Doctor of Psychology
Program Overview
The program follows a practitioner–scholar model that integrates scientific evidence with clinical decision‑making. Students learn to appraise research, apply findings in clinical and school settings, evaluate outcomes, and contribute to continuous quality improvement in systems of care.
- Train competent health service psychologists who integrate science and practice.
- Prepare professionals to work in rural and underserved communities.
- Cultivate cultural humility and responsiveness in service delivery.
- Emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration in educational, healthcare, and community settings.
The PsyD program requires a minimum of four years of full‑time study: three years of academic coursework, supervised practica, and capstone research, followed by one full‑time, 12‑month predoctoral internship in health service psychology. Students must complete at least three full‑time academic years of graduate study, including at least one year in full‑time residence at Francis Marion University, consistent with APA residency requirements (IR C‑5 D).
Year 1 – Fall
PSY 501 Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis – 3
PSY 606 Psychoeducational Assessment: Intelligence, Ability, and Achievement Testing – 3
PSY 610 Interviewing, Observation, and Case Formulation – 3
PSY 615 Child/Adolescent Psychopathology – 3
PSY 650 Foundations of Psychology: Ethics and Legal Issues – 3
PSY 600A Professional Psychology Practicum – 1
Total Hours: 16
Year 1 – Spring
PSY 504 Contemporary Topics and Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis – 3
PSY 604 Behavioral Assessment and Intervention – 3
PSY 616 Psychoeducational Assessment: Diagnosis of Learning and Behavior Disorders – 3
PSY 620 Psychopathology – 3
PSY 636 Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy – 3
PSY 600B Psychological Practicum – 1
Total Hours: 16
Year 1 – Summer
PSY 503 Ethics and Professional Practice in Applied Behavior Analysis – 3
PSY 601 Psychology of Autism, Intellectual, and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities – 3
PSY 634 Developmental Psychology – 3
PSY 750 History and Systems in Psychology – 3
PSY 600C Psychological Practicum – 1
Total Hours: 13
Year 2 – Fall
PSY 502 Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis – 3
PSY 574 Advanced Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis – 3
PSY 644 Substance Abuse Counseling – 3
PSY 646 Advanced Topics in Assessment and Diagnosis – 3
PSY 600C Psychological Practicum – 1
Total Hours: 13
Year 2 – Spring
PSY 631 Psychological Assessment: Personality and Psychopathology – 3
PSY 632 Research Methods & Quantitative Psychology – 3
PSY 714 Child/Adolescent Counseling and Therapy – 3
PSY 725 Integrated Behavioral Health Psychology – 3
PSY 600C Psychological Practicum – 1
Total Hours: 13
Year 2 – Summer
PSY 635 Learning & Cognition – 3
PSY 602 Biological Basis of Behavior – 3
PSY 605 Personality and Social Psychology – 3
PSY 740 Supervision in Psychology – 3
PSY 600C Psychological Practicum – 1
Total Hours: 13
Year 3 – Fall
PSY 639 Career and Lifestyle Counseling: Theory and Practice – 3
PSY 643 Couple and Family Therapy – 3
PSY 674 Academic Assessment and Intervention: Literacy – 3
PSY 703 Counseling for Social Justice and Diversity – 3
PSY 700C Psychological Practicum – 1
PSY 798F Capstone Project – 1
Total Hours: 14
Year 3 – Spring
PSY 633 Group Counseling and Psychotherapy – 3
PSY 649 Psychological Consultation – 3
PSY 774 Academic Assessment and Intervention: Mathematics – 3
PSY 715 Pediatric Health Psychology – 3
PSY 700E Psychological Intervention Practicum – 1
PSY 798S Capstone Project – 1
Total Hours: 13
Year 3 – Summer
PSY 759 Prevention, Intervention, and Crisis Programs – 3
PSY 505 Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis – 3
PSY 735 Advanced Integrated Behavioral Health Psychology – 3
Total Hours: 9
Year 4 – Fall
PSY 799F Internship – 3
Total Hours: 3
Year 4 – Spring
PSY 799S Internship – 3
Total Hours: 3
Total Program Hours
130 total credit hours
In alignment with APA IR C‑5 D, students must complete a minimum of three full‑time academic years of graduate study, with at least one full‑time academic year in residence at Francis Marion University. The program is delivered in person; full‑time employment outside the program is typically not feasible.
Discipline‑Specific Knowledge (DSK)
- History and systems of psychology
- Basic content areas in scientific psychology (affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, social)
- Advanced integrative knowledge of basic content areas
- Research methods, statistical analysis, and psychometrics
Profession‑Wide Competencies (PWC)
- Research
- Ethical and legal standards
- Individual and cultural diversity
- Professional values and attitudes
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Assessment
- Intervention
- Supervision
- Consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills
Students complete supervised practicum experiences in each academic year beginning in Year 1 across clinical and school settings, including local school districts, community mental health agencies, pediatric and primary care clinics, and university counseling/wellness centers. The fourth year includes a full‑time, 12‑month predoctoral internship at an APA‑accredited or APPIC‑member site. The program provides structured advising and support throughout the internship application process.
Admission and Prerequisites
Diversity, Non‑Discrimination, and Accessibility
The program and university are committed to an inclusive learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome applicants and students from diverse backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. Information about campus non‑discrimination and accessibility resources is available through the university’s official policies and offices.
Distance Education and Student Identity
The program is delivered in person. If any course element uses distance or electronically mediated instruction as a supplemental modality, the program and university apply secure, privacy‑preserving procedures for positive student identification consistent with the Higher Education Opportunity Act and APA Implementing Regulations on distance education and positive identification.
Licensure and Professional Preparation
The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for entry‑level practice in health service psychology. Licensure requirements vary by state; completion of the program does not by itself guarantee licensure. Applicants and students should review the requirements of the state or jurisdiction in which they intend to practice.
Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data
In accordance with APA IR C‑26 D, annual data on time to completion, program costs, internship placement, attrition, and licensure rates will be posted each year by October 1 on a page titled “Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data.” Data will begin to appear once the first cohorts are eligible for reporting.
Accreditation Status and Contact
The PsyD program is currently in the process of seeking accreditation from the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation (APA CoA).
Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to:
American Psychological Association, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336‑5979 | Email: apaaccred@apa.org | Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation
Program Contact
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Stephens CharlotteCharlotte Stephens Senior Administrative Assistant - Psychology cstephens@fmarion.edu Phone843-661-1641 DepartmentsPsychologyOfficeCEMC 109-HMore info
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Stephens CharlotteCharlotte Stephens Senior Administrative Assistant - Psychology cstephens@fmarion.edu Phone843-661-1641 DepartmentsPsychologyOfficeCEMC 109-HAdditional information
Bio
Charlotte Stephens is the Administrative Assistant in the Psychology Department. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Francis Marion University. She is a lifetime member of Psi Chi.