The Psy.D. Application is online at https://admissions.chc.edu/portal/psyd_info.
OR
- All application materials are listed on the online application (https://admissions.chc.edu/apply). These include transcripts, three recommendations, a 5-page essay, CV or resume, and graduate syllabi if advanced standing is sought. Graduates of CHC are not required to submit a CHC transcript.
- A printable version of the PsyD Recommendation Form may be emailed to PsyDapps@chc.edu if your references prefer to submit via email: Psy.D. Recommendation Form. Letters of recommendation should be from core faculty members and/or clinical supervisors who are familiar with the applicant's skills and potential. At least one letter from a doctoral level instructor and/or core faculty member must pertain to the applicant's academic performance and potential. At least one letter should pertain to the applicant's clinical performance and/or potential. For applicants seeking advanced standing, one of the letters of recommendation must be an evaluation from a practicum supervisor or a supervisor at a work placement in a mental health setting.
- Official transcripts can be delivered to PsyDapps@chc.edu, or hard copies delivered to Doctor of Psychology Program, Chestnut Hill College, 9601 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118.
- Applications for Year I admission (applicants with a bachelor’s level-degree) are considered on a rolling basis beginning mid-fall and continuing until the cohort is complete (usually mid-March). Applications for admission with Advanced Standing (applicants with a master’s level-degree in clinical/counseling psychology or a closely related field who completed foundational coursework) are due by January 15 in order to allow for syllabi review. The Early Consideration deadline for both Year I and Year II application is December 1.
Personal Essay
In an essay of approximately 1200 words (5 double-spaced pages), please address each of the following topics:
- What unique qualifications do you believe make you suited to a career in professional psychology?
- How does the Psy.D. Program at Chestnut Hill College fit with your professional goals? Please be as specific as possible. Discuss the match between your interests and those of the doctoral faculty (see faculty biographies)
- One of the objectives of the Psy.D. Program is to foster “an understanding and appreciation of cultural factors relevant to the delivery of psychological services to a diverse client population.” Please discuss your background and interest in the topics of diversity and serving diverse populations, specifically addressing how you can contribute to the Psy.D. Program’s commitment to training students who will be competent to provide services to an increasingly diverse population of potential clients. (The Program adopts APA’s definition of “diversity,” which includes but is not limited to the following characteristics: age, disabilities, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, national origin, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.)
Essays will be evaluated both for content and for writing style.
Personal Interview
A personal interview with members of the faculty is required. Invitation to the personal interview is extended to selected applicants after review of the submitted materials. At the interview applicants will be required to disclose any past criminal history. In some cases an applicant may be required to undergo a criminal background check.
Transfer Credits
A catalog course description and syllabus are required for any course for which the applicant wishes to request transfer credits. These materials must be submitted with the application if the applicant wishes to be considered for admission directly to Year II. Syllabi and course descriptions are not necessary for graduate courses completed at Chestnut Hill College. See the policy on Transfer Credits (below) for more information.
Applicants currently enrolled in other doctoral programs:
The program will consider applications from those who currently attend or previously attended another doctoral program. In such cases, the applicant must submit a letter from the Chair of the program indicating that the student either is in good standing or left the program in good standing. A full application packet is required.