Admissions

The mission of the Psy.D. program, to develop professional psychologists who can deliver competent psychological services, is consistent with the University's mission. This mission is promoted by a caring community which integrates academic excellence and professional education and training for public service.

Baylor is committed to a policy of inclusiveness, understanding, and acceptance of all, regardless of race and ethnicity (Student Handbook). Students are accepted into the Psy.D. program without regard to their religious orientation.

Prospective Students Must Submit the Following Materials
By DECEMBER 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST for consideration to join the program in the SUMMER of 2027:

• An Application for Admission - Graduate School Online Application
• Unofficial transcripts from each institution which has granted (or will be granting) you a bachelor's degree or higher. Transcripts should indicate the degree granted or degree in progress.
• Three letters of reference. At least one letter should be from a professor of psychology who is acquainted with the requirements, demands, and expectations common to clinical psychology programs today. If you have had clinically related experience, a letter from your supervisor (e.g. psychologist) should be included.
• THE GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION (GRE) REQUIREMENT WILL BE WAIVED FOR 2027 APPLICATIONS, which are DUE DECEMBER 1, 2026.
• Beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year, incoming Psy.D. students will be expected to pay 5% of the tuition costs per year.

Where and When to Send Application Material

It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure that all application materials are received by the Graduate School's Admissions Office by December 1st at 11:59 PM EST. All application materials and application fees must be submitted online to the Baylor Graduate School, which is separate from the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The most frequent cause of incomplete applications is the lack of sufficient reference letters.

Selection of Candidates

In reviewing applications, we look for a combination of academic ability and experience, clinical and/or research-related experience, and the personality and social skills conducive to a successful career in professional psychology. All application information submitted is considered. Minimum requirements include 12 hours of psychology coursework, an overall GPA of 2.7, and a major GPA of 3.0. Prior graduate work is not required for this program. The submitted materials from each applicant are reviewed, and approximately 30 candidates are invited for interviews in mid-February. Approximately 6 students, whose abilities and goals are judged to be most compatible with the goals of Baylor's Psy.D. Program, are selected for admission. Psy.D. students begin the program during Summer II, which typically starts at the beginning of July.

The Baylor University Psy.D. Program is a member of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology (CUDCP).  Please click on the link below to learn more about pre-doctoral competencies that are valued when applying to CUDCP Programs like the Baylor University Psy.D. Program.
CUDCP-Preferred Predoctoral Competencies for Clinical Psychology Overview

Status by State for the Baylor Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program

Prospective applicants can view the Status by State for the Baylor Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program.

Please note whether our program meets or does not meet licensure requirements for the state you plan to practice in. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the program at Christine_Limbers@baylor.edu.

Preemployment screening is often mandatory at agencies that employ psychologists and psychology trainees (e.g., background checks, drug testing, and/or vaccine requirements before a student can begin certain practicum). Students may be asked to complete pre-employment screening as part of their training in the program (e.g., practicum placement, internship placement) or as part of licensure application requirements.

Baylor University Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Psy.D. Virtual Open House

Fall 2026 Date and Time - TBD

Prospective applicants can log into a Zoom meeting to learn more about Baylor’s Psy.D. Program during an hour-long virtual Open House.