Transform Lives Through Evidence-Based Practice at the Crossroads of the Pacific
Create positive change through our PsyD program! Our APA-accredited (on contingency) program offers a multicultural clinical experience at the intersection of East and West. Our scientist-practitioner-advocate model prepares you to address the growing mental health needs of communities with cutting-edge evidence-based approaches.
- Comprehensive training in telehealth delivery, digital assessment tools, and virtual supervision— preparing you for the future of mental healthcare.
- Unique training in Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and Asian-American mental health.
- Specialized training in forensic assessment and criminal justice applications.
- Training in behavioral medicine, chronic disease management, and biopsychosocial approaches to health.
- Advanced training in CBT, DBT, ACT, and trauma-informed care approaches.
Leading the Future of Clinical Psychology
APA-Accredited (On Contingency) Program
5-Year Comprehensive Program
20+ Clinical Training Sites
LEARN BY DOING WITH SKILLS-BASED LEARNING
Our faculty have a wide range of experience in clinical settings ranging from private practice to government health service agencies, major medical centers, and state hospitals. Our classes and practicum experiences will reflect this multiplicity of backgrounds, offering students rigorous education and training in core competencies of psychology, while taking into account students’ own preferences for specialized training and future career paths. Expected practicum settings include a wide variety of public and private agencies, hospitals, and forensic facilities.
Individuals who complete this program will be prepared to fill a much-needed niche here in Hawai‘i and beyond. With our location at the crossroads of the Pacific, HPU is ideally positioned to provide this education and training.
accreditation Status
Hawai‘i Pacific University’s Doctor of Clinical Psychology Program (PsyD) has been granted accreditation, on contingency, by the American Psychological Association (APA). HPU’s PsyD “accredited, on contingency” status was granted by the APA’s Commission on Accreditation following a comprehensive multi-year review process and is effective April 26, 2024 through April 26, 2029. The program plans to apply for full accreditation in 2027.
Please contact the APA Commission on Accreditation if you have any questions: 750 First St, NE; Washington, DC 20002-4242; https://accreditation.apa.org/; 202-336-5979. We also recommend that you contact the Board of Psychology in the state you plan to practice to determine requirements for licensure.
Curriculum and Courses Tailored to Career Pathways
The PsyD program at HPU is designed to equip graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to serve the mental health needs of those with compassion and professionalism. Through training that emphasizes the importance of evidence from research and insights from practice, we prepare graduates for careers as doctoral-level clinical psychologists who can work ethically and effectively within a rapidly changing mental health services environment, both in Hawai‘i and throughout the rest of the nation. We value critical thinking, clinical competence, and an awareness of the influence of society and culture on the mental health of individuals and organizations.
Full-Time enrolled - 4-Year Pathway (118-credits)
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Fall Semesters |
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Year 1 - 10 credits
Year 2 - 12 credits
Year 3 - 10 credits
Year 4 - 9 credits
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Spring Semesters |
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Year 1 - 13 credits
Year 2 - 10 credits
Year 3 - 12 credits
Year 4 - 8 credits
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Summer Semesters |
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Year 1 - 9 credits
Year 2 - 9 credits
Year 3 - 9 credits
(Prepare for Comprehensive Exams) Year 4 - 8 credits
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5th year is reserved for internship and/or dissertation completion (Optional)*
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Fall Semesters - 3-5 credits |
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Spring Semesters - 3-5 credits |
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Summer Semesters - 3-5 credits |
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*9003 is only required if the dissertation is not completed after taking 9002.
Admissions Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in psychology (or 15 credit hours in psychology)
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (3.25 preferred in psychology courses)
- Statistics and research methods coursework
- Regionally accredited institution
Application Materials
- APA PSYCAS application ($65 fee)
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement specific to PsyD program
- Two interviews (in-person or remote)