Accreditation

Divine Mercy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award masters and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Divine Mercy University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org)

The IPS doctoral program in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA). *Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202)-336-5979 / Email: apaaccred@apa.org / Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

The Board of Directors of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program in the School of Counseling at Divine Mercy University. The accreditation cycle for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty area started on July 6, 2023 and runs through October 31, 2031.

ASPPB/National Register Designated Program

The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program meets the Association of State & Provincial Psychology Boards/National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology “Guidelines for Defining ‘Doctoral Degree in Psychology.’” Therefore, graduates of this designated program who decide to apply for licensing as a psychologist typically will meet the educational requirements for licensing. However, in each jurisdiction there are additional requirements that must be satisfied. For exact information, please contact the state, provincial, or licensing board in the jurisdiction in which you plan to apply.

Once licensed, graduates are eligible to apply for credentialing as a Health Service Provider in Psychology. Graduation from a designated program ensures that the program you completed meets the educational requirements for credentialing by the National Register. However, there are additional requirements that must be satisfied prior to being credentialed by the National Register of  Health Service Providers in Psychology. For further information, consult the National Register’s website:
www.nationalregister.org.

Degrees Offered

The University offers graduate degrees:

Master of Science in Psychology (CIP Code  42.0101)
Master of Science in Counseling (CIP Code 51.1508)
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (CIP Code 42.2801)

Degree-Granting Authority

Divine Mercy University was formed, chartered, and established in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1998, is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency, and is therefore exempt from the requirements of certification or approval by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The exemption entitles the University to conduct academic affairs or business without seeking or obtaining SCHEV approval. The resulting scope of the institutional autonomy includes

  • offering courses or programs for degree credit;
  • enrolling students in courses or programs;
  • conferring or awarding degrees;
  • initiating other programs for degree credit at a new or additional level; and
  • offering instruction at additional or new locations.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The University admits qualified students of any age, race, gender, color, nationality or ethnic origin to its programs. Applicants should understand that the central mission of Divine Mercy University is the development of a Christian approach to the psychological sciences. The University welcomes qualified students of any religious faith; nonetheless, all students who seek admission must sincerely desire to share the University’s mission and objectives. Given its distinct and unique goal of integrating psychology with the Catholic view of the person, the degree programs at the University differ from traditional psychology programs in their approach, while maintaining the rigor in both the quantity and quality of clinical training.

Ex Corde Ecclesiae

In conformity with The Application of Ex Corde Ecclesiae for the United States, approved by the Catholic Bishops of the United States on implementing the apostolic constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae, professors of theology and philosophy at the Divine Mercy University must acquire the mandatum* from the local Bishop. As well, at every University presidential inauguration the incoming president takes the Oath of Fidelity on Assuming an Office to be Exercised in the Name of the Church, as conforming to Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio Ad Tuendam Fidem.

 *”The mandatum is fundamentally an acknowledgment by Church authority that a Catholic professor of a theological discipline is a teacher within the full communion of the Catholic Church. The mandatum, therefore, recognizes the professor’s commitment and responsibility to teach authentic Catholic doctrine and refrain from putting forth as Catholic teaching anything contrary to the Church’s magisterium. The mandatum should not be construed as an appointment, authorization, delegation or approbation of one’s teaching by Church authorities. Those who have received a mandatum teach in their own name in virtue of their baptism and their academic and professional competence, not in the name of the bishop or the Church’s magisterium.” (“Guidelines concerning the Academic Mandatum in Catholic Universities,” U.S.C.C.B.)

This institution is approved to offer GI Bill® educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency.