Walden 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 behavioral health field is typically required, along with a minimum GPA of 3.0, relevant professional experience in behavioral health, and prerequisite coursework in statistics and research methods.

About This Program

Non-licensure PsyD emphasizing leadership, management, and innovation in behavioral health and healthcare systems.

Career Outcomes

73 quarter hours (approximately 49 semester credits) of coursework including foundation (3 credits) core courses (40 credits) research courses (15 credits) and specialization courses (15 credits for specialty programs). Two residencies: Consulting Skills Intensive and Doctoral Project Development. Continuous doctoral capstone courses until project completion. Two virtual residencies required. Comprehensive exams and capstone project.

• 1. Behavioral Health Director
• 2. Clinical Program Administrator
• 3. Mental Health Policy Advisor
• 4. Organizational Psychologist in Healthcare

What You'll Learn

• Develop leadership strategies for behavioral health organizations and teams.
• Design and evaluate programs to improve mental health service delivery.
• Apply ethical and multicultural principles to behavioral health policy and administration.
• Integrate clinical psychology with organizational management for systemic change.

Curriculum Highlights

Leadership and management in behavioral health, healthcare finance and economics, program evaluation and quality improvement, social determinants of health, legal and regulatory healthcare policy, strategic planning and organizational development, consulting and organizational change, research methods and analysis (quantitative and qualitative), health psychology interventions, social entrepreneurship and advocacy, ethics in healthcare leadership

Top Employers

Top employers include major hospital systems, behavioral health nonprofits, government health agencies, and mental health consulting firms.

Admissions

A master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related behavioral health field is typically required, along with a minimum GPA of 3.0, relevant professional experience in behavioral health, and prerequisite coursework in statistics and research methods.

Application Materials

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

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Master's degree
• GRE/GMAT: Optional
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)