Missouri State University launched its Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program in 2023 to prepare more clinical psychologists for Missouri and beyond.
The need was clear: train more practitioners to respond to growing mental health demands.
“Our goal is to prepare practitioners who are ready to go out and serve their community,” said Dr. Hannah Jayne Harris, PsyD program director and instructor in the School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences.
Now in its third year, the program, a partnership between Missouri State and Burrell Behavioral Health, is gaining momentum and moving toward national accreditation.
Program structure and milestones
The PsyD program trains students to become licensed clinical psychologists. Unlike a PhD in Psychology, it emphasizes clinical practice over research.
Students spend four years on campus completing coursework, practicum training and dissertation work, followed by a one-year internship anywhere in the country.
Faculty begin guiding students in dissertation planning early in their second year through workshops and writing retreats.
“The structure helps students feel supported instead of overwhelmed by the research process,” Harris said.
The program started with a cohort of eight students in 2023, growing to 10 the following year and 12 in the third. There are 30 students now.
The faculty revised the curriculum in 2024, creating 109-credit hours with core courses, electives, research work and extensive clinical training.
That same year, the program earned “intent to apply” status with the American Psychological Association (APA), an early step toward accreditation. The next big goal is full APA accreditation, which will allow Missouri State to attract a more diverse pool of applicants, including international students.
Practical training from the onset
Hands-on training is central to the PsyD program. All first-year students are guaranteed practicum placement at Burrell, where they work under supervision in a wide variety of cases.
“This experience is a huge benefit,” Harris said.
From the second year onward, placements expand further into the community. Current sites include the Arc of the Ozarks, the Bureau of Prisons Federal Medical Center and Greene County Jail. On campus, students also serve at the Learning Diagnostic Clinic, where they provide affordable testing for children and Missouri State students who need accommodation.
Together, these placements expose students to diverse populations, build both clinical and community skills and meet vital needs for families who cannot otherwise access services.
A growing impact
Although the program is relatively new, many of its students describe it as challenging and rewarding.
Second-year student Hannah Ruthenburg joined the program to gain the skills needed to diagnose and treat patients directly.
“I aim to become a licensed clinical psychologist and conduct evaluations and therapy,” she said. “I’m especially interested in working with law enforcement and in prisons, where there’s a need for more mental health professionals.”
Her experience reflects what the program hopes to achieve for every student: prepare them to meet critical mental health needs in diverse settings.
“We want to train students who embrace Missouri State’s public affairs mission,” Harris said. “This commitment guides both the faculty and students as the program continues to grow.”