The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program provides students with a biblically based training program, designed to equip them for ministry opportunities in the local church, private practice counseling, or service in organizational and institutional settings. This unique integration of psychology and theology will prepare students to impact individuals, families, and communities with counseling skills and psychological tools, encompassed in a genuine spiritual environment. Students in the PsyD program must choose at least one of four emphases available: (1) Psychology (no emphasis), (2) Educational Psychology, (3) International / Multicultural Psychology, and (4) Industrial / Organizational Psychology. SCS offers a MA to PsyD program and a PsyD program.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Psychology program the student will be able to:

1. Apply accepted psychological research, testing, and theory to mental health related issues.
2. Utilize in-depth biblical and theological knowledge to enhance the profession of psychology.
3. Demonstrate values such as integrity and ethical standards of conduct according to the laws and professional standards regulating the psychology field throughout the academic process.
4. Integrate academic knowledge, psychological research, and clinical skill to enhance the profession of clinical psychology in whatever area of choice or expertise the student may choose.
5. Bring glory to God by training and equipping Christians with Bible knowledge, psychological understanding, and clinical skills to impact lives and positively influence the mental health field.

MA TO PSYD GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Each candidate for the PsyD degree must meet the general graduation requirements and:

1. Complete 99 units of advanced psychology courses, biblical integration, dissertation, and emphasis requirements with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
2. Complete the 9 units of master’s level biblical foundation courses. These courses may be taken prior to or concurrently with the doctoral studies.
3. Students will be required to take 6 units of undergraduate course work in psychology and in abnormal psychology if needed.
4. Complete and demonstrate mastery of research in a specific area of psychology. The capstone requirements in the PsyD program include the dissertation and its oral defense before the doctoral committee and other invited clinicians and professionals by the February before commencement.
5. Be recommended by the faculty based on demonstrated moral integrity and competency. A quorum of at least four Behavioral Science faculty (including the Dean) must agree to recommend the student for graduation.

PSYD GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Each candidate for the PsyD degree must meet the general graduation requirements and:

1. Complete a minimum of 45 units of advanced psychology courses, biblical integration, and dissertation requirements with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
2. Complete 9 units of master’s level biblical foundation courses. These courses may be taken prior to or concurrently with the doctoral studies.
3. Each student may be required to take additional prerequisite psychology courses contingent on previous coursework or degree.
4. Complete and demonstrate mastery of research in a specific psychology topic. The capstone requirements in the PsyD program include the dissertation and its oral defense before the doctoral committee and other invited clinicians and professionals by the February before commencement.
5. Be recommended by the faculty based on demonstrated moral integrity and competency. A quorum of at least four Behavioral Science faculty (including the Dean) must agree to recommend the student for graduation