Clinical Psychology

DOCTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY

In the CBU PsyD program, we want to train students to lead across a range of settings in the field of health service psychology. Students focus on the practice of clinical psychology, using the science of clinical psychology to guide their professional work. They develop research skills through research teams and other avenues that result in original, empirical research projects. Through coursework, practicum training, a full-time internship, a clinical competency exam and an original dissertation project, students develop the requisite skills, attitudes, knowledge and behavior to serve a diverse public. The ultimate aim of the CBU PsyD program is to prepare doctoral students for entry-level practice in clinical psychology.

5

Years

$988 + fees

Cost Per Unit *

128

Units

Elective Tracks
Forensic Psychology Elective Track
Organizational Psychology Elective Track
Sport and Performance Psychology Elective Track

About the Program
Interesting Courses
Student Learning
Accreditation
How to Apply

Why earn your PsyD at CBU?

Be trained to work with a diverse public
We acknowledge the reality that biases and assumptions often remain hidden, and can undermine effective client care when working with those who have a different cultural background. Because of this, faculty within our program work with students to be sensitive to cultural differences, and emphasize “culture-centered” research and and the importance of working from within clients’ own framework.

Integrate the Christian faith
We believe that the Christian faith, including the rich heritage of Christian writers who have elucidated an astute psychospiritual understanding of the human condition (especially suffering), can play an important role in working with Christian consumers of mental health services. Students are able to explore ways to think about building and testing theory so as to meet the needs of Christian clients, drawing from a Christian worldview in order to offer culturally sensitive, evidence-based care to a large segment of the American population.

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Behavioral Neuroscience

PSY 736

This course focuses on the biological bases of human behavior, exploring the structure and functioning of the brain, neurochemistry, hormones, genetic influences, and biological contributing factors to psychopathology.

Psychology and Christianity I: Theology

PSY 761

As the first of four courses, students focus on understanding and applying Christian theology to the foundations of clinical psychology.

Intervention VI: Group Approaches to Treatment

PSY 776

This course focuses on theoretical and evidence-based models of group therapy.

Student Learning

Evidence of Student Learning

Developing General Knowledge in the Discipline of Psychology: Students will be academically prepared to work within health service psychology, developing the necessary knowledge base to competently, ethically, and effectively function as a clinical psychologist in a wide variety of settings with diverse populations. Students will understand and apply a knowledge of the history and systems of psychology, theories of psychotherapy, affective, biological, cognitive, developmental, sociological, and abnormal bases of behavior, integrative knowledge within multiple domains of psychology, research approaches, and psychometrics to health service psychology. In total, 13 areas of knowledge (made up of 13 Student Learning Objectives) will be emphasized within this Student Learning Outcome so as to build a solid scientific foundation that informs clinical practice.

Accreditation

The CBU PsyD program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), on contingency through the following date: September 28th, 2026.

Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

Take the next step toward living your purpose

As you make decisions about graduate school, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.

Application Deadline	Fall
Priority	January 15*

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Career Opportunities

Clinical Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Clinical Director
Neuropsychologist
Correctional Facility Psychologist
Military Psychologist
Professor
Consultant
Researcher

*Some career opportunities may require further education

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Joshua Knabb

PsyD Program Director, Professor of Psychology

I am a board certified clinical psychologist who specializes in individual and couples therapy. I have published both textbooks and journal articles, and, in recent years, I have been especially drawn toward the writings of the early desert Christians, which capture a well-developed psychospiritual understanding of the human condition. My wife is a marriage and family therapist, and I have two children and a dog.

See Profile >

Robert Pate

Associate Professor of Psychology, Director of Clinical Training

I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose clinical work focuses on helping distressed couples rebuild thriving marriages. I serve on the worship team at my home church, and have provided therapy to missionary couples and families in Honduras in recent years. My wife is a molecular biologist and adjunct professor. We have two children, attend a couples Bible study, and enjoy German-style board games.

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Veola Vazquez

Professor of Psychology

I first came to CBU as a professor in 2011, but I graduated as a student from the university in 1993. The university has always had a small-school feel despite its growth over the years. As a licensed psychologist, my interests lie in the study of human thriving, cultural diversity, prevention of emotional disorders and child maltreatment. I spend my free time writing and publishing as an indie author.

See Profile >

Joshua Knabb

PsyD Program Director, Professor of Psychology

I am a board certified clinical psychologist who specializes in individual and couples therapy. I have published both textbooks and journal articles, and, in recent years, I have been especially drawn toward the writings of the early desert Christians, which capture a well-developed psychospiritual understanding of the human condition. My wife is a marriage and family therapist, and I have two children and a dog.

See Profile >
Robert Pate

Associate Professor of Psychology, Director of Clinical Training

I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose clinical work focuses on helping distressed couples rebuild thriving marriages. I serve on the worship team at my home church, and have provided therapy to missionary couples and families in Honduras in recent years. My wife is a molecular biologist and adjunct professor. We have two children, attend a couples Bible study, and enjoy German-style board games.

See Profile >
Veola Vazquez

Professor of Psychology

I first came to CBU as a professor in 2011, but I graduated as a student from the university in 1993. The university has always had a small-school feel despite its growth over the years. As a licensed psychologist, my interests lie in the study of human thriving, cultural diversity, prevention of emotional disorders and child maltreatment. I spend my free time writing and publishing as an indie author.

See Profile >