APA Accredited. Built on a Legacy of Excellence. Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.)

Wheaton's Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology has earned accreditation from the American Psychological Association - Read the Announcement and Learn More

The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Wheaton College Graduate School equips scholars and practitioners of clinical psychology with an academically rigorous, integrated, justice and service-focused, and biblically grounded foundation for Kingdom service to the academy, the marginalized and underserved, and the Church.

Credential Type

Ph.D.

Major Credits Required

Duration

5 years

Format

Residential

7 Research Labs

Hone your research interests and work closely with our expert faculty to contribute original clinical knowledge and scholarship within the field.

150+ Clinical Training Partners

We support four years of clinical training with partnerships in the Chicagoland area. The final year is an internship, and can be completed anywhere in the world.

$8,000+ in Scholarship Support

Every Ph.D. student receives scholarships which typically cover a minimum of approximately 25% of tuition. Scholarships range from $8,000 to $14,000 in addition to travel and research support, grants, and other funding.

APA Accreditation

Wheaton's Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology has earned accreditation from the American Psychological Association — recognition that our program meets the field's rigorous standards for doctoral training in curriculum, clinical preparation, and faculty excellence. For students called to integrate Christian faith with clinical practice at the highest level, there has never been a stronger moment to join us.*

* Accredited on contingency through November 25, 2030. Students who complete a program that is recognized as “accredited, on contingency” effective before their graduation date, will have completed an APA-accredited program. See full accreditation statement below.

Learn More

Request Information

Or reach out to us anytime atgraduate.admissions@wheaton.edu.

Become a compassionate, Christian practitioner Why Earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Wheaton?

Prepare to become a highly competent scholar-practitioner in a Ph.D. program that integrates Christian belief and practice with the best of contemporary scholarship and professional standards in the field of clinical psychology.

Scholar: Contribute to the Profession With Original Research

Throughout the program, you’ll become both a skilled consumer of research and a productive contributor of original scholarship to the field. You will have the opportunity to work closely with a research mentor on your independent dissertation research.

Practitioner: Prepare to Serve the Underserved in Clinical Settings

The consistent mission of our program is to prepare you as a clinical psychologist with preferential service to the church and to those traditionally underserved and marginalized in society. Your coursework, practicums and internships, and research will all contribute to building your professional foundation to prepare you to engage and serve those who have been traditionally underserved.

Hear From Our Students

Our Curriculum

Your doctoral coursework will consist of studies in these core areas:

scientific foundations
assessment & intervention
integration of faith and psychology
special and underserved populations
ethical and professional development
applied research & statistics

Additionally, you can explore psychology topics that interest you through 9 elective credits. The Ph.D. program also requires a dissertation and a one-year clinical psychology internship.

Please see the graduate course catalog for current requirements as well as the most up-to-date course numbers, titles, and descriptions.

Core Course Examples

Biological Bases of Behavior
Cognition and Emotion
Community and Preventive Psychology
Family Systems Theory & Therapy
Psychoanalytic and Contemporary Psychodynamic Theory and Practice
Theological Anthropology

Psychopharmacology
Neuropsychology Assessment
Child & Adolescent Interventions
Advanced Trauma Informed Care

While our program thoroughly equips students to practice as generalists, there are four concentrations available. Student may hone their skills in the following areas:

Trauma Informed Care
Neuropsychology
Couples & Families
Pediatric Clinical Psychology

Scholar Practitioner Development Clinical Training & Research Opportunities

The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology combines research and practice, giving you plenty of ways to develop as a scholar practitioner. During your doctoral studies at Wheaton, you will engage in exciting research complete hands-on clinical training, and participate in a range of professional development opportunities.

Clinical Training Opportunities

Build a foundation of clinical skills through practicum and clerkship experiences in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practices. You'll also complete a full-time, year-long internship in a professional clinical setting—we have excellent match rates at APA-accredited internships. Past internship sites include university counseling centers, correctional facilities, VA hospitals, academic medical centers, and community clinics.

Explore Clinical Experiences

Wheaton College Neuroscience students looking at test results on a computer

Faculty Research Labs

You'll hone your research and statistical analysis skills through a variety of courses, many of which take place within our faculty-led psychology research labs:

The Multicultural Peace & Justice Collaborative
Neurocognitive Functioning Lab
Psychology and Spirituality Research Lab
Sexual and Gender Identity Lab
Urban Community Health Lab
Youth Risk and Resilience Lab
Morality, Truth, and Motivation

Discover Our Research

phd student at practicum seminar holding notebook and smiling

Dissertation & Professional Development

One of the hallmarks of doctoral program is your contribution of original, meaningful scholarly literature to the field. As you embark on your dissertation, you'll work closely with a faculty mentor to shape your ideas and methodologies.

You'll also have a chance to network with scholars and other Ph.D. candidates from around the world through membership in professional organizations or attending academic conferences.

Learn About Dissertations

Our FacultyOur Faculty Compassionate and Intelligent Educators

Our Doctoral Students

Lina Dunbar We'd like to to introduce you to some of our doctoral students. Find out what they are studying, their areas of interest, and the labs where they are working.

Let us introduce you...

Scandrette Lecture Series

On April 17, 2024, the School of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy hosted the 41st lecture in the Scandrette Lecture Series with Dr. Bryan Dik.

Learn More About the Lecture

Mental Health Collective

We have engaged with many different organizations and movements to bring awareness and answers for mental health initiatives around the world.

Learn More About the MHC

Investing in You

Financial Wellness

All incoming Clinical Psychology Ph.D. students are automatically considered for department-based scholarships, typically ranging from $8,000 to $12,000. Additionally, you may be eligible for other funding options including stipends for research support and conference travel.

The Wheaton College Graduate School Student Financial Services team can help you understand how much your graduate studies will cost and what aid may be available to you.

Learn About Graduate Financial Aid

Next Steps

Ready to pursue your Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and prepare to serve others as a compassionate, Christian practitioners? Request more information about our psychology doctoral program or start your application today.

Graduate Admissions Request Information

APA Accreditation Statement

Wheaton's Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is accredited on contingency by the American Psychological Association through November 25, 2030.* This milestone reflects the program's rigorous curriculum, strong clinical training, and the long-standing excellence of our closely related APA-accredited Psy.D. program, which has set the standard for doctoral clinical psychology training at Wheaton since 1998.

*Accredited on contingency is the APA's designation for newly accredited programs that have met APA's accreditation standards and are in their early years of graduating students. As the program builds its post-graduation outcomes record, it will provide the additional outcomes data required for ongoing accreditation. Questions regarding the program's accreditation status may be directed to the APA's Commission on Accreditation.

Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association
750 First St NE.
Washington DC, 20002-4242.
Phone: 202-336-5979