Last updated: May 28, 2026

Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in New Jersey, Ranked (2026)

Top APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in New Jersey for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 2-year supervised professional experience requirement, EPPP plus the New Jersey Jurisprudence Examination, and New Jersey's PSYPACT membership since November 2021.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • New Jersey has roughly 10 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs. The crown jewel is Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) which runs both Clinical PsyD and School PsyD programs (both began instruction 1974). GSAPP was the first PsyD program housed inside a major research university (instruction began 1974, alongside the founding cohort PsyD model that the University of Illinois pioneered in 1968). Other R1 programs: Rutgers University Department of Psychology Clinical PhD (separate from GSAPP, APA + PCSAS-accredited, clinical scientist model with GRE not required). Montclair State (Clinical PhD, fully accredited effective October 2023, STEM-designated). Kean (Combined School and Clinical PsyD, since 2016, NASP-accredited). William Paterson (Clinical PsyD, fully APA-accredited 10 years effective December 2021 through 2031). Seton Hall (Counseling Psychology PhD, since 1999; the only Counseling Psych PhD in NJ; verify current admission status). FDU (Clinical PhD, CUDCP member, optional Forensic Track). Saint Elizabeth University (Counseling PsyD, fully APA-accredited 10 years through 2033). Felician (Counseling PsyD, since 2021).
  • New Jersey licenses psychologists through the NJ Board of Psychological Examiners. Required supervised experience is 2 years: 1-year APA-accredited internship plus 1,750 hours additional Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) (accumulated through qualifying doctoral practica and/or post-doctoral supervised experience), including 1,000 client contact hours and 200 supervision hours.
  • Exam sequence is the EPPP at ASPPB recommended pass point plus the NJ Jurisprudence Examination ($100 fee). After passing the EPPP, candidates have 90 days to take jurisprudence.
  • Initial license fee is $300 (prorated to $150 in the second year of the renewal period). Biennial renewal is $300. Continuing education is 40 CE credits per biennial renewal, including 4 credits in domestic violence and 1 credit in prescription opioid drugs (risks/signs of opioid abuse, addiction, diversion).
  • New Jersey is a PSYPACT state. NJ enacted PSYPACT through A 4205 / S 2506 enacted September 24, 2021 and effective November 23, 2021. NJ LPs holding the E.Passport plus APIT can practice telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT member states. The NYC metro proximity makes dual NJ-NY licensure a common career pattern.
  • New Jersey pays among the top 5 psychologist wages in the country. BLS May 2024 NJ OEWS shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at a state median of $119,670 (mean $131,890), approximately 25% above the national median of $96,100. NJ ranks 4th nationally. The Newark-Jersey City metro median is $124,560.
  • The NJ Behavioral Healthcare Provider Loan Redemption Program (BHLRP) explicitly includes licensed psychologists. Up to $50,000 per 2 years of full-time service, maximum $150,000 over 6 years, with an additional $5,000 per year for those primarily serving children/adolescents (maximum $180,000 total). One of the most generous state behavioral health loan repayment programs in the country.
  • Princeton University does NOT offer an APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD. Princeton's PhD in Psychology is research-only (behavioral economics, cognitive neuroscience, social neuroscience, perception/cognition, language). It is not health service psychology training. Exclude Princeton from any APA-accredited program list.
Accredited Programs
10
Ranked in this guide
New Jersey, Ranked Median
$119,670 (mean $131,890)
vs national $96,100 (+25% (NJ ranks 4th nationally))
Independent License
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist
Supervised Hours
3,250
over 1-year APA-accredited internship + 1,750 hours SPE (1,000 client contact + 200 supervision + 550 work-related) min.

APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in New Jersey

All 10 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.

# School In-State Tuition Format
1 Rutgers University - Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) - Clinical PsyD Total program cost reported $280,000 to $320,000 over 6 to 7 years (incl. living); verify against official GSAPP tuition page On-campus
2 Rutgers University - GSAPP School PsyD Per credit rates as part of GSAPP tuition structure On-campus
3 Rutgers University Department of Psychology (Clinical PhD) Fully funded with tuition + stipend + insurance On-campus
4 Seton Hall University Private; verify current rate On-campus
5 Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Private; verify current rate On-campus
6 Kean University NJ public university rates On-campus
7 William Paterson University ~$891.75 per credit (2025-2026 NJ resident graduate rate) On-campus
8 Saint Elizabeth University Private; verify current rate On-campus
9 Felician University Private; verify current rate On-campus
10 Montclair State University NJ public university rates On-campus
1

Rutgers University - Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) - Clinical PsyD

Piscataway, NJ On-campus APA-accredited PsyD in Clinical Psychology

In-State

Total program cost reported $280,000 to $320,000 over 6 to 7 years (incl. living); verify against official GSAPP tuition page

Out-of-State

Same private rate

Length

5 to 7 years

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus externship at GSAPP centers

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PsyD with research strengths in autism spectrum disorders, substance abuse treatment, applied behavioral interventions
  • Instruction began 1974; the FIRST PsyD program housed inside a major research university (the inaugural PsyD model itself was launched at University of Illinois in 1968)
  • Receives 1,200+ applications per cycle; interviews ~50 for cohort of ~20-21; acceptance rate ~1.5 to 1.8%
  • GRE Psychology Subject Test required (verify; one of few NJ programs requiring GRE)
  • Affiliated centers: Center for Psychological Services (CPS), Center for Youth Social Emotional Wellness (CYSEW), Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies (CAS), Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center (DDDC), Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS)
  • Application deadline December 1 for Fall 2026 entry
GRE: Required | Min GPA: 3.6
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2

Rutgers University - GSAPP School PsyD

Piscataway, NJ On-campus APA-accredited PsyD in School Psychology

In-State

Per credit rates as part of GSAPP tuition structure

Out-of-State

Same private rate

Length

5 to 6 years

Field Hours

300 practicum hours + 1,200 externship hours (600 of which must be in a school setting with school-age children) + APA-accredited internship

Concentrations

School Psychology PsyD (60 graduate semester credit hours minimum on assessment, school consultation, human development)
  • APA-accredited School PsyD (instruction began 1974, founded alongside Clinical PsyD)
  • NASP-approved School Psychology program
  • 60+ graduate semester credit hours required on assessment, school consultation, human development
  • 300 practicum hours + 1,200 externship hours (600 minimum in school setting) + APA-accredited internship
  • Praxis exam required with passing score of 147 for NCSP credential
GRE: Required | Min GPA: 3.5
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3

Rutgers University Department of Psychology (Clinical PhD)

Piscataway, NJ On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

Fully funded with tuition + stipend + insurance

Out-of-State

Same with funding

Length

5 to 6 years + 1-year APA-accredited internship

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (clinical-scientist model
  • APA-accredited AND PCSAS-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD (dual accreditation, separate from GSAPP)
  • Clinical scientist training model focused on research and teaching career paths
  • GRE General and Subject Test scores NOT utilized in admissions decisions
  • Fully funded program (distinct from the GSAPP PsyD pathway, which is a paid-tuition model)
  • Busch Campus Piscataway location with deep Rutgers Department of Psychology research portfolio
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.6
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4

Seton Hall University

South Orange, NJ On-campus APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD

In-State

Private; verify current rate

Out-of-State

Same private rate

Length

48 months (94 credits, full-time)

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PhD
  • APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD since October 22, 1999
  • The only APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD in New Jersey
  • CAVEAT: Per Seton Hall catalogue, "the College has made the difficult decision to suspend admission to the program." Verify current admission status before applying.
  • GRE optional with optional official score reports
  • Application deadline December 1; ~20 to 25 applicants invited to interview
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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5

Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)

Teaneck, NJ On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

Private; verify current rate

Out-of-State

Same private rate

Length

4 years + 1-year APA-accredited internship (2-year residency requirement)

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (scientist-practitioner model)Optional Forensic Track (forensic site clinical practicum + PSYC7230 Forensic Assessment and Prediction + PSYC7235 Evaluating Criminal Responsibility and Competency + forensic dissertation)
  • APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD; CUDCP member (Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology)
  • Scientist-practitioner model
  • Optional Forensic Track distinguishes FDU nationally
  • 4-year + internship structure with 2-year residency requirement
  • Application deadline December 5, 2025 for Fall 2026 entry; phone (201) 692-2315
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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6

Kean University

Union, NJ On-campus APA-accredited Combined School and Clinical Psychology PsyD

In-State

NJ public university rates

Out-of-State

Out-of-state rates

Length

5 years

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Combined School and Clinical Psychology PsyD (equal focus on research and clinical training)
  • APA-accredited Combined School and Clinical Psychology PsyD since 2016 with maximum 7-year accreditation
  • Also NASP-accredited (qualifies graduates for both clinical psychology licensure AND school psychology certification)
  • The only Combined School and Clinical doctoral program in New Jersey
  • 5-year structure with equal focus on research and clinical training
  • NJ public university tuition structure (more affordable than private PsyDs)
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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7

William Paterson University

Wayne, NJ On-campus APA-accredited PsyD in Clinical Psychology

In-State

~$891.75 per credit (2025-2026 NJ resident graduate rate)

Out-of-State

Out-of-state rates

Length

5 years (practitioner-scholar model)

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PsyD (practitioner-scholar)
  • APA-accredited 10 years effective December 2, 2021 through 2031 (the maximum APA term)
  • First cohort admitted Fall 2015
  • GRE not required for admission; "Please do not submit your GRE scores"
  • Full-time 5-year practitioner-scholar training model
  • Application deadline December 1; NJ public university tuition keeps cost below private PsyDs
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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8

Saint Elizabeth University

Morristown, NJ On-campus APA-accredited PsyD in Counseling Psychology

In-State

Private; verify current rate

Out-of-State

Same private rate

Length

5 years (cohort model)

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PsyD with emphasis on clinical training, service to the underserved, and evidence-based practice
  • APA-accredited PsyD with 10-year accreditation effective May 6, 2024 through 2033 (the maximum APA term)
  • Program founded 2013
  • Cohort model emphasizing clinical training, service to the underserved, and evidence-based practice
  • Convent Station location in Morris Township
  • Director: Dr. Michelle M. Barrett (mbarrett01@cse.edu)
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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9

Felician University

Lodi, NJ On-campus APA-accredited PsyD in Counseling Psychology

In-State

Private; verify current rate

Out-of-State

Same private rate

Length

4 to 5 years (73 credits with master's; 88 credits with bachelor's)

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PsyD (prepares entry-level health service psychologists and license-eligible psychologists in NJ)
  • APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PsyD since April 11, 2021
  • Two entry pathways: 73 credits for applicants entering with a master's OR 88 credits for those entering with a bachelor's
  • 4 to 5 year length depending on entry pathway
  • Lodi campus location (Felician also has a Rutherford campus)
  • Prepares graduates as entry-level health service psychologists and license-eligible psychologists in NJ
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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10

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

NJ public university rates

Out-of-State

Out-of-state rates

Length

5 to 6 years (86 credits)

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD with areas of emphasis in clinical child psychology or forensic psychology (scientist-practitioner model)
  • Fully APA-accredited effective October 20, 2023 (CoA approval April 2024)
  • STEM-designated Clinical Psychology PhD
  • Two areas of emphasis: clinical child psychology and forensic psychology
  • 86-credit scientist-practitioner training model
  • Department also offers PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (not APA-accredited, since APA only accredits health service psychology)
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in New Jersey

The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.

Licensing Board

New Jersey State Board of Psychological Examiners, Division of Consumer Affairs

(973) 504-6470

Doctoral Student/Intern

Supervised pre-doctoral APA-accredited internship

Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential

Hours

N/A

Duration

Associate

Exam: Not applicable

Temporary Permit

Temporary Permit for Post-Doctoral SPE

Authorizes supervised post-doctoral practice while accumulating remaining SPE hours and preparing for examinations. Valid for 3 years.

Hours

N/A

Duration

Associate

Exam: Not required to hold the Temporary Permit

Licensed Psychologist

Licensed Psychologist

Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for NJ LPs holding APIT

Hours

3,250

Duration

1-year APA-accredited internship + 1,750 hours SPE (1,000 client contact + 200 supervision + 550 work-related)

Exam: EPPP (ASPPB recommended pass point) + NJ Jurisprudence Examination ($100)

Clinical Psychologist Salary in New Jersey

BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)

$119,670 (mean $131,890) +25% (NJ ranks 4th nationally)
State
U.S.

National median: $96,100

Top metro: $124,560 median (90th percentile $187,510 statewide) (Newark-Jersey City)

School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)

~$94,000 to $107,000 (verify with BLS) Above national
State
U.S.

National median: $86,930

Top metro: Newark range $58,382 to $100,426 per district posting (Newark Public Schools and large urban districts)

Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)

I-O and consulting strong in NJ given Big Pharma cluster Above national
State
U.S.

National median: National mean ~$120,000

Top metro: Top consulting and I-O roles top $175,000+ (Newark-Jersey City and Morristown)

New Jersey Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers

Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.

Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs

How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in New Jersey

Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions