Application for Admission

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS


In order to be considered for admission into the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology program at Divine Mercy University’s Institute for the Psychological Sciences, you must fulfill certain admission requirements. Below is a list of the requirements for admission.


  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution

  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA

    • Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a minimum of a 3.5 GPA for graduate studies.

  • Complete the application process which includes:

    • Application Document:  Completed Application for Admission document

    • Recommendation(s):

    • Three PsyD Recommendation Forms, at least two of which should be academic in nature.  Additionally, Recommenders are *strongly encouraged* to *also* submit a personal letter reviewing the applicants qualifications.  See the PsyD Recommendation Form for full details and instructions. https://forms.gle/srGZoCY8ZriwMnN49

    • Transcripts:  Submission of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions which you have attended

    • Essay(s): Submission of essays as noted in Application for Admission document

    • Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume:  inclusive of work/employment history and significant volunteer history.

    • GRE Scores: Submission of current, valid, official GRE general test scores. (DMU/IPS code 5639) The GRE score is required of all applicants; no preferred minimum score has been established for admission to the program.

    • $55 Application Fee:  which the Admissions Office can choose to waive in extenuating circumstances

  • Interview

    • After all required application documents and materials are submitted by the published deadlines, the application package is reviewed.  Qualified applicants are invited to interview with the faculty.  It should be noted that the application process is competitive, space is limited, and at no point is an interview guaranteed.

    • Should you be invited to interview, you must be available to interview on-site at the per-scheduled PsyD Interview and Visit Day on DMU’s campus in Sterling, Virginia.  Zoom interviews may be made available in rare or extenuating circumstances (for example; accommodation of the Covid 19 Pandemic or for international applicants unable to travel to DMU’s campus). The PsyD Interview and Visit Day is a group interview and visit experience alongside other invited applicants.  All costs associated with travel to the interview and visit day are the responsibility of the applicant.

  • Applicants whose primary language is other than English please note the following:

    • Applicants whose native language is not English must have taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) within the past two years, and the scores must be submitted directly to DMU by the testing agency.

      • TOEFL scores must be at least 100 on the internet-based version (iBT), 250 on the computer-based version (CBT), and 600 on the paper-based version (PBT). Academic IELTS scores must fall into the overall band of at least 7.0, with no individual band scores below 6.0. Test results must be sent directly from the testing agency, who will only make them available for up to two years from the test date. For more information, follow this link to our academic catalog: https://divinemercy.edu/psy-d-in-clinical-psychology/academic-catalog/

  • For international applicants and applicants whose baccalaureate degree was earned at an institution outside of the U.S. please note the following:

    • Applicants holding degrees from outside the United States must submit any international transcript(s) to a NACES approved evaluation service for a “Course-by-Course” evaluation of their transcripts. For more information, follow this link to our catalog: https://divinemercy.edu/psy-d-in-clinical-psychology/academic-catalog/

    • Applicants holding degrees from outside the United States must demonstrate post-secondary education that is, at minimum, equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.


*It is highly recommended, but not required for applicants to have taken and passed at least three courses in the Behavioral Health Science discipline (i.e. Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Counseling) before their time in the PsyD program at DMU. Students who do not have at least 9 credit hours of undergraduate Psychology will be enrolled in a Psychology Overview seminar course during the first semester in the PsyD program.


After all application materials have been submitted, our Admissions office will contact the applicant regarding the interview phase of the application.


APPLICATION DEADLINES


The PsyD in Clinical Psychology program has an annual fall start date of August.  There is no spring admission period.  Applications are accepted for this program according to the deadlines published herein.  


Applicants seeking admission to a program after the published final deadline has passed should contact Admissions for further assistance and to inquire if additional spaces may still be available. Note that seating is limited and cohorts may fill to capacity prior to published deadlines. 


For Fall 2021 start:

  • March 29th, 2021


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS


In order to be considered for admission into the Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSC) program at Divine Mercy University’s School of Counseling, you must fulfill certain admission requirements. Below is a list of the requirements for admission.


  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution

  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA

    • Minimum overall 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 GPA in the applicant’s major field of study, or a minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 credits in the applicant’s undergraduate degree. 

  • Complete the application process which includes:

    • Application Document:  Completed Application for Admission document

    • Recommendation(s): One MSC Recommendation Form from an Academic Reference or Supervisor from a paid or unpaid position - If you believe you may have trouble obtaining an academic reference or supervisor, please contact the Admissions Office to discuss this requirement. https://forms.gle/viuXkCA8DU37Aeii9

    • Transcripts:  Submission of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions which you have attended

    • Essay(s): Submission of essays as noted in Application for Admission document

    • Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume:  inclusive of work/employment history and significant volunteer history.

    • GRE Scores: Submission of current, valid, official GRE general test scores taken within the previous five years of the semester start. (DMU/IPS code 5639) The GRE score is required of all applicants; no preferred minimum score has been established for admission to the program.

    • $55 Application Fee:  which the Admissions Office can choose to waive in extenuating circumstances

  • Interview

    • After all required application documents and materials are submitted by the published deadlines, the application package is reviewed.  Qualified applicants are invited to interview with the faculty.  It should be noted that the application process is competitive, space is limited, and at no point is an interview guaranteed

    • Availability for two video conference interviews after submission of all application materials.

      • Individual interview with admissions

      • Group interview with other applicants and SOC faculty

  • Applicants whose primary language is other than English please note the following:

    • Applicants whose native language is not English must have taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) within the past two years, and the scores must be submitted directly to DMU by the testing agency.

      • TOEFL scores must be at least 100 on the internet-based version (iBT), 250 on the computer-based version (CBT), and 600 on the paper-based version (PBT). Academic IELTS scores must fall into the overall band of at least 7.0, with no individual band scores below 6.0. Test results must be sent directly from the testing agency, who will only make them available for up to two years from the test date. For more information, follow this link to our academic catalog: https://divinemercy.edu/m-s-counseling-online/academic-catalog/

  • For international applicants and applicants whose baccalaureate degree was earned at an institution outside of the U.S. please note the following:

    • Applicants holding degrees from outside the United States must submit any international transcript(s) to a NACES approved evaluation service for a “Course-by-Course” evaluation of their transcripts. For more information, follow this link to our catalog: https://divinemercy.edu/m-s-counseling-online/academic-catalog/

    • Applicants holding degrees from outside the United States must demonstrate post-secondary education that is, at minimum, equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.


After all application materials have been submitted, our Admissions office will contact the applicant regarding the interview phase of the application.


Qualifying applicants will be invited to schedule a video conference interview with Admissions. Pending the outcome of the individual meeting with Admissions, a group video conference interview with other applicants and the SOC faculty members will follow.


APPLICATION DEADLINES


MS in Counseling program has three start dates each academic year; August, January and May.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for this program, with the deadlines as published herein.  


Applicants seeking admission to a program after the published final deadline has passed should contact Admissions for further assistance and to inquire if additional spaces may still be available. Note that seating is limited and cohorts may fill to capacity prior to published deadlines.  


MS Counseling


For Summer 2021 start:

  • Early Application Deadline – March 1st, 2021

  • Final Application Deadline – April 13th, 2021


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS


In order to be considered for admission into the Masters of Science in Psychology (MSP) program at Divine Mercy University’s Institute for the Psychological Sciences, you must fulfill certain admission requirements. Below is a list of the requirements for admission.


  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution

  • Undergraduate cumulative GPA

    • Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (to be competitive, students should have at least a 2.75 GPA) or a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for graduate studies.

  • Complete the application process which includes:

    • Application Document:  Completed Application for Admission document

    • Recommendation(s): Two MSP Recommendation Forms from Academic or Professional References. https://forms.gle/XqRAYNRMX53VebHb6

    • Transcripts:  Submission of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions which you have attended

    • Essay(s): Written Statement of Intent, indicating how your goals align with the goals of the program

    • Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume:  inclusive of work/employment history and significant volunteer history.

    • $55 Application Fee:  which the Admissions Office can choose to waive in extenuating circumstances

  • Applicants whose primary language is other than English please note the following:

    • Applicants whose native language is not English must have taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) within the past two years, and the scores must be submitted directly to DMU by the testing agency.

      • TOEFL scores must be at least 100 on the internet-based version (iBT), 250 on the computer-based version (CBT), and 600 on the paper-based version (PBT). Academic IELTS scores must fall into the overall band of at least 7.0, with no individual band scores below 6.0. Test results must be sent directly from the testing agency, who will only make them available for up to two years from the test date. For more information, follow this link to our academic catalog: https://divinemercy.edu/m-s-psychology-online/academic-catalog-2/

  • For international applicants and applicants whose baccalaureate degree was earned at an institution outside of the U.S. please note the following:

    • Applicants holding degrees from outside the United States must submit any international transcript(s) to a NACES approved evaluation service for a “Course-by-Course” evaluation of their transcripts. For more information, follow this link to our catalog: https://divinemercy.edu/m-s-psychology-online/academic-catalog-2/

    • Applicants holding degrees from outside the United States must demonstrate post-secondary education that is, at minimum, equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.


After all application materials have been submitted, our Admissions office will contact the applicant regarding the interview phase of the application.


After all application materials have been submitted, the application package is reviewed by the Admissions Committee.  Our Admissions Office will contact the applicant when the admission decision is determined.    


APPLICATION DEADLINES


MS in Psychology (MSP) program has three start dates each academic year; August, January and May.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for this program, with the deadlines as published herein.  


Applicants seeking admission to a program after the published final deadline has passed should contact Admissions for further assistance and to inquire if additional spaces may still be available. Note that seating is limited and cohorts may fill to capacity prior to published deadlines.  


MS Psychology

  • For Summer - May 19, 2021 Start

    • Early Application Deadline – March 1st ($2,000 Scholarship)

    • Final Application Deadline – May 5th


To save your progress at any time and resume later, either check the box above or click the link at the bottom of this form.

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NOTE:  This is a two-part application!  
 
Once you have completed *all* required fields in Part I, including the payment section, you will receive an email with the link to Part II which includes the required essays and resume upload instructions.


I. Personal Information
Present Mailing Address

Permanent Address
Telephone Numbers
Note: DMU may contact applicants via text.

Location to be considered 'home'

Most Recent Employment
II. Enrollment Information
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Clinical Psychology, on-site; Sterling, VA; therapeutic path *
Note: If you are seeking Admission to another program of study within Divine Mercy University (M.S. Counseling or M.S. in General Psychology), a separate application for that program is required. Please see our website for applications to these programs or contact Admissions for more information.
*A limited number of course are available for this enrollment option.
*A limited number of courses are available for this enrollment option.
*Please note: A 3.0 GPA and Degree-Seeking/Continuous Enrollment are required for MSP-Fast Track Options.
III. How did you hear about Divine Mercy University?
Please supply supporting information so we better understand the source(s) where you discovered DMU. For example, please give the name of specific conference attended, career fair location, name of parish/church or pastoral connection to DMU, location of advertisement, name of alumnus or personal friend, etc. This information, in specificity, greatly assists with our marketing and outreach efforts.

Thank you for your contribution.
IV. Academic Experience
List in chronological order all colleges and universities attended, including professional schools and other formal training programs. It is important to note that, while your academic history is to be listed here, your application can not be processed without your transcripts.  Transcripts are to be sent directly to the University via mail or electronically to your Admissions Representative or the office of Admissions. 

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS


  • Official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended are required in order for the application to be complete.

  • To be official, transcripts must be received at Divine Mercy University’s campus in Sterling, VA in a sealed official envelope, and are required from each institution attended, regardless of the length of time the applicant attended, the applicant’s status, or whether the grades are listed on another institution's transcript. 

    • Exception: Applicants who have attended Divine Mercy University’s Institute for the Psychological Sciences as a degree-seeking student are only required to provide transcripts reflecting graduate studies completed after enrollment in the Institute.

  • Official electronic transcripts are accepted. To be official they must be communicated (typically via email) directly to Divine Mercy University from the academic institution.  Electronic transcripts forwarded from the applicant to the University are not considered official.  

    • Addresses to be use for transcripts:

    • Via Mail:  Divine Mercy University/Admissions  45154 Underwood Lane, Sterling, VA 20166

Via Email:  admissions@divinemercy.edu OR your Admissions Representative’s DMU email address if you are already working with an Admissions Representative.
 
INTERNATIONAL TRANSCRIPTS
  • Applicants who received baccalaureate education outside of the U.S. must submit official copies of those transcripts according to the specifications noted in the Official Transcripts section above.
  • In addition to official transcripts, applicants who received baccalaureate education outside of the U.S. must also submit an official Comprehensive Course-by-Course' evaluation inclusive of translation to English of their international transcripts from a NACES approved evaluation service (e.g., www.edperspective.org, www.wes.org, or www.ece.org) to demonstrate post-secondary education is, at minimum, equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Admissions Representatives are available to assist applicants with understanding the course-by-course evaluation process if applicants have questions. 
  • At request of the Applicant, DMU can have transcripts reviewed and evaluated by a third party evaluator.  The cost of this service will be the responsibility of the applicant and will be added to program costs.  
For more information, follow this link to our catalog: 

INTERNATIONAL TRANSCRIPTS
  • Applicants who received baccalaureate education outside of the U.S. must submit official copies of those transcripts according to the specifications noted in the Official Transcripts section above.
  • In addition to official transcripts, applicants who received baccalaureate education outside of the U.S. must also submit an official Comprehensive Course-by-Course' evaluation inclusive of translation to English of their international transcripts from a NACES approved evaluation service (e.g., www.edperspective.org, www.wes.org, or www.ece.org) to demonstrate post-secondary education is, at minimum, equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Admissions Representatives are available to assist applicants with understanding the course-by-course evaluation process if applicants have questions. 
  • At request of the Applicant, DMU can have transcripts reviewed and evaluated by a third party evaluator.  The cost of this service will be the responsibility of the applicant and will be added to program costs.  
For more information, follow this link to our catalog: 

INTERNATIONAL TRANSCRIPTS
  • Applicants who received baccalaureate education outside of the U.S. must submit official copies of those transcripts according to the specifications noted in the Official Transcripts section above.
  • In addition to official transcripts, applicants who received baccalaureate education outside of the U.S. must also submit an official Comprehensive Course-by-Course' evaluation inclusive of translation to English of their international transcripts from a NACES approved evaluation service (e.g., www.edperspective.org, www.wes.org, or www.ece.org) to demonstrate post-secondary education is, at minimum, equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Admissions Representatives are available to assist applicants with understanding the course-by-course evaluation process if applicants have questions. 
  • At request of the Applicant, DMU can have transcripts reviewed and evaluated by a third party evaluator.  The cost of this service will be the responsibility of the applicant and will be added to program costs.  
For more information, follow this link to our catalog: 

Academic Institution 1
Academic Institution 2
Academic Institution 3
Academic Institution 4

V. Recommendations
Three PsyD Recommendation Forms are required as a part of the application package. At least two of the Recommendations should be academic in nature (an individual who was an undergraduate/graduate professor or instructor who taught the applicant in a class setting or similar).  The third can be from someone of a professional supervisory relationship or similar (an individual who has had supervisory responsibility of the applicant or research supervisor).  Family, friends, colleagues, spiritual directors, counselors, etc., are not considered suitable recommenders.
 
Additionally, Recommenders are *strongly encouraged* to *also* submit a personal letter reviewing the applicants qualifications.  See the PsyD Recommendation Form for full details and instructions. https://forms.gle/srGZoCY8ZriwMnN49

List below the people asked to submit the official Recommendation Form on your behalf. The official DMU Recommendation Form must be used; a personal letter from a recommender can be added to, but not can not be substituted for the Recommendation Form.
  • Applicants are responsible for requesting recommendations from recommenders and sharing the DMU Recommendation Form Link:  https://forms.gle/srGZoCY8ZriwMnN49
  • This form DOES NOT notify recommenders of your request for recommendation.  
  • Applicants take full responsibility for notifying their Recommenders of the request for a Recommendation. Only when the Applicant makes the request to the Recommender personally, and sends the link to the individual, will they be aware of your request for the Recommendation.
  • You may modify your list of recommenders at any time by contacting your Admissions Representative or our Admissions Office.
  • Per our application process, you automatically waive your right to review your recommendations when using the DMU Recommendation Form.
  • An academically-related recommender is an individual who was an undergraduate/graduate professor or instructor who taught the applicant in a class setting or similar.
  • A professionally-related recommender is an individual who has had supervisory responsibility of the applicant in a paid or unpaid position.
  • Note that recommenders must have an academic or professional supervisory relationship or similar with applicant; family, friends, colleagues, spiritual directors, counselors, etc. are not considered suitable recommenders.
Copy the following instructions to send the recommendation form to your recommender:

Please click on the link below to complete the recommendation form requested by your student/colleague/employee. Once you complete all the questions and click submit, your answers will be automatically submitted to DMU's Admissions Office. If you have any questions, please email your Admissions Representative or the Admissions Office at admissions@divinemercy.edu. Click here to begin your recommendation: https://forms.gle/srGZoCY8ZriwMnN49
One MSC Recommendation Form from an academic or professional reference is required as a part of the application package.  The Recommender must either be academically-related (an individual who was an undergraduate/graduate professor or instructor who taught the applicant in a class setting or similar), or professionally-related (an individual who has had supervisory responsibility of the applicant). Family, friends, colleagues, spiritual directors, counselors, etc., are not considered suitable recommenders.  If you believe you may have trouble obtaining an academic reference, please contact your Admissions Representative or the Admissions Office to discuss this requirement. https://forms.gle/viuXkCA8DU37Aeii9

List below the people asked to submit the official Recommendation Form on your behalf. The official DMU Recommendation Form must be used; a personal letter from a recommender can be added to, but not can not be substituted for the Recommendation Form.
  • Applicants are responsible for requesting recommendations from recommenders and sharing the DMU Recommendation Form Link: https://forms.gle/viuXkCA8DU37Aeii9
  • This form DOES NOT notify recommenders of your request for recommendation.  
  • Applicants take full responsibility for notifying their Recommenders of the request for a Recommendation. Only when the Applicant makes the request to the Recommender personally, and sends the link to the individual, will they be aware of your request for the Recommendation.
  • You may modify your list of recommenders at any time by contacting your Admissions Representative or our Admissions Office.
  • Per our application process, you automatically waive your right to review your recommendations when using the DMU Recommendation Form.
  • An academically-related recommender is an individual who was an undergraduate/graduate professor or instructor who taught the applicant in a class setting or similar.
  • A professionally-related recommender is an individual who has had supervisory responsibility of the applicant in a paid or unpaid position.
  • Note that recommenders must have an academic or professional supervisory relationship or similar with applicant; family, friends, colleagues, spiritual directors, counselors, etc. are not considered suitable recommenders.
Copy the following instructions to send the recommendation form to your recommender:

Please click on the link below to complete the recommendation form requested by your student/colleague/employee. Once you complete all the questions and click submit, your answers will be automatically submitted to DMU's Admissions Office. If you have any questions, please email your Admissions Representative or the Admissions Office at admissions@divinemercy.edu. Click here to begin your recommendation:
https://forms.gle/viuXkCA8DU37Aeii9
Two MSP Recommendation Forms from Academic (an individual who was an undergraduate/graduate professor or instructor who taught the applicant in a class setting or similar) or Professional references (an individual who has had supervisory responsibility of the applicant) are required as a part of the application package.  Recommendations from family, friends, colleagues, spiritual directors, counselors, etc., are not considered suitable recommenders. https://forms.gle/XqRAYNRMX53VebHb6

List below the people asked to submit the official Recommendation Form on your behalf. The official DMU Recommendation Form must be used; a personal letter from a recommender can be added to, but not can not be substituted for the Recommendation Form.
  • Applicants are responsible for requesting recommendations from recommenders and sharing the DMU Recommendation Form Link: https://forms.gle/XqRAYNRMX53VebHb6
  • This form DOES NOT notify recommenders of your request for recommendation.  
  • Applicants take full responsibility for notifying their Recommenders of the request for a Recommendation. Only when the Applicant makes the request to the Recommender personally, and sends the link to the individual, will they be aware of your request for the Recommendation.
  • You may modify your list of recommenders at any time by contacting your Admissions Representative or our Admissions Office.
  • Per our application process, you automatically waive your right to review your recommendations when using the DMU Recommendation Form.
  • An academically-related recommender is an individual who was an undergraduate/graduate professor or instructor who taught the applicant in a class setting or similar.
  • A professionally-related recommender is an individual who has had supervisory responsibility of the applicant in a paid or unpaid position.
  • Note that recommenders must have an academic or professional supervisory relationship or similar with applicant; family, friends, colleagues, spiritual directors, counselors, etc. are not considered suitable recommenders.
Copy the following instructions to send the recommendation form to your recommender:

Please click on the link below to complete the recommendation form requested by your student/colleague/employee. Once you complete all the questions and click submit, your answers will be automatically submitted to DMU's Admissions Office. If you have any questions, please email your Admissions Representative or the Admissions Office at admissions@divinemercy.edu. Click here to begin your recommendation: 
https://forms.gle/XqRAYNRMX53VebHb6
Recommender 1
Recommender has known the applicant for
years as (check all that apply):
Recommender 2
Recommender has known the applicant for
years as (check all that apply):
Recommender 3
Recommender has known the applicant for
years as (check all that apply):

To save your progress at any time and resume later, either check the box above or click the link at the bottom of this form.

Page 3


VI. Personal Background Questions


This section asks questions related to your personal background. Each question in this section must be answered.
Students are solely responsible for understanding how criminal background and other past history may affect their ability to obtain a practicum, externships, pre-doctoral internship, postgraduate supervised experience, and licensure in the state in which they intend to practice.

LICENSURE INFORMATION
The M.S. in Counseling program meets the requirements for the academic coursework and academic clinical training for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia. Postgraduate supervision of clinical experience in addition to the academic clinical training within the program is required for licensure in Virginia. While the standards for licensure in Virginia are similar to other states, students who wish to pursue licensure from another state should research the requirements for the state in which they intend to practice.

To assist you in your research, we recommended the American Counseling Association website page on Licensure Requirements (https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements). Any individual who wishes to become licensed is solely responsible for knowing and complying with the licensing requirements for the state in which he/she plans to practice.

Any program changes to help a student gain the additional courses to be licensed in another state must be approved by the student's advisor and dean early in the program.
All states require a minimum of two years postgraduate supervised practice that typically requires about 3,000 hours of postmaster's supervised experience in professional counseling, including 1,000 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. Students are solely responsible for knowing and complying with the licensing requirements for the state in which he/she plans to practice.

A criminal history may or may not affect the ability to obtain a professional license in your state.

DMU does not warrant or guarantee professional licensing governed by state or similar boards. The MSC program meets the "educational" requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Virginia. Other state and foreign licensing boards may have additional requirements beyond the educational degree (i.e. state law exam, background check, and additional coursework, etc.).
Please note that this MS in Psychology degree is a non-licensable, non-clinical, non-professional-counseling degree track. This degree will not prepare graduates for a licensed career path in the mental health field (i.e. as licensed “counselor,” licensed “therapist,” or similar).

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
Applicants to the PsyD in Clinical Psychology program at DMU’s Institute for the Psychological Sciences are expected to thoroughly review the information found on our website (www.divinemercy.edu) to learn more about the program.
Divine Mercy University’s M.S. in Counseling program is defined as a hybrid on line program. This means that while the majority of course content is taught in an online platform, there is a residency component that is required in order for the student to move forward in the program. Residencies will be held in a hotel conference setting.

Specifically, our master’s program requires the completion of three (3) residencies in the corresponding courses (COUN 510 Foundations and Ethics of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, COUN 580 Counseling Skills and Helping Relationships, and COUN 690 Counseling Practicum/Advanced Clinical Intervention Skills). Residency allows you to interact with fellow students and faculty in person, to gather important information to help you through your program, and to learn and practice basic skills necessary to be an effective counselor. Taking time from your work and family can be a challenge, but the value you will gain from this experience is immeasurable.

Each residency for this program requires students to be available for a four-day extended weekend. The residencies occur three times during the program, where the student travels to a hotel conference setting. Students will join fellow cohort members, stay nearby and engage in daily full-time course work and clinical training. The residencies are hosted by DMU’s School of Counseling and led by the Dean of the School of Counseling. It is important for students to understand that residency is full-time engagement in the pursuits of counseling education. Due to the highly structured schedule of each residency, students are discouraged from bringing family and tourism outings are not possible.

The residencies are pre-planned and students will be made aware of the residency dates through the school of counseling website. Students will be required to pay for travel to and from residencies, cost of hotel, and ground transportation if needed, and meals (lunch is provided by DMU). Federal loans may be taken to cover these out-of-pocket program expenses. Students will be required to attend the first residency at the end of the first course. Students will need to plan time off, expenses, etc. as residency attendance is not optional and cannot be waived. Students with physical, emotional, ADD/ADHD, or learning differences needing academic accommodations for the residencies should contact the university’s ADA Officer to discuss specific needs. Any information regarding a student’s disability will remain confidential and will only be used to provide academic accommodations as necessary. Because many accommodations require early planning, requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible.

Additional information about residency can be found on DMU’s website under the School of Counseling section. When you sign the Application for Admission document, you are also recognizing and agreeing to the residency component of this program.

Students are required to complete a supervised counseling practicum experience that totals a minimum of 100 clock hours over a full academic term that is a minimum of 10 weeks with at least 40 clock hours of direct service with actual clients with weekly individual and group supervision to develop counseling skills. After successful completion of the practicum, students must complete 600 clock hours of a supervised counseling internship with at least 240 clock hours of direct service with actual clients with weekly individual and group supervision.
The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program meets the requirements for the academic coursework and academic clinical training for licensure as a Clinical Psychologist in the state of Virginia. Postgraduate supervision of clinical experience in addition to the academic clinical training within the program is required for licensure in Virginia. While the standards for licensure in Virginia are similar to other states, students who wish to pursue licensure from another state should research the requirements for the state in which they intend to practice.  Other state and foreign licensing boards may have additional requirements beyond the educational degree (i.e. state law exam, background check, and additional coursework, etc.).

To assist you in your research, we recommended that applicants review the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards website page on Licensure Requirements (http://www.asppb.net). Any individual who wishes to become licensed is solely responsible for knowing and complying with the licensing requirements for the state in which he/she plans to practice.

All states require a postgraduate supervised practice before awarding graduates full licensure.  Students are solely responsible for knowing and complying with the licensing requirements for the state in which he/she plans to practice.

A criminal history may or may not affect the ability to obtain a professional license in your state.

DMU does not warrant or guarantee professional licensing governed by state or similar boards. 

VII. FINANCIAL AID

Seeking a graduate degree is a major investment in yourself and your future. Like any investment, it requires planning to ensure that you can accomplish what you set out to do. In this section we invite you to share the vision of your path ahead so that we can best prepare for that vision to become a reality. Financial need is not considered by DMU when determining who is offered admission.

Program Cost:
Tuition (per credit hour): $1064.00
Note that the PsyD program is 122 credit hours.
Tuition (per credit hour): $841
Note that the MSC program is 66 credit hours.
Tuition (per credit hour): $773
Note that the MSP Program is 36 credit hours
Please note that the above are costs for tuition only and do not include fees, other program expenses or costs of living during your graduate education. Please see the following website for more information on Unviersity tuition and fees: https://divinemercy.edu/student-accounts/tuition-and-fees/

Please complete the following questions regarding financial planning and financial aid. Note that if this section is left blank, you will not be considered for financial aid at DMU. Completion of this section is also required to consider your application for admission. Please answer each question below.
HERE ARE SOME KEY POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND:
  • Financial Aid at DMU is defined as any combination of the following:
    • Federal Student Loans (offered by the U.S. government)
    • Internal Financial Aid (aid offered directly from DMU) in the form of scholarships, internal grants-in-aid, or Student Assistantships which are also campus-based aid
    • Campus-based Aid in the form of work in exchange for payment or tuition credit such as
    • Federal Work Study, a Federal Aid program, paid in cash to the student
    • Student Assistantships, offered as internal aid from DUM as tuition credit
  • For U.S. Citizens: The completion of your FAFSA is required as a part of the application process.
    • Here is the link to the FAFSA website. You will need last year’s completed tax return to complete the FAFSA. DMU’s code for the FAFSA is: G38724
    • www.fafsa.ed.gov
    • To see if you are eligible for Federal Student Aid, review the information contained in the following link: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility. Note: most U.S. citizens and many permanent residents are eligible.
  • For International Applicants: (or applicants who are not otherwise eligible to receive Federal Financial aid)
US Social Security Number (ultimately necessary for Financial Aid processing):

TYPES of FINANCIAL AID

In the following questions please indicate which types of aid you are interested in receiving. By checking less than all the financial aid options, you may be limiting the total amount of financial aid which you are potentially qualified to receive. 
PLEASE NOTE:
  • Divine Mercy University awards institutional aid based on the following criteria:
    • Academic merit and promise
    • Financial need as determined by the FAFSA or International Certification of Income document
    • Order in which the application was received
  • Financial need is assessed using the applicant’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) generated by the FAFSA. This value is based upon tax data that may no longer reflect a student’s financial situation. If you feel that this is the case, please contact DMU’s Financial Aid office to have your need evaluated in light of your true financial circumstances. Financial Aid can be reached at: financialaid@divinemercy.edu
  • DMU does not deny any student an award on the basis of his or her race, color, religion, gender, nationality or ethnicity.
  • If you wish to later change your financial aid intentions expressed in this section please notify Financial Aid.
  • The DMU Scholarship program and campus based aid are limited in their funding potential.  Students should expect to personally pay the remaining cost between what is offered by DMU scholarships and internal aid, and the full cost of attendance through student loans or other personally-sourced funding. 
  • For any questions regarding Financial Aid, please contact DMU’s Financial Aid office at financialaid@divinemercy.edu or by calling 703.416.1441 x130.

To save your progress at any time and resume later, either check the box above or click the link at the bottom of this form.

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