This state-funded organization promotes different financial aid opportunities specific to students in Georgia. It also provides resources on how to access federal aid and budget for a graduate degree.
- The Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists This state board is responsible for licensing psychologists and renewing licenses. You can find information on what licensure requirements look like and which programs are approved by the state on their website.
- Georgia Continuing Education Requirements Even after earning certification as a clinical psychologist, you must complete at least 40 continuing professional education credits (CEs) every two years for your license to be renewed. This guide outlines what counts as CEs in Georgia.
- Georgia Psychological Association Members of this organization can access networking opportunities, professional development resources, and more to further their careers. The Georgia Psychological Association also includes a student membership option, which can make for a good start in establishing your future career.
- Georgia Association of School Psychologists (GASP) Those interested in becoming school psychologists should consider joining GASP, an organization that provides industry-specific educational webinars and networking events. For current students, they also offer scholarships to help fund their education.
