The Applied Psychology (PsyD-AP) program is designed for individuals who are passionate about the practical application of psychological theories and research in real-world settings. This program is well-suited for critical and analytical thinkers who aim to use psychological principles to enhance workplace performance, organizational development, education, and other non-clinical environments. This program does not include licensure preparation but is designed to provide a strong foundation in psychological science for those pursuing career paths in non-licensed roles.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Psychology Knowledge
Articulate an integrative understanding of psychology, including its history, research methods, and key theories across physiological, cognitive, emotional, personality, and developmental domains.
- Research and Statistical Methods
Conduct scholarly activities to critically evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and contribute to psychological knowledge.
- Ethical Legal Standards and Policy
Apply ethical decision-making and behavior aligned with the ethical and legal standards of the discipline in research and practice.
- Individual and Cultural Diversity
Integrate multicultural theory and research to develop cultural competence and humility in diverse interpersonal and social contexts.
- Communication
Communicate effectively across multiple formats (written and oral), appropriate to diverse audiences, cultures, and contexts.
- Assessment
Appropriately administer psychological tools and assessments to evaluate, diagnose and treat clients.
- Applications of Psychology
Apply specialized knowledge and theories from a chosen subfield to address complex issues in professional contexts.
- Professional Development and Values in Psychology
Apply knowledge, skills, and feedback to improve professional effectiveness with increasing independence in chosen profession.
Degree Requirements
| DEGREE REQUIREMENTS |
CREDITS |
| Core Courses |
39 |
| Elective Courses |
18 |
| Doctoral Research Orientation |
0
(completed as one non-credit course) |
| Doctoral Project Courses |
9 |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION |
66 |
Completion Time
All program requirements for the PsyD-AP degree program must be completed through CalSouthern in no less than three (3) and no more than ten (10) years of initial course enrollment, regardless of continuous enrollment status. Courses taken over 10 years ago must be repeated in order to maintain program currency. Please refer to the Reinstatement: Re-Entry Requirements section of this catalog for information about returning to the program after separation from the University.
The time limit is not automatically extended by a learner taking a leave of absence or an Internal Pause. In the event of extenuating circumstances and a learner is unable to complete the degree by the time limit, the learner may petition the School of Behavioral Sciences for an extension to the time limit. All requests for extension, whether prompted by a leave or some other circumstance, must be filed by the learner before the conclusion of the program's time limit. The School of Behavioral Sciences is not obliged to grant an extension.
It is the learner’s responsibility to monitor their program completion status, identify any potential delays in a timely manner, and work with University staff to identify any options available within University policy.
Program Content
The PsyD-AP is not a clinical psychology program. While it may include some clinical components, it is not intended to be classified as a clinical psychology program or specialization since it does not include psychotherapy or psychological assessment courses, a residency option, nor a practicum or internship option.
Required Courses
Doctoral Research Orientation
Doctoral learners entering the research phase of their program (Doctoral Projects 1-9) are required to complete a Doctoral Research Orientation before starting Doctoral Project 2. Learners may complete this Doctoral Orientation at any time and are encouraged to do so during the term they enroll in the first Doctoral Project course, PSY 9011. Learners must achieve 100% on the Doctoral Research Orientation assessment in order to begin Doctoral Project 2. This assessment may be repeated as needed to achieve a passing score.
Doctoral Project Courses (9 Credits Required)
An essential feature of a doctoral program is a commitment to research. To support that aim, a required component of the PsyD-AP program is the Doctoral Project. This exercise provides an opportunity to conduct research in a clinically relevant topic area. A PsyD-AP candidate may choose between four basic research designs: qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, or qualitative systematic review. The University encourages Doctoral Projects which will expand the body of knowledge in the field as well as those which may supplement the PsyD-AP candidate’s own work, and those which may contribute to emerging fields of inquiry and relevant contemporary issues. Webinars, boot camps, chairs, committees, and staff support are available throughout.
| PSY 9011 | DP1: Doctoral Project Phase 1 – Prospectus Development | 1 |
| PSY 9012 | DP2: Doctoral Project Phase 2 – Chapter 1 Development | 1 |
| PSY 9013 | DP3: Doctoral Project Phase 3 – Literature Review Development | 1 |
| PSY 9014 | DP4: Doctoral Project Phase 4 – Methodology Development | 1 |
| PSY 9015 | DP5: Doctoral Project Phase 5 – Academic and Institutional Review Board Approval | 1 |
| PSY 9016 | DP6: Doctoral Project Phase 6 – Evidence of Data Collection | 1 |
| PSY 9017 | DP7: Doctoral Project Phase 7 – Analysis and Results | 1 |
| PSY 9018 | DP8: Doctoral Project Phase 8 – Interpretation and Findings | 1 |
| PSY 9019 | DP9: Doctoral Project Phase 9 – Final Defense and Manuscript Submission | 1 |
Elective Courses (18 Credits Required)
Note for learners pursuing a Graduate Certificate through elective choices: it may be necessary to complete specific courses in order to fulfill certificate requirements. Please notify your academic advisor and the Registrar's office of your intent to earn a certificate and to ensure the appropriate elective courses are added to your degree plan.
| PSY 7736 | Addiction, Diagnosis and Intervention | 3 |
| PSY 6309 | Advanced Ethical and Professional Issues in Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| PSY 7534 | Dual Diagnosis | 3 |
| PSY 7307 | Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction | 3 |
| PSY 7007 | Advanced Case Management: Assessment, Treatment Planning, Relapse Prevention And Aftercare | 3 |
| PSY 7316 | Advanced Personal and Professional Wellness for the Substance Abuse Counselor | 3 |
| PSY 7737 | Psychology of Chronic Illness | 3 |
| PSY 7527 | Psychology of Stress & Stress Related Disorders | 3 |
| PSY 7533 | Psychology of Death and Dying | 3 |
| PSY 7707 | The Psychology of the Mind: Mind-Body Connection | 3 |
| PSY 7750 | Positive Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 7521 | Industrial/Organizational Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 6516 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 7522 | Consulting in Business, Education & Mental Health | 3 |
| PSY 7529 | Myers-Briggs Type Indicator | 3 |
| PSY 7761 | Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace | 3 |
| PSY 7541 | Psychology of Religion | 3 |
| PSY 6801 | Therapeutic Boundaries | 3 |
| PSY 6509 | Systems of Family Therapy | 3 |
| PSY 7507 | Advanced Human Sexuality | 3 |
| PSY 7517 | Psychology of Aging | 3 |
| PSY 7100 | Applied Sport Psychology I | 3 |
| PSY 7101 | Applied Sport Psychology II | 3 |
| PSY 7711 | Current Issues in Sport Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 7715 | Psychology of Coaching | 3 |
| PSY 7720 | Enhancing Performance: Preparation/Motivation | 3 |
Core Courses (39 Credits Required)
This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation. As such, CalSouthern has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any jurisdiction.
While California Southern University, as a member of the AIU System, is part of a Title IV eligible institution offering Title IV eligible programs, CalSouthern has elected and designated this program as not participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs. This means learners enrolling in this program may not use Federal Student Aid to help pay for this program. Instead, it offers a variety of zero interest payment options for learners.