A new College of Medicine is coming to D’Youville – Click here for more.

Pre-Clinical Psychology

  • Undergraduate (BA or BS) + Doctoral (PsyD)
  • 9 Year
Woman points to a paper with many colored squares. You are looking over the shoulder of another woman.

Turn your passion for understanding people into a meaningful career helping them thrive. The Pre-Clinical Psychology Pathway at D’Youville University is an undergraduate pre-health route designed to prepare students for advanced study in psychology and direct entry into the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program. Students build a strong foundation in behavioral science, mental health, and human development—gaining the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to support individuals across diverse populations and settings.

Job Titles to Explore

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Health Psychologist
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Child & Adolescent Psychologist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Counseling Psychologist
  • School Psychologist
  • Rehabilitation Psychologist
  • Community Mental Health Specialist
  • Research or Academic Psychologist

Employment Settings to Explore

  • Hospitals and Medical Centers
  • Community Mental Health Clinics
  • Private Practice
  • Schools and Universities
  • Rehabilitation and Wellness Centers
  • Correctional Facilities and Forensic Settings
  • Government and Military Health Services
  • Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations
  • Academic and Research Institutions

Why D'Youville

  • Hands-On Experience: Gain real-world insight through research, labs, and community-based learning focused on behavioral health and human development.
  • Interprofessional Collaboration: Learn alongside students in nursing, counseling, public health, and other healthcare programs—mirroring the teamwork found in clinical practice.
  • Holistic Focus: Embrace D’Youville’s whole-person approach to wellness, addressing the mind, body, and spirit in every aspect of care.
  • Mission-Driven Learning: Become part of a compassionate community committed to improving mental health outcomes and advancing social equity.
  • Career and Graduate Readiness: Build the academic foundation and practical skills needed to succeed in graduate study or entry-level behavioral health roles.
  • 11.9%
    Growth by 2030 in Western New York
  • Settings
    Private practice, medical, forensic, mental health
  • 54%
    Increase in positions to work with older adults
  • 24%
    Increase in positions to work with minority patients

Pathway Options 

You can choose to apply to enter the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) degree from any program, but we recommend enrolling into one of the following as the Pre-Clinical Psychology Pathways to best align yourself to the curricular requirements and ensure prerequisite courses are completed: 

  • Psychology (BA)
  • Communication Science & Disorders (BS)
  • Mental Health Counseling (MS) 

There are two tracks recommended to set yourself up for applying to the Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program. These options allow completion of the undergraduate and doctoral program in 9-11 years. 

  • Undergrad Pathway:  

There is currently no early assurance pathway available for direct entry into the Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program. We encourage students that are interested in pursuing Clinical Psychology to enrolled in the Psychology (BA) or Communication Science & Disorders (BS) program. 

  • Masters Pathway:  

Students may also apply for entrance into the Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program after completing the Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS). 

Pre-Clinical Psychology

Learn more about the pre-PA pathway degrees