PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Reimagining Professional Practice

Degree Description

Meridian University's Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program is designed to cultivate and support the emergence of integral clinicians who seamlessly blend academic proficiency with a profound commitment to holistic approaches to healing through client-centered work. The carefully crafted curriculum, spanning 108 academic credits, intricately weaves together fundamental core, clinical, and research courses, forming a foundation for your evolving clinical engagement with clients, while also fostering personal growth through the pedagogy of transformative learning praxis.

Meridian’s curriculum draws inspiration from a diverse tapestry of orientations, designed to foster a more holistic approach to the practice of clinical work. These orientations range from somatic psychology and ecopsychology to transpersonal psychology and depth psychology. We embrace knowledge domains spanning spiritual traditions, somatic practices, expressive arts, mythology, indigenous wisdom traditions, deep ecology, literary and poetic imagination, and mystical philosophy. At Meridian, we redefine the purpose of education through an integral and participatory lens, providing a dynamic platform to integrate the diversity of orientations present within the domain of psychology.

The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology curriculum highlights practical experience, in addition to offering courses that go beyond traditional boundaries, integrating academic rigor with personal growth. Immerse yourself in the practice of fieldwork, applying the theoretical knowledge of this program within real-world client interactions. This fusion of theory and practice, personal and relational experiences, and the dynamic interplay of research and application makes our program a uniquely holistic clinical degree.

Meridian’s integral and participatory approach to education can prepare you for Psychologist licensure educational eligibility and/or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC) educational eligibility across multiple states. As you advance through the program, your academic journey culminates with the completion of an original case study, serving as a testament to your scholarly and clinical achievements through an in-depth analysis of a particular case to gain a comprehensive understanding of psychological processes, behaviors, and interventions.

Tailored for those who crave a harmonious fusion of intellectual exploration and creative expression, the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program extends a compelling invitation to weave knowledge, wisdom, and personal growth into a formidable catalyst for positive change. At Meridian, we aspire to cultivate not just scholars but active agents of change and healing.

Envision a larger purpose as you forge a profound connection between self and society, becoming a beacon of transformation in the dynamic tapestry of human experiences present within therapeutic settings. Meridian cultivates integral practitioners equipped to approach complexities from a whole-person perspective, offering healing through holistic and embodied practices that can be applied in various clinical and therapeutic settings. Engage in Transformative Learning Praxis, preparing yourself for the complexities of the world, the prevalent mental health crisis, the underlying crisis of meaning, and the widespread hunger to rediscover our greater purpose.

Transformative learning at Meridian transcends the confines of the traditional classrooms. This unique experience goes beyond the ordinary, while reshaping your mindsets and assumptions about the world. In this immersive environment, personal development becomes a natural outcome, fostering not only flexibility and depth but also an enhanced ability to navigate greater complexities. Joining the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Meridian University isn't just an academic pursuit; it's a commitment to holistic transformation. Your journey with us is not just an education; it's a commitment to shaping the future of psychology by becoming an integral psychology practitioner that embodies the virtues of the soul of psychology. Here, the convergence of personal development, academic rigor, and praxis forms the foundation of your dedication to becoming an impactful agent of positive change in the healing landscapes of the therapeutic world.

Ph.D. in Psychology

Stacey R.

Stacey Ramsower, a PsyD in Clincal Psychology student at Meridian University, why the choice to pursue her graduate studies at Meridian became a life-changing experience. While becoming empowered as a student to realize her profound role in an evolving world—to become a fulcrum of transformation and healing—Stacey found her community of wholeness, reflection, and support.

State Licensure

The Meridian student body is global. Students in the US can seek educational eligibility for licensure in multiple states and for multiple license types. Map is for illustrative purposes. For detailed license information per state, click below. In another state or region not listed below? Contact the Admissions Team for more information.

STATE LICENSURE DETAILS
meridian university is licensure map
meridian university is licensure map
California
MFT, LPCC, and Psychologist
meridian university is licensure map
Alaska
MFT
meridian university is licensure map
Maine
MFT and LPC
meridian university is licensure map
Alabama
MFT
meridian university is licensure map
Pennsylvania
LPC
meridian university is licensure map
Illinois
MFT
meridian university is licensure map
Hawaii
MFT, MHC, and Psychologist
meridian university is licensure map
Texas
MFT
"In order to change what is, we need to give speech to what has been, to imagine what might be."
ADRIENNE RICH
Meridian Students

Educational Objectives

  1. To develop leadership capacities which further professional engagement with the profession of psychology.
  2. To develop creative inquiry practices and skills.
  3. To articulate and apply key concepts and major principles of psychopathology to all levels of human systems.
  4. To implement appropriate uses of psychological assessment resources with a specialized awareness of individual differences and cultural diversity.
  5. To develop competencies for bringing principles and practices of transformative learning into clinical contexts.

At A Glance

Applications Accepted:

Quarterly

Highest Degree Required:

Bachelors

Learning Formats:

Hybrid & Online

Program Length:

33-48 Months

Total Credits Required:

108 Credits

Cost Per Credit:

$676

Accreditation:

WASC

Graduation Requirements

  • Students who enter with a Bachelor’s degree must complete 133 credits (1080 hours) of which 25 credits are from fieldwork (750 hours).
  • Students who enter the program with a qualified Master’s degree (Advanced Standing) must complete 117 credits (920 hours) of which 25 credits are from fieldwork (750 hours).
  • The completion of an original Clinical Case Study is required.
  • Students have a maximum of eight (8) years from their initial date of enrollment to complete this degree.

Admission Requirements

  • A Bachelor's degree is required for admission to Meridian's graduate degree programs.
  • Students submit an online application form along with documents such as official transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The Admissions Committee reviews all applications and invites select applicants to proceed to an interview. More information is available on the Application Process page.
  • All students are expected to be proficient in the English language as all instruction at Meridian is offered in English.
Woman looks over her shoulder in the library while sitting at desk with laptop.Woman looks over her shoulder in the library while sitting at desk with laptop.Woman looks over her shoulder in the library while sitting at desk with laptop.

Academic Structure

Meridian’s academic structure gives students the flexibility to navigate the University’s curricular architecture in ways that match their passions, professional goals, and other life commitments.

The structure is designed to serve a diverse student body, who live around the globe, have varied cultural and clinical visions for their careers, and are at different stages in their professional journey.

Students enroll in a degree program, can elect a concentration, and register for one or multiple courses each quarter. In addition to core courses for the specific degree program and anchor courses that represent the Transformative Learning intent of Meridian’s curriculum, students select elective courses that align with their Meridian concentration, background, and career path.

Learn More
Learning Format Intro

Learning Formats

Meridian's graduate degree programs are offered in two formats, Hybrid and Online. Each quarter, students take one or multiple seven-week online courses. This schedule provides students with time between quarters to rest, engage, and prepare.

The University's multiple format options are designed to enable students to pursue their graduate education at a flexible pace, combining asynchronous coursework via the University's custom social learning platform, live course video calls with faculty, synchronous student community engagement, and optional onsite or online Transformative Learning Labs in-person.

Students can optionally select Transformative Learning Lab dates, locations, and formats based on their learning style, personal interests, and professional aspirations, if they choose to, based on availability of offerings.

Online Format Learning Format
Online Format Learning Format Icon

Online Format

In Meridian's online learning format, students can complete 100% of their coursework degree requirements online, via Meridian’s unique online learning platform and faculty-led learning model. Meridian’s online format is designed to be highly engaging and deeply human. Students build connections with faculty and fellow graduate students while taking advantage of the flexibility built-in to the University’s online courses model.

Online Transformative Learning Labs are also optionally available (often multiple times a year), sometimes as a 3+ hour live class, and sometimes over multiple days.

Hybrid Format Learning Format
Hybrid Format Learning Format Icon

Hybrid Format

Meridian’s hybrid learning format combines online courses with optional onsite Transformative Learning Labs which are one-week or less. By combining Meridian’s innovative online education methodologies with rich video calls and deep onsite connections, the hybrid format enables students to contribute locally and perceive globally.

When offered, Onsite Labs take place at Meridian’s San Francisco Bay Area Center and other University Centers, based on student interest and availability.

Accreditation and Financial Aid

Meridian University is a degree-granting higher education institution accredited by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). As an accreditor, WASC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. WASC is also an accreditor of the University of California, Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford University.

Meridian is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in the Federal Student Aid programs as well as by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs for the training of veterans and other eligible persons.

The University is approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide form I-20 to eligible international students, enabling travel to and stay in the United States.

Meridian offers institutional financial aid to qualified international students.

Meridion Celebrate 30 YearsMeridion Celebrate 30 Years Mobile

Submitting

Stay Updated

Sign up below to learn more and stay updated regarding Meridian University's graduate and public programs.

young woman working on laptop

San Francisco Bay Area Center

47 Sixth Street
Petaluma, California 94952
+1 (707) 765-1836

Los Angeles: Water Garden Campus

2450 Colorado Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90404
+1 (310) 876-2001

Athens Center

Ermou 56
Athens 10563, Greece
+30 21 1199 0060

Berlin Center

Greifswalder Strasse 226
10405 Berlin, Germany
+49 30 16637734

Johannesburg Center

Atrium on 5th 9th Floor
5th St, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
+27 31 822 9032

Shanghai Center

501 Middle Yincheng Road
29/F, Shanghai Tower
Shanghai 200120, China
+86 10 5940 7141

Meridian University Logo