Psychology (M.A., Ph.D.)

Master of Arts, Plan A only (thesis): Total 30 - 33 credit hours

Areas of Emphasis: Clinical Psychology
                            Human Factors Psychology

• Psychology core 11-14 credit hours
• Clinical Psychology core or electives 10-16 credit hours
• Thesis 6 credit hours

Joint Master’s Program with Juris Doctor

Students who are already enrolled in the School of Law at The University of South Dakota and who have sufficient background in psychology may qualify for this Board of Regents authorized joint-degree program leading to the M.A. in Psychology.  Individuals with an interest in this program should consult with the department chairperson.

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Each student’s specific program of study will be determined in consultation with the academic advisory committee and the faculty of the respective graduate specialty program (Clinical or Human Factors). Students in the Clinical Psychology program are required to complete a year‑long internship at an approved site. Internship/practicum placements are also encouraged for Human Factors students.

Each Doctoral student is required to take a comprehensive written examination preliminary to admission to final candidacy for the doctoral degree. This examination covers theory, method and research findings in psychology as well as the field of specialization.

Completion and oral defense of an original dissertation represent the capstone requirements for the degree. Successful completion of the final oral examination is required of all students recommended for the Ph.D. degree in Psychology. For specific requirements regarding the oral exam, please contact the Psychology Department.

Clinical Psychology Training Program

Each year approximately 60-90 applications are received and eight students are admitted. Included among clinical faculty research interests are cross-cultural psychology, Native American mental health, rural community psychology, substance abuse, refugee mental health, traumatic stress, and disaster psychology. Clinical orientations include cognitive-behavioral, systems (family, marital, and group), interpersonal, psychodynamic object relations, and crisis intervention. 

Ph.D. Requirements for Clinical Psychology: Total 106 credit hours

• Master’s courses and thesis 33 credit hours
• Clinical psychology core 46 credit hours
• Additional stats/methods course 3 credit hours
• Electives 6 credit hours
• Internship 3 credit hours
• Dissertation 15 credit hours minimum

Specialization in Clinical/Disaster Psychology

The Doctoral Specialty in Clinical/Disaster Psychology includes the above requirements for the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program. However, the students in this specialization must take 18 hours of course work in the disaster psychology area. 

Human Factors Psychology Program (Ph.D): 84 credit hours

• Master’s courses and thesis 30 credit hours
• Human Factors core 18 credit hours
• Psychology specialization courses 21 credit hours
• Dissertation 15 credit hours minimum