A New Ph.D. Program - Built on a Legacy of Excellence Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.)

Wheaton’s new Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is founded on nearly three decades of excellence in doctoral clinical psychology training at Wheaton. The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology admitted its first class in 1993 and received APA accreditation in 1998. In light of our excellent record of student outcomes, academic rigor, emphasis on research, high licensure rates, and job placements, and in recognition of the wide-ranging applicability of a Ph.D. in academics and research, the international job market, and select sub-disciplines, Wheaton's doctoral program in clinical psychology is in a phase of transition from a 120-credit Psy.D. to a 122-credit Ph.D. program:

The Ph.D. enrolled its first class in Fall 2021.
During the initial phase of the Ph.D., we will also continue to admit select students to the Psy.D. program.
Once the Ph.D. program is granted APA accreditation, the Psy.D. program will discontinue enrollment and will continue training until the final eligible student graduates.
Following our final Psy.D. student graduation, the doctorate in clinical psychology will solely operate as a Ph.D. program

Accreditation

The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is in its initial years of operation (first cohort enrollment in 2021-2022). This new doctoral program must operate successfully for two years before seeking APA accreditation. Due to the success of our APA-accredited Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, we are optimistic about the possibility of obtaining APA accreditation before our first students complete their degrees in 2026.

Credential Type

Ph.D.

Major Credits Required

Duration

5 years

Format

Residential

6 Research Labs

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

1 Year of Clinical Training

Complete a rigorous, one-year clinical psychology internship in the Chicagoland area.

$7,000+ in Scholarship Support

Every Ph.D. student receives scholarships which typically range from $7,000 to $10,000 in addition to travel and research support, grants, and other funding.

Request Information

Or reach out to us anytime at graduate.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 PhD. 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. Your clinical dissertation will explore the intersection of psychological and spiritual understandings.

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.

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 12 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 & Emotion
Community & Preventative Psychology
Theological Anthropology
Family Systems Theory & Therapy

Sample Elective Courses

Psychopharmacology
Neuropsychology Assessment
Child & Adolescent Interventions
Spiritual Direction & Care for the Soul

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.

Multicultural Peace and Justice Collaborative co-directors discussing at a table

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. Past internship sites include university counseling centers, correctional facilities, VA hospitals, and community clinics.

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

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 at through membership in professional organizations or attending academic conferences.

What are the differences between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology?

Learn more about why Wheaton is transitioning to a Ph.D. program and explore what route is best for you.

Our Faculty Compassionate and Intelligent Educators

As a Clinical Psychology doctoral student at Wheaton, you'll have access to faculty, adjunct faculty, and guest instructors from across the School of Psychology, Counseling & Family Therapy. Your core Ph.D. faculty members are Christian scholar-practitioners with a range of professional experience and research interests. Their expertise spans issues and clinical specialties including neurocognition, aging, forgiveness, social support, positive psychology, and sexual and gender identity.

Sally Schwer Canning, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology

James Cornwell, Ph.D.

Director of Research, Associate Professor of Psychology

Ward Davis, Psy.D.

Director of Clinical Training, Professor of Psychology

John McConnell, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychology

Benjamin Pyykkonen, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychology Programs Director, Associate Professor of Psychology

Sandra Yu Rueger, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology

Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D.

Professor and Dr. Arthur P. Rech and Mrs. Jean May Rech Endowed Chair in Psychology, Director, Sexual & Gender Identity Institute

Investing in You

Financial Wellness

All incoming Clinical Psychology Ph.D. students are automatically considered for department-based scholarships, typically ranging from $7,000 to $10,000. 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