Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences

Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences

Ph.D. Program Overview

The fully online Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University provides rigorous training in the psychological sciences and social science research to prepare students for academic, research, consulting, and leadership careers. This degree is not intended or designed to lead to licensure as a professional behavioral / mental health provider, (i.e. clinical psychologist, mental health counselor, social worker, etc) in any state, province or local government entity/municipality. The program is uniquely designed to facilitate a deeper and holistic understanding of the flourishing person by integrating the wisdom of philosophy and theology with cutting edge research in psychology enabling students to make a difference in a variety of settings across the world. Students will acquire the necessary skills to engage in original research in their areas of interest, receive faculty support, interact with students and researchers from diverse areas of expertise, and present their research in a variety of settings to advance the field of psychology.

This 90-credit doctoral program builds on DMU’s M.S. in Psychology as a foundation. Students with graduate degrees in psychology or related fields from accredited institutions can transfer up to 30 credits into the Ph.D. program depending on courses taken in their prior graduate programs. Graduates of and students in DMU’s MSP can apply their coursework (33 credits) towards the 90 credits of the doctoral program. With a Master’s degree in psychology or related field, full-time students may complete this Ph.D. in 3 years. Those without a qualifying Master’s degree may complete the Ph.D. in four and a half years of full-time study. Students may take more time to complete the program but must complete it within 7 years after enrollment.

In addition to the 30 credits from the master’s degree, the program consists of 60 total credits including 20 credits in advanced research, theory, and integration methodology, 6 electives, 6 thesis research and writing credits and 28 dissertation research credits. The program is completely online with both synchronous and asynchronous learning modalities.

Possible Careers

• Administrator/director of a behavioral or mental health organization
• Researcher
• Professor
• Director of family life
• Consultant
• Grant writer
• Nonprofit organization leader
• Program or department head
• Project manager
• Advertising / Marketing
• Human Resources
• Human Factors Engineer

Program Goals

Goal 1: Foundations in Psychology from a Catholic Christian Perspective
Graduates will attain foundational psychological sciences knowledge of biological, cognitive, affective, social, and developmental aspects of the human person, as well as history and systems of psychology, psychological measurement, research design, and statistical methods. The study of the psychological sciences is deeply embedded in the Catholic Christian vision of the flourishing person.

Goal 2: Independent Research in the Psychological Sciences
Graduates will gain extensive knowledge in quantitative and qualitative research methodology for the psychological and social sciences and acquire advanced statistical analyses skills. Graduates will obtain the competency necessary to conduct independent psychological research and to communicate concepts and findings clearly and effectively in a variety of formats and settings.

Goal 3: Integrity in Research and Leadership
Becoming experts and leaders in their field, graduates will be knowledgeable in the areas of ethics and cultural sensitivity, and display critical thinking, self-awareness, and self-care. Graduates will demonstrate responsiveness to supervision, collegiality, and professional comportment in professional settings.

Goal 4: Professional Roles
Graduates will be able to function in a variety of required roles of professional psychologists to include consultant, educator, researcher, leader, supervisor, practice manager and program evaluator. They will be able to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.

Admissions Requirements

Without Master’s degree

• Baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education or an internationally recognized institution
• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0
• Writing portfolio (two APA formatted papers)
• Official GRE general test scores (DMU school code 5639) within the past five years. (The GRE score is required of all applicants and is considered part of a completed Application Package;  There is no cutoff score, but to be competitive in the application process a minimum score of 150 for verbal reasoning, 155 for quantitative reasoning, and 3.0 for writing is recommended.
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume including employment and other significant volunteer history
• Written statement of intent (indicating how your goals align with the goals of the program)
• International Students whose first language is not English or who have not completed a degree in which English was the medium of instruction 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.

With a Master’s degree in a related field (a minimum of 30 credits)

• Application
• Personal Statement
• Official transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Minimum GPA of 3.0

With the Master of Science in Psychology from Divine Mercy University

• Finished the MSP with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Official transcripts

Successful participants in the Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences program will demonstrate not only strong academic aptitude, exceptional research and writing skills, ability to gain knowledge that covers both a breadth of the field of psychology and depth in a specific area of the field, but also grit – the ability to persevere in the lengthy process of research and writing to complete the dissertation. In order to best support students in this endeavor, the Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences at DMU uses a cohort model to create a learning community. The initial cohort requires a minimum number of applicants to ensure a cohort size that leads to an ideal learning environment.

Transfer of Credit

Students may transfer up to 30 semester hours of Ph.D. coursework. For a transferred course to replace a Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences course, the following requirements must be met:

1. The school at which the course was taken must be appropriately accredited.
2. The course credit must be at least three semester hours or five quarter hours.
3. The student must have earned a grade of B or better in the course.
4. The course must overlap with the Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences course by at least 80%.
5. Transfer credits must have been completed as post-master’s course work (700-900 level) within the previous seven (7) years to be accepted.
6. Courses with a recorded grade of B- or below will not be accepted.

Correspondence studies or life experiences will not be accepted for transfer credit.

Courses Available for Audit and Non-Degree Students

In general, courses in the Ph.D. program cannot be taken on a course-for-credit or audit basis unless special permission is received from the Program Director.

Ph.D. Psychological Sciences: Program Requirements

The Ph.D. Program in Psychological Sciences consists of 90 credit hours of coursework and a non-credit course in library and information use and research. The program consists of 33 core credits, 6 thesis credits which serve as a foundation for dissertation research, 27 credits in advanced research, theory, and integration methodology, and 24 dissertation research credits. The program is completely online with both synchronous and asynchronous learning modalities.

Degree Time Limit

All students admitted to the Ph.D. Program must complete all degree requirements within seven academic years from the date of admission to the Ph.D. program, with an academic year comprising a fall semester, spring semester, and summer semester. Doctoral students must remain continuously enrolled until they have completed all program requirements, including the dissertation. 

A doctoral dissertation must be completed and successfully defended. This requires a minimum of 24 credit hours. The doctoral dissertation takes the form of an independent and original research project in the field of psychology including an empirical component

Doctoral Dissertation

The dissertation topic must be developed in close consultation with the student’s dissertation chair and a dissertation committee. The dissertation proposal must be approved by the student’s dissertation committee. The dissertation is expected to meet scholarly standards and be of publishable quality. To be successfully completed, the written dissertation must be approved by the dissertation committee and successfully defended orally before the dissertation committee. 

Ph.D. students must begin enrollment for dissertation credits in the semester following the completion and defense of the scientific thesis which functions as a precursor and foundation of the dissertation research work, typically in the fall of the second year in the program. Once students have their dissertation chair appointed, they must be continuously enrolled and registered for PSYS 899 until all dissertation requirements are completed, or will be considered withdrawn from the program. 

Virtual Residency

PSYS 504 Psychological Measurement includes a mandatory two-day virtual residency. The residency takes place in week seven of PSYS 504, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm EST. Goals of the residency are to develop an online learning community, introduce students to DMU’s integrative approach to psychology, and help students develop relating skills essential for work and ministry settings of any kind. Participation in the entire residency is mandatory for all students. Since the residency includes group activities and missing parts would be disruptive for the overall learning environment, attending the entire time is obligatory in order to receive credit for the residency. If a student is not able to participate in the residency, they can attend the next scheduled residency. The student will receive an incomplete for PSYS 504 until the residency has been completed successfully. However, if a student misses the residency a second time, a hold will be placed on their account and they will not be able to register for further courses until they have completed the residency.

Academic Good Standing 

To remain in good academic standing, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average is required to graduate. The status of all students will be reviewed at the end of each academic period by the registrar, who will update student status accordingly. Academic progress is also reviewed by the appropriate University offices for compliance with the distinct eligibility requirements for financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and student visa status. See the respective sections for additional information.

Remediation

Students may be placed on a remediation plan for having a cumulative GPA below a 3.0

Academic Probation

In the event of failure to meet the above standard for academic good standing, students will be placed on academic probation and receive notification regarding their academic standing. The Registrar refers students on academic probation to the Program Director to develop a plan for remediation.

Passing Grade Requirement

For the Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences program, any course receiving a grade of C+ or below must be retaken. Students may repeat a course 2 times (total of 3 attempts) before being placed on scholastic suspension. 

See the specific academic program policy section for any additional criteria regarding minimum grades for successful course completion. Depending upon these requirements, students may be obliged to repeat and/or remediate a specific course. 

Retaking Courses

Students may repeat certain courses in order to improve their cumulative grade point average.  In such cases where a course is retaken both grades will be reported on their transcript, but the higher of the two will be used for the purpose of calculating the grade point average.

Incompletes

A student may petition an instructor to be assigned an incomplete as a grade when one or more course requirements have not been completed by the end of the course, due to extraordinary circumstances. The awarding of an incomplete is at the discretion of the instructor and the student must have completed academic assignments through the end of week 5 and passing the course. To be awarded an incomplete, the student and instructor must complete and sign the incomplete course agreement form and the instructor must deliver it to the registrar at the time that grades are due. The instructor is responsible for notifying the Office of the Registrar of the final grade assigned upon completion of all course requirements.

When a student has been assigned an incomplete the student must complete all outstanding course requirements within 28 days following the end of the term of registration for the course. Failure to complete all course requirements will result in the instructor awarding a grade based upon work completed and outstanding assignments.

Students who receive financial aid and who carry a grade of incomplete into a subsequent semester risk loss of financial aid for that semester. Carrying an incomplete course grade reduces the student’s overall grade point average and lowers the credit hours attempted-to-completed ratio – either or both factors can create a failure to meet the financial aid requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students who have two incompletes are not eligible to begin the next term until the incomplete grades have been submitted.

Academic Dismissal 

Students placed on academic probation for two semesters and fail to resolve the academic deficiency may face academic dismissal.

Program Curriculum Full Time

Academic Year I: Fall

• PSY 620-1, PSY 620-2 Scientific Thesis – Psychological Research and Writing (2 credits)
• PHT 505 Philosophical and Theological Anthropology I (2 credits)
• PSYS 504 Psychological Measurement (3 credits)
• LIB 500 Library: Information Use and Research  (0 credits)

Academic Year I: Spring

• PSY 620-3, PSY-4 Scientific Thesis – Psychological Research and Writing (2 credits)
• PHT 506 Philosophical and Theological Anthropology II (2 credits)
• PSYS 718 Research Design for the Psychological Sciences (3 credits)

Academic Year I: Summer

• PSY 620-5, PSY 620-6 Scientific Thesis – Psychological Research and Writing (2 credits)
• PSYS 729 Advanced Statistical Methods (3 credits)

Academic Year II: Fall

• PSYS  899 Dissertation Research and Writing I (5 credits)
• PHT 614 Practical Reasoning and Moral Character (2 credits)
• PSYS 730 Advanced Qualitative Research (3 credits)

Academic Year II: Spring

• PSYS  899 Dissertation Research and Writing II (5 credits)
• PSYS 896 Independent Study I (3 credits)
• PHT 635 Theology of Marriage and Family (2 credits)

Academic Year II: Summer

• PSYS  899 Dissertation Research and Writing III (5 credits)
• PSYS 896 Independent Study I (3 credits)

Academic Year III: Fall

• PSYS  899 Dissertation Research and Writing IV (5 credits)

Academic Year III: Spring

• PSYS  899 Dissertation Research and Writing V (5 credits)

Academic Year III: Summer

• PSYS  899 Dissertation Research and Writing VI (5 credits)

Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences Course Descriptions

LIB 500 Library and Information Use & Research

This course is required for all entering students and provides an in-depth review of library organization, collections, services, and online resources; presents the methodologies of information searching, strategy development, and evaluation; and reviews the evaluation of information and information sources. (0 credit hrs)

PSY 620 Scientific Thesis – Psychological Research and Writing

This course is required for students in the Pre-Ph.D. concentration and guides them through all the phases of planning and executing a scientific project that results in a master’s thesis. The thesis must have an applied science emphasis informed by the Catholic-Christian vision of the person with the overarching goal of supporting the flourishing of the whole person. Through this thesis work students have the unique opportunity to further explore scientifically at a deeper level, a topic related to an area of interest, work, or ministry. The topic may be informed by but is not required to be related to prior work on the capstone project. Students will generate research knowledge that can be shared professionally with others through their thesis, conference presentations, or peer-reviewed published articles to engage with the scientific and broader community. PSY 620 is a 1-credit course; students in the Pre-Ph.D. concentration will register for this course for six consecutive terms which will take the place of two elective courses.

PSYS 504 Psychological Measurement

This course establishes a solid foundation of knowledge about psychological testing, a practice that impacts virtually every corner of modern life – from education to vocation to remediation. Covering all variations of testing and exploring social issues that are raised by testing, students will gain extensive knowledge about the characteristics, objectives, and wide-ranging effects of psychological testing.

Additionally, this course covers the application of statistical thinking to the measurement of psychological phenomena. It presents statistical concepts basic to psychometrics. Classical reliability theory, generalizability theory, item response theory, and others are all examined. Scaling, central tendency, individual differences and correlation, principles of test development and standardization, and the various forms of reliability and validity and the threats posed to them by design and respondent characteristics are addressed. Practical issues in psychometrics are presented. (3 credit hrs)

PSYS 718 Research Design for the Psychological Sciences

Building on the foundations of PSYS 504 (Psychological Measurement), this course continues the scaffolded process toward the dissertation by examining the fundamentals of research methodology and design. A variety of research methodologies are examined: quantitative (experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental), qualitative, and mixed. Specific emphasis is placed upon searching for, understanding, and writing a literature review of empirical research for application to clinical practice. Students propose an empirical quantitative methods study on a clinical, integrative topic that will scaffold their subsequent dissertation research proposal. (3 credit hrs) (Prerequisites: PSYS 504)

PSYS 729 Advanced Statistical Methods

This course builds on the basic concepts presented in PSYS 504 to examine more advanced statistical analyses. These include factorial and multivariate analysis of variance, multiple regression, meta-analysis, and structural equation modeling. Primary emphasis in the class will be in understanding and critiquing the statistical analyses presented in clinical psychology journals as an adjunct to lifelong learning. (3 credit hrs)

PSYS 896 Independent Study

Individualized plan of study designed through agreement between the instructor and student, and approved by the department chair. Such plans may include designated readings, viewing of videotaped learning resources, individual meetings for discussion with the instructor, research, and writing, as well as other types of assignments. The instructor determines in advance the requirements and criteria by which a grade is assigned and the number of credit hours to be awarded. (1-3 credit hrs)(Prerequisite: consent of faculty advisor and program director)

PSYS 899 Dissertation

Registration for dissertation hours is required for all Ph..D. students from the time the dissertation chair is appointed until their dissertation is defended. (1-3 credit hrs)

PSYS 730 Advanced Qualitative Research

This course delves into the advanced theories, methodologies, and practical applications of qualitative research in the psychological sciences. Emphasizing the systematic exploration of complex social phenomena, students will develop a sophisticated understanding of qualitative research designs, methods of data collection and analysis, and the integration of theory into qualitative inquiry. (3 credit hrs)

PHT 505 Philosophical and Theological Anthropology I

This course examines a Catholic Christian integrative vision of the person and flourishing, and its application for clinical psychology through the appraisal of several models for integrating psychology, philosophy, and theology. The course addresses the implications of different anthropological models on concepts of person, body, and relationality; flourishing through relationships, vocations, and commitments; and flourishing through developing natural capacities and growing one’s freedom. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, supporting an understanding of the whole person with emphasis on initial interviewing and case conceptualization. (2 credit hrs)

PHT 506 Philosophical and Theological Anthropology II

This course examines a Catholic Christian integrative vision of the person and flourishing. The course addresses the implications of different anthropological models on concepts of person and body; creation and goodness; the person as an image of God; equality, difference, and complementarity of the sexes; fallenness and the effects of sin; and redemption, divine grace, and hope. The course further examines classic philosophical psychology; the foundational human capacities of sensation-perception, emotion, reason, and free judgment and responsibility. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, supporting an understanding of the whole person with emphasis on initial interviewing and case conceptualization. (2 credit hrs) (Prerequisites: PHT 505)

PHT 614 Practical Reasoning and Moral Character

This course examines the foundations of freedom, moral development, and moral character using an integrative approach. It addresses themes of practical reasoning; freedom and responsibility; moral development and moral character; the principal virtues—both philosophical and theological—and their sub-virtues, as well as opposing vices. It also integrates psychological perspectives on moral development, meaning making, virtue, and flourishing. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, supporting an understanding of the whole person with emphasis on case conceptualization. (2 credit hrs) (Prerequisites: PHT 505 and 506)

PHT 635 Theology of Marriage and Family

This course examines friendship, marriage, family life, and other vocational states, using a Catholic Christian integrative approach. It addresses themes of person and use; friendship and community; sexual drive, love, and attraction; the law of the gift; marriage as an institution—based in nature and science—that supports the flourishing and protection of individuals, families, and society; and Christian marriage and sacramentality. Students explore themes of impediments, disorders, and privations related to marriage, family life, and other vocational states. This includes the realities of separation and divorce, and children of divorce; as well as supporting strengths and transformational practices. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, with emphasis on case considerations. (2 credit hrs) (Prerequisites: PHT 505, 506, 614)

Ph.D. Psychological Sciences Faculty

Full-time/Part-time

Gross, Christopher  Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Ph.D. (Religious Studies with specialization in Moral Theology/Ethics), Catholic University of America,  cgross.ips@divinemercy.edu

 Klausli, Julia  Ph.D. Director of the M.S. Psychology Program, Assistant Professor, Ph.D. (Human Development and Communication Sciences), University of Texas at Dallas, jklausli.ips@divinemercy.edu

Pecoraro, Anna  Psy.D.  Associate Professor,  Psy.D. (Clinical Psychology),Widener University. apecoraro.ips@divinemercy.edu

Treptow, Robin  Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Ph.D. (Infant and Early Childhood Development), Fielding Graduate University;  rtreptow.ips@divinemercy.edu

Adjunct Faculty

Derby, Kevin Ph.D., Adjunct Faculty, Ph.D.(Leadership) University of the Cumberlands, kderby.ips@divinemercy.edu

Ewing, Christopher Ph.D. Adjunct Faculty, Ph.D. (Psychology) Capella University, cewing.ips@divinemercy.edu

Johnson, Danielle Ph.D.  Adjunct Faculty, Ph.D. (Counselor Education and Supervision) Regent University, M.A. (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) Regent University,  djohnson.ips@divinemercy.edu

Sadewo, Giovanni Ph.D.  Adjunct Faculty, Ph.D. (Social Psychology), La Trobe University,  sgiovanni.ips@divinemercy.edu

Webb, Stacie, Psy.D. Adjunct Faculty, Psy.D. (Clinical Psychology), Divine Mercy University

B.A. ( Psychology) Southern Illinois University. swebb@divinemercy.edu

Williamson, Angela Ph.D. Adjunct Faculty, Ph.D. (Human Development and Communication Sciences), University of Texas at Dallas, awilliamson.ips@divinemercy.edu

Tuition and Estimated Cost of Attendance

One of the most important decisions you will make is pursuing your degree at Divine Mercy University.  We are constantly working to keep your tuition costs affordable and competitive with other institutions.  Combined with scholarships and other forms of financial aid*, you will find that paying for your education is possible.

Understand the true cost of attending Divine Mercy by using our new net price calculator. It takes 5 minutes to give you a personalized result. It is an estimate, it does not represent a final determination, or actual offer, of financial assistance. Let us know if you have any questions.

Direct expenses represent the direct cost of a DMU degree. This is the amount that it costs to attend classes. This is the amount that is due to DMU. Beyond this amount there may be incurred other personal expenses associated with attending the program. Indirect expenses are highly lifestyle dependent and can vary accordingly.

Indirect expenses are highly dependent on individual circumstances. Indirect expenses are not academic expenses owed to DMU. The costs that students pay to maintain their internet connection, purchase textbooks, travel due to program requirements can vary based on location. These figures represent the loan eligibility for indirect expenses. If there are extenuating circumstances that necessitate a higher level of indirect expenses than this award it is possible to consult the Financial Aid Office to see if loan eligibility may be increased by the extenuating circumstances.

Note that this is only an estimate of actual costs due to the inclusion of indirect expenses which vary from person to person. Also note that there is typically a 3% tuition increase per credit in the every fall which is not included in these figures.

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

2024-2025 Estimated Cost of Attendance
Ph.D.  Psychological Sciences Direct Costs: Tuition and Fees

Direct costs represent the direct cost of a DMU degree. This is the amount that it costs to attend classes. This is the amount that is due to DMU. Beyond this amount there may be incurred other personal expenses associated with attending the program.