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Doctor of Psychology Program Overview

Join an innovative new program that trains scholars and practitioners to use psychological science to provide clinical assessment, diagnosis and intervention services.

Department of Psychology

  • You will benefit from a cutting-edge academic curriculum and clinical training sequence designed to blend contemporary issues and innovation with foundational knowledge and evidence-based best practices in the field.
  • This unique program includes interdisciplinary training opportunities with PNW’s Counseling, Couple and Family Therapy, and Social Work as well as a variety of clinical practicum sites throughout Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago area.
  • PNW’s PsyD offers a manageable cost compared to similar programs in the Midwest, with opportunities to apply for funded teaching and research assistantships and/or tuition waivers.*

* Priority will be given to students committed to remaining and working in Northwest Indiana upon program completion

Doctor of Psychology Degree Program Curriculum

The state-of-the art curriculum combines contemporary mental health issues and technological advances with well-established theoretical foundations and clinical best practices.

Program Length

Five years full-time (4 years at PNW + 1 year of predoctoral clinical internship)

Course of Study Overview (120 credits)

  • Core Courses: 53 credits (44%)
  • Specialized Elective Courses: 18 credits (15%)
  • Clinical/Experiential Courses: 36 credits (30%)
  • Professional Development Courses: 13 credits (11%)

Doctor of Psychology Course of Study

Doctor of Psychology Highlights

You will study with experienced faculty instructors and mentors with diverse areas of clinical and research expertise, including trauma, forensic psychology, pediatric psychology, addiction, anxiety and multicultural competence.

Three students stand outside on the PNW Hammond Campus. A student poses during commencement. They are facing the stage and have a bedazzled PNW Lion logo on their cap.

Doctor of Psychology Outcomes

Graduates will be prepared to work in a wide variety of settings to positively impact their clients and communities. PNW’s location offers access to numerous clinical practicum sites throughout Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago area.

Doctor of Psychology Accreditation

PNW is initiating the program accreditation process with the American Psychological Association (APA). This involves applying for “accredited, on contingency” status.

Doctor of Psychology Opportunities for Support

You will have opportunities to apply for funded teaching and research assistantships and/or tuition waivers, with priority given to students committed to remaining and working in Northwest Indiana upon program completion.

Meet the Faculty

Gisele Casanova

Gisele Casanova, Ph.D.

Department Chair, Psychology | Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Gisele Casanova is an associate professor of psychology and the psychology internship coordinator on PNW’s Hammond campus. She instructs undergraduate courses on topics including professional and ethical issues in psychology, child abuse and neglect and psychological disorders.

Lamise Shawahin

Lamise Shawahin, PhD

Associate Professor | Director of Clinical Training for Psychology Grad Program

Professor Shawahin serves as Director of Clinical Training for the PsyD and MS Programs in Clinical Psychology. Her teaching, leadership and research is in the area of health and diversity in psychology.

Alicia January

Alicia M. January, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychology

In addition to my role as assistant professor of psychology, I also actively engage in scholarly activities, including conducting research with a focus on assessment and outcomes in pediatric rehab.

Kimberly Brunt

Kimberly L. Brunt, Ph.D., H.S.P.P.

Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology

Dr. Brunt is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology and Psychology Internship Coordinator in Westville. Dr. Brunt is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who sees patients at AOBHC in Munster, IN

Carly Baetz

Carly L. Baetz, JD, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

My current work focuses on treating justice-involved youth with histories of trauma exposure, conducting research on the implementation of trauma-informed practices in the juvenile justice system, and providing trauma-informed training and consultation to juvenile justice professionals.

Shelby Hunter

Shelby Hunter

Assistant Professor of Psychology

I am a core faculty in the psychology graduate programs, where I teach psychological assessment and psychopathology courses. Additionally, I serve as a clinical supervisor and research mentor/advisor.

Heather Perkins

Heather Perkins, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Psychology - Quantitative

My research examines how misinformation about psychology and inequality-driven mistrust shape social cognition. I also explore how science identity and belonging influence student success.

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Earn a Doctor of Psychology at PNW

Purdue University Northwest’s Doctor of Psychology program will prepare you to work in a wide variety of settings to positively impact your clients and communities.

Our graduate studies staff is ready to help you take the next step! Contact us at (219) 989-2257 or psychgradprograms@pnw.edu to see how PNW can meet your needs.