Doctor of Psychology Admissions

Psy.D. Admissions Requirements

Rivier utilizes PSYCAS, the Centralized Application Service for graduate study in psychology. To apply for the Doctor of Psychology program, please create an account and submit your application through PSYCAS.

Admissions Criteria and Requirements

• A minimum of an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions where you have received degrees and/or course credit. Preference of 3.0 and above for undergraduate grade-point average and 3.5 or above (if relevant) for graduate grade-point average
• A written Statement of Purpose (3-6 pages) that reflects on the following:
  • Your professional experience and how this experience relates to doctoral study
  • Your reasons for pursuing doctoral study
  • Research and/or clinical goal(s), problem(s), and/or question(s) you may wish to address during doctoral study and research
  • How doctoral study will enhance your personal and professional career goals
  • Why you think you would be a good fit for the combined program in counseling and school psychology
  • Diversity experiences and evidence of a commitment to serving diverse populations
  • Should include evidence of commitment to the values, goals, and mission of the program
• At least three Letters of Reference that speak to your professional and/or academic work, your potential for successful completion of doctoral study, and your character (See Letters of Reference below.)
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• An interview with the Core Faculty Committee and/or Program Director
• GRE score submission is optional

The number of credit hours required to complete the program is dependent on previously completed coursework. There is no upper limit to the number of foundation (graduate) courses that can be counted toward completion. However, only nine credit hours of doctoral course(s) at the 800 level can be transferred into the program.

Letters of Reference Details

Each applicant is required to submit at least three letters of reference that speak to the applicant’s professional and/or academic work, potential for successful completion of doctoral study, and character. Letters of reference must have been written within six months of the date of the completed application. Letters of reference may be written by current members of the faculty of the Division of Counseling and Psychology or the Division of Education at Rivier University. The Core Faculty Committee may invite members of the faculty who have provided letters of recommendation to speak on behalf of an applicant while the Committee is deliberating.

Application Review and Interviews

Applications are forwarded to the Admission Committee for review and rating after all required application items have been received and processed by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions.

On the basis of ratings and Committee review, applicants considered for admission are invited to campus for an interview; while an in-person interview is preferable, alternate interview options can be accommodated. In this interview, applicants are asked to clarify and/or expand on aspects of their application, including but not limited to their personal Statement of Purpose and reasons for seeking doctoral study. Shortly after the interview, the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Admissions notifies applicants of their admission status.

Rivier University does not discriminate in its application process. Read our non-discrimination policy.

International Applicants

Due to the F-1 program requirements by the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the online course offerings of Rivier’s Doctoral programs do not apply to international students seeking an F-1 visa. At this time, we are unable to process applications for international (F-1 visa seeking) students to our Doctor of Psychology program.