Take the inside track to a clinical psychology degree that delivers specialized training in criminal justice.
As a PsyD/MCJ student, you'll earn both a doctorate of psychology and a master's in criminal justice.
You'll begin in our nationally recognized PsyD program, where you’ll develop expertise across a range of clinical applications, from applied psychology to consultation and evaluation. Through a practicum placement, internship rotations, and a research dissertation, you'll prepare for work as a leading practitioner and scholar.
Along the way, you'll integrate the study of criminal justice by learning how to work within the criminal system. You'll graduate ready for work in a variety of psycho-legal settings.
Our doctor of psychology and its embedded internship are accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Our master of criminal justice is accredited under Widener's accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
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At Widener, a unique clinical and internship experience is embedded in the PsyD curriculum:
Explore internship admissions, support, and initial placement data.
To begin the journey toward a PsyD/MCJ dual degree, students apply to the PsyD program first. During the second semester (first year) of the PsyD program, students in good standing may apply to the master's in criminal justice program.
PsyD admissions requirements:
Deadline:
The online application for the PsyD program opens September 13, 2019. An online application, including all supporting credentials, must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST, December 7, 2019 to be considered for acceptance into the program. All final admission decisions are made by April 1.
Supplemental Materials:
All supplemental materials must be submitted through the online PSYCAS (Psychology Centralized Application Service) system:
If you are selected as a top candidate for the PsyD program, you will receive an invite to one of four Admissions Interview Days, which will include an individual interview, tour, and information sessions.
Admissions Interview Days:
Various types of financial support are available to graduate students, like you, through university-based scholarship and graduate assistantship programs and the generosity of our university donors.
More about Graduate Admissions Financial Aid
Scholarships:
Graduate Assistantships:
With joint training in clinical psychology and criminal justice, you'll go further than you ever imagined.
Here, you'll master two disciplines in the time it takes to complete a PsyD alone. When you hit the job market, you'll carry foundational theories and specialized training in both disciplines. That means you'll graduate ready to influence the criminal justice system with your clinical psychology expertise.
As you integrate your criminal justice knowledge into your education, you'll experience a curriculum that adapts to your goals. You'll choose from a wide range of criminal justice electives. And you'll select an internship and field placement in your area of specialty, from corrections to forensics.
Whether you're studying psychopathology or criminal justice ethics, you'll partner with faculty who cherish the opportunity to fuel your success. As you tune into their stories and insights, you'll prepare to blaze a trail in the field, just as they did.
From day one, you'll forge relationships with faculty who serve as leading practitioners, researchers, and scholars.
"Our criminal justice programs provide students with one-on-one individualized attention to nurture the student's growth academically and professionally. I enjoy the small class sizes and teach by facilitating discussions and welcoming diverse worldviews. This pedagogy fosters student participation, listening, and critical thinking skills."
“I identify as a psychodynamic therapist, with an active private practice, who utilizes these experiences to infuse my teaching and research interests with relevance for the practitioner of tomorrow. I have a keen interest in how to best train students to work with diversity across multiple dimensions (age, disability status, race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc.), particularly as it impacts both the treatment alliance and treatment process.”
"I enjoy mentoring students inside and outside the classroom. It is a pleasure to watch individuals grow from being criminal justice students to criminal justice professionals, influencing and bettering the system. Seeing their success as alumni is so rewarding for me! In addition, our flexible curriculum allows students to direct their academic career in a way that makes the most sense for their career goals."
When you graduate with your PsyD/MCJ, you'll walk away with specialized training, powerful knowledge, and a lasting network. Your career awaits.
Kapelski Learning Center
Room 120
Bruce Hall
Room 232