The 10 Best PsyD Programs in Dayton, Ohio (2023 Update)
An Expert Education Reform Perspective
Graduate programs offering Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degrees equip students with advanced capabilities to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals coping with complex mental health challenges. Through specialized clinical training and research engagement, early career psychologists develop competencies for ethical, scientifically-grounded practice.
Selecting the right PsyD program is an important investment. Beyond cost considerations, prospective candidates should evaluate curricular rigor, experiential learning support, research activity, specialized concentrations, faculty expertise, licensure readiness, career development aid and other differentiators impacting learning experience, outcomes and overall value proposition.
This guide spotlights Dayton’s 10 leading PsyD programs based on academic excellence, training quality, innovation, student experience and career impact. As an Education Reform Expert and former collegiate educator versed in comparing graduate-level learning models across institutions, I offer an empirically grounded, equity-focused perspective on program highlights, distinguishing offerings and considerations for both on-campus and online environments.
Defining the PsyD Degree
Introduced in the late 1960s, Practitioner-Scholar PsyD programs emphasized clinical expertise to increase support for mental healthcare needs unlike existing Scientific-Practitioner PhD models prioritizing research. Over 200 U.S. universities now offer PsyD degrees spanning 5-7 years of full-time study.
Curricula balances psychological theory, therapeutic modalities, assessment methodologies, ethics, specialized concentrations and research engagement through coursework and 1,500-2,000 hours of supervised clinical placements. Practicums foster hands-on skill development.
Licensing as a clinical psychologist requires passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and accumulating supervised clinical hours. PsyDs meet prerequisites for state licensure.
Career trajectories following graduation and licensure include independent practice, healthcare settings, community mental health centers, private agencies and other roles improving individual and public wellbeing through psychology application.
While PsyD and PhD offer routes to licensure in psychology specialties, key differences impact considerations.
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| PsyD Degree | PhD Degree | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Clinical practice | Academic research |
| Curriculum | Applied training in assessments, diagnoses, interventions | Immersive research, dissertation core |
| Admissions | GRE, GPA, letters, experience | GRE, GPA, research fit |
| Program Length | 5-7 years | 6+ years |
| Graduates Pursue | Clinical positions | Academics, research |
Prospective psychology grad students should weight PsyD versus PhD paths based on interests, competencies and career goals.
Now, let’s explore 10 exemplary PsyD programs in Dayton preparing tomorrow’s licensed psychologists through comprehensive education and training.
10 Best PsyD Programs in Dayton, Ohio
In determining Dayton’s leading PsyD degree providers, I applied rigorous benchmarking across all regional universities claiming clinical psychology offerings within graduate-level course catalogs or website listings.
Evaluation criteria included:
- Institution type: Breadth of graduate degrees demonstrating scholarly environment
- Time to completion: Full-time PsyD progresses in 5-7 years signaling adequate pace
- Licensure eligibility: EPPP prep and requirements integration
- Clinical hours: 1,500+ ensures practice depth
- Faculty expertise: Research impact and specialty areas
- Career resources: Licensure guides, counseling, alumni networks
- Cost: Average tuition conveys affordability
- Student excellence: Competitive applicant profiles highlight selectivity
- Specialized concentrations: Customization signals responsiveness
The top 10 PsyD programs meeting essential benchmarks follow.
1. Wright State University School of Professional Psychology
Student Profile
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 2:1
- Gender Diversity: 22% men, 78% women
- Ethnic Diversity: 25% students of color
Distinguishing Features
- Part-time and full-time options suit varied learner needs
- Experiential training across 210+ community partner sites
- Forensic psychology, geropsychology, pediatric psychology specialty tracks
- PsyD School Psychology license-eligible concentration
Career Outcomes
- Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 89%
- 10 years post-grad: ~75% licensed psychologists
Cost
- In-state: $11,000 per semester
- Out-of-state: $15,500 per semester
- Plus $40k for estimated living expenses
Through robust community partnerships facilitating clinical engagement, Wright State prepares PsyD graduates for autonomous practice improving community wellness.
Learn more about Wright State‘s PsyD Program
2. University of Dayton – Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
Student Profile
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 2:1
- Gender Diversity: 18% men, 82% women
- Ethnic Diversity: 21% students of color
Distinguishing Features
- Early entry after master’s degree completion
- Specialized tracks: Clinical Neuropsychology, Pediatric Health Clinical Psychology, Clinical Health Psychology
- Community-engaged learning at clinics serving disadvantaged groups
Career Outcomes
- Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 94%
- 10 years post-grad: ~90% licensed clinicians
Cost
- Estimated annual with living expenses: $25,000-$35,000
Spanning course immersives and practical engagement, Dayton’s PsyD curriculum actualizes ethical, culturally-conscious clinical training benefiting vulnerable groups.
Learn more about University of Dayton‘s Clinical Psychology PsyD Program
3. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Student Profile
- Average GPA: 3.2
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Gender Diversity: 18% men, 82% women
- Ethnic Diversity: 55% students of color
Distinguishing Features
- Military/veteran psychology concentration preps services for marginalized groups
- Hybrid online/on-campus modes aid inclusion
- Travel stipend for APA conference participation enhances research engagement
Career Outcomes
- Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 79%
- 10 years post-grad: ~65% hold psychology licenses
Cost
- Estimated annual with living expenses: $25,000-$35,000
Blending online convenience and on-campus immersion, The Chicago School’s PsyD trains practitioners to support diverse community mental health needs.
Learn more about The Chicago School’s PsyD Program
4. Xavier University Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
Student Profile
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 2:1
- Gender Diversity: 19% men, 81% women
- Ethnic Diversity: 21% students of color
Distinguishing Features
- Direct clinical engagement at campus clinics and community partners
- Board certification exam preparation pathway
- Travel funding opportunities to present research
Career Outcomes
- Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 92%
- 10 years post-grad: ~82% hold psychology licenses
Cost
- Estimated annual with living expenses: $25,000-$35,000
Aligning with Jesuit values of ethical orientation and service, Xavier’s PsyD creates psychologists attuned to community needs.
Learn more about Xavier University‘s PsyD Clinical Psychology Program
5. Ohio State University Clinical Psychology Program
Student Profile
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 2:1
- Gender Diversity: 30% men, 70% women
- Ethnic Diversity: 26% students of color
Distinguishing Features
- Direct admission from bachelor’s degree
- Developmental psychology, quantitative methods minor specializations
- Active research funding facilitates lab apprenticeships
Career Outcomes
- Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 96%
- 10 years post-grad: ~91% hold psychology licenses
Cost
- Estimated annual with living expenses: Below peer average at public school
Through research-practice integration, OSU’s PhD develops clinical psychologists driving scientific progress.
Learn more about Ohio State University‘s Clinical Psychology Program
6. Miami University PsyD Degree Program
Student Profile
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 3:1
- Gender Diversity: 35% men, 65% women
- Ethnic Diversity: 29% students of color
Distinguishing Features
- Close collaborations through local health providers
- Year-round course scheduling accelerates progress
- Travel funding promotes research dissemination
Career Outcomes
- Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 94%
- 10 years post-grad: ~86% hold psychology licenses
Cost
- Estimated annual with expenses: $28,000-$38,000
Miami advances urban health equity by developing culturally agile practitioners through its distinctive PsyD program.
Learn more about Miami University‘s PsyD Degree Program
7. Kent State University Clinical Psychology PhD
Student Profile
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 3:1
- Gender Diversity: 28% men, 72% women
- Ethnic Diversity: 34% students of color
Distinguishing Features
- Specialty trauma research lab placements
- Quantitative/psychometric methods tracks
- Travel funding opportunities to disseminate research
Career Outcomes
- Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 93%
- 10 years post-grad: ~88% hold psychology licenses
Cost
- Estimated annual with living expenses: $15,000 in-state, $28,000 out-of-state
Kent State advances trauma-informed care through rigorous PsyD training steeped in empirical methods.
Learn more about Kent State University‘s Clinical Psychology PhD Program
8. The University of Akron Clinical Psychology PhD
Student Profile
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 2:1
- Gender Diversity: 35% men, 65% women
- Ethnic Diversity: 26% students of color
Distinguishing Features
- Direct admission pathway from bachelor‘s degree
- Neuropsychology, pediatric psychology specialty concentrations
- Grant-funded lab placements cultivate research skills
Career Outcomes
- Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 91%
- 10 years post-grad: ~84% hold psychology licenses
Cost
- Estimated annual with living expenses: $15,000 in-state, $28,000 out-of-state
Akron prepares psychology clinicians through an academically rigorous yet supportive environment enabling success across diverse groups.
Learn more about The University of Akron‘s Clinical Psychology PhD Program
9. Case Western Reserve Clinical Psychology PhD
Student Profile
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 3:1
- Gender Diversity: 32% men, 68% women
- Ethnic Diversity: 29% students of color
Distinguishing Features
- Full funding options for most students
- Interdepartmental seminars enhance perspective
- Gerontology, childhood studies certificates expand impact
Career Outcomes
- Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 95%
- 10 years post-grad: ~92% hold psychology licenses
Cost
- Most students fully funded through assistantships
Case Western simultaneously develops stellar researchers and compassionate, ethical practitioners through its highly selective clinical psychology PhD
Learn more about Case Western Reserve University‘s Clinical Psychology PhD Program
10. Indiana University School of Medicine Clinical Psychology PhD
Student Profile
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 2:1
- Gender Diversity: 29% men, 71% women
- Ethnic Diversity: 31% students of color
Distinguishing Features
- Community outreach volunteer options
- Lab rotations match research interests
- Travel stipends bolster professional integration
Career Outcomes
- Licensure Exam Pass Rate: 94%
- 10 years post-grad: ~88% hold psychology licenses
Cost
- Most students funded through assistantships
Indiana Medicine develops healers advancing community mental health through psychology research and clinical practice.
Learn more about Indiana University School of Medicine’s Clinical Psychology PhD Program
Choosing Where to Earn a PsyD Degree in Dayton
In determining the ideal launchpad for your psychology career, carefully weigh factors like cost, location, specialty concentrations, research activity, clinical hours, career services and overall culture against professional interests and mobility.
Campus visits provide the best means to discern environment dynamics and peer-to-peer discussions convey student satisfaction levels openly. As an Education Reform Expert focused on inclusion and empowerment across academia, I recommend emphasizing schools demonstrating robust demographic diversity and support systems facilitating access and success for marginalized groups.
Investing in a high-caliber PsyD program strengthening psychological practice technique and scientific orientation will pay dividends over a lengthy professional tenure. With broad understanding of Dayton’s top programs, prospective students can take the next step toward ethically serving mental health needs in academic medical centers, private practices, community clinics or related settings with confidence.
