Rivier University

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field is typically required, along with a minimum GPA of 3.0, relevant clinical or school experience, and prerequisite coursework in statistics and research methods. Many programs also require an interview to assess fit for clinical training.

About This Program

APA-accredited combined PsyD emphasizing cohort-based, face-to-face clinical training in counseling and school psychology.

Career Outcomes

60-130 credits depending on track (60 core + up to 70 specialization). Courses offered weekday late afternoons evenings and morning/early afternoon. Three-year academic residency at Rivier. Foundation practicum experiences (minimum six). Comprehensive exams. Doctoral research project with defense. Pre-doctoral internship (2000 hours). One-day weekly on-campus requirement. Limited online courses (primarily foundation). Full-time cohort model.

• 1. School Psychologist
• 2. Counseling Psychologist
• 3. Child and Adolescent Therapist
• 4. Behavioral Intervention Specialist

What You'll Learn

• Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments for children and adolescents in educational settings.
• Apply evidence-based counseling interventions for individual, group, and family therapy.
• Design and implement behavioral support plans addressing academic and social-emotional challenges.
• Advocate for diverse student populations through ethical practice and school collaboration.

Curriculum Highlights

Psychological foundations and counseling theory, assessment and diagnosis, evidence-based intervention strategies, child adolescent and family psychology, school-based mental health and intervention, crisis intervention and trauma-informed care, group counseling and dynamics, cultural competence and diversity, research methods and statistics, ethics and professional standards, practicum experiences in diverse settings, psychological report writing

Top Employers

Common employers include public school districts, private K-12 schools, mental health clinics, and hospital pediatric psychology departments.

Admissions

A master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field is typically required, along with a minimum GPA of 3.0, relevant clinical or school experience, and prerequisite coursework in statistics and research methods. Many programs also require an interview to assess fit for clinical training.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Master's degree in related field
• GRE/GMAT: Optional or Not Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)